How to Choose Wines for Your Al Fresco Party?

Al fresco dining, literally means “in the open air” is more than just a trend. It’s a celebration of the season, of food and drink enjoyed under the sky, and of moments shared with family and friends. Whether it’s a sunny brunch in the garden, a casual picnic in the park, a barbecue on the patio, or a candlelit dinner on the terrace, every outdoor gathering is an opportunity to slow down and savour the best of life.

One of the most essential yet often overlooked elements of any successful al fresco experience is choosing the right wine. It’s not just about pairing the wine with the food, but also enhancing the overall mood, the weather, and the natural setting. With a bit of forethought, your wine selection can bring an added sparkle to your gathering.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose wines for different types of al fresco settings, plus share tips on glassware and serveware essentials to help you throw the perfect outdoor gathering.

Choosing Wines That Work for Everyone

Let’s face it—no one expects you to be a sommelier. Choosing a single wine that pleases every palate is a tall order. Instead, focus on offering a small but thoughtful variety of wine styles.

Whites

Crisp and refreshing wines like Pinot Grigio, Albariño, or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent for warm-weather outdoor settings. They work well with seafood, salads, and lighter fare.

Rosés

A dry rosé is your al fresco MVP. With bright acidity and fruity charm, it pairs beautifully with everything from grilled veggies to charcuterie.

Reds

Choose lighter reds like Pinot Noir, Gamay or a juicy Zweigelt  They’re lower in tannins and refreshing enough for outdoor sipping.

Sparkling wines

Whether it’s Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne, bubbles are always welcome and make any outdoor occasion feel like a celebration.

Great Wines for a Lunchtime Get-Together

When it comes to lunchtime wines, the first thing to consider is that it’s lunchtime! Select lower alcohol, lighter-bodied, and refreshing options that will still leave you and your guests at least semi-useful for the rest of the day!

If you want to set a celebratory tone, why not start with a sparkling wine? Prosecco is made using a specific method (called the tank method) that captures the fresh, fruity profile of the grapes that make it. It’s a great option for lunch times or as an afternoon aperitivo.

For white wine lovers

One of the reasons behind the success of grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Picpoul de Pinet or Pinot Grigio is that their wines have vibrant acidity and fresh, citrusy notes. They’re light, refreshing, and pair beautifully with salads, seafood, and light appetizers, perfect lunch wines.

Rosé, the essential

Never far from a lunch table is a good bottle of dry rosé. Again, its bright fruit flavours and refreshing finish make it a versatile, food-friendly wine that suits a variety of dishes from meat to vegetables, light to heavy. On top of that is the evocative feeling of a glass of rosé. It screams summertime and sitting on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. That experience element is so important to set the tone of the day.

For red wine lovers

Opt for a lighter-bodied option like Pinot Noir or chilled Dolcetto. These wines have lower tannin levels and a fresh, fruity profile that won’t overpower the meal. They can also be served slightly chilled in warmer weather, to enhance their refreshing qualities.

Find out how to pick a suitable and chillable red wine from our blog post: Why is Chilled Red Wine a Trend Now?

Great Wines for Candlelight Dinners on the Terrace

For romantic or atmospheric evenings on the terrace, it’s as much about creating that magical ambience. To that end, you probably want to start with luxury bubbles such as Champagne or English Sparkling Wine. Excellent either on their own, with canapés, or even starters, these wines will ensure the perfect atmosphere to begin the evening.

To continue the luxury theme, go for a rich, creamy textured white wine to match the indulgence of dishes such as lobster or creamy pasta. Chardonnay or Viognier will fit the bill perfectly, adding freshness and balance to your dishes.

For red wines, luxury means texture. We suggest a velvety Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc for those early summer evenings. These wines offer a silky mouthfeel and complex flavours that pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and savoury dishes.

Great Wines for a Barbeque

When you’ve got the troops coming over for a barbeque, the wine pairing revolves around finding options that enhance the smoky, savoury flavours of grilled dishes, whilst refreshing the palate.

A zesty Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Riesling can complement spicy marinades and tangy barbecue sauces, its citrus-like acidity can also help to cut through rich flavours. A bottle or two of chilled rosé offers bright acidity and fruity notes, but also the versatility to pair excellently with a range of grilled vegetables, chicken, and seafood.

And finally, for red wine lovers, a spicy Zinfandel or a robust Shiraz are perfect for hearty meats like ribs, burgers, and steaks. Their fruit-driven backbone again refreshes the palate ready to send your guests up for seconds or even thirds!

Great Wines for Picnics

The watchwords for picnics are versatility and portability.

The wines need to be versatile as you’re unlikely to have the space in the bags or the arm strength to carry a lot of different wine options to the park or beach. Again, we can head back to refreshing and fruity friends like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, perfect companions for salads, cheeses, and light sandwiches. Dry rosés are wonderful as they can pair with pretty much any picnic staple you can think of, from charcuterie to grilled chicken. For red wines, again it’s worth going light-bodied and softer options such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais for that lighter, fresher, fruity profile.

And finally, the portability. Picnics are where the likes of Bag in the Box or cans come into their own. Not only are they easier to transport and more recyclable, but you can also open them without a corkscrew or bottle opener. Just don’t forget the glasses!

Another tips! 
You can also consider half-bottle wines, a clever option for picnics. They’re easier to carry, reduce waste, and allow you to offer more variety without overpacking. Perfect for couples or smaller groups who want to sample more than one type of wine.

Glassware and Serveware Tips

Wines are only half the story. Presentation and practicality matter even more when dining outdoors. Here’s what to consider to keep your al fresco event smooth and stylish:

Glassware

• Shatterproof glasses: Invest in high-quality acrylic or polycarbonate wine glasses. They look like glass but won’t break if dropped.
• Stemless glasses: More stable on uneven surfaces like grass or gravel. Easier to pack and clean.
• Flutes for sparkling wine: Optional but nice to have for a touch of elegance. Opt for lightweight alternatives.

Serveware

• Insulated wine coolers: These are invaluable on warm days to keep whites, rosés, and sparkling wines chilled.
• Serving trays and boards: Use rustic wooden boards or melamine trays for charcuterie, cheeses, and snacks. They’re durable and transportable.
• Bottle openers and stoppers: Don’t forget the basics. A corkscrew and wine stoppers are must-haves.

Décor and Ambience

• Fairy lights or candles: Transform a simple outdoor space into a magical setting as the sun sets.
• Blankets or throws: Ideal for cooler evenings or to create picnic-style seating on the grass.
• Portable speakers: Soft background music can complete the vibe, but keep volume low enough not to overpower conversation or the sounds of nature.

Al fresco dining is all about embracing the moment—the natural beauty around you, the warmth of conversation, and the pleasure of good food and wine. By choosing wines that complement the season, the food, and the relaxed atmosphere, you elevate the entire experience. Whether you’re planning a lavish terrace dinner or a casual weekend picnic, the right wine can make the occasion feel unforgettable.

And remember, you don’t need to be an expert to serve great wine. Just a thoughtful host with a few good bottles, a little bit of planning, and a lot of love for the outdoors.

This Blog post is written by Mike Turner
Freelance wine writer, presenter and judge

Mike is a regular contributor for The Buyer magazine and is a certified educator and ambassador for Bordeaux, Rioja, Ribera Del Duero, Barolo and Barbaresco, running trade and consumer events across the UK from his base in the East Midlands.

Next in our food pairings series: Wine Pairing Tips For Your Easter Feast