![Beckmen-vineyards-picnic](https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/blog/beckmen-vineyards-picnic.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=188&q=80&w=300&s=795681e69c180b899f08c7135b75a927 300w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/blog/beckmen-vineyards-picnic.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=453&q=80&w=725&s=20c6ae9c8e801f0cd30929accbf04ca9 725w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/blog/beckmen-vineyards-picnic.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=719&q=80&w=1150&s=c6062ab5a40dbaa462a7a830e34c30b2 1150w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/blog/beckmen-vineyards-picnic.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=984&q=80&w=1575&s=264716694edd8a4fcd4a14e8d2845f3d 1575w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/blog/beckmen-vineyards-picnic.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1250&q=80&w=2000&s=6549e1335c5b091d290a60879ce29ff4 2000w)
Beckmen: A Beautiful Place to Picnic
Posted: Jun 22, 2016
There’s something so romantic, and at the same time, rebellious, about going on a picnic. No longer are you confined within four walls, to a dining table with dining chairs. The world is your oyster; all you have to do is choose the right spot. Thankfully, in the Santa Ynez Valley, there is an abundance of beautiful picnic locations with stunning views and a quiet serenity that only relaxing in nature can provide. Enjoying a meal outdoors reminds you of the simpler pleasures of life: of good food and drink, the people we spend our time with, and the beauty surrounding us that we tend to overlook.
Picnicking nourishes the body and soul. At Beckmen Vineyards, with our four gazebos and two ponds surrounded by lawns, we’ve done our fair share of picnicking. Read on to learn our tips and tricks, food ideas, and nearby places to pick up your goodies.
Picnicking Tips & Tricks
- If you think the only wines served at picnics are whites and rosés, remember that some red wines are enhanced when served at slightly cooler temperatures. Our 2013 Estate Grenache is a prime example of a wine you can enjoy chilled (but not ice cold). Pack a flexible ice pack and wrap it around the bottle, or if you’re purchasing a bottle from the tasting room, ask them to put it in the refrigerator for 15 – 25 minutes.
- Mix and match your dishes with homemade and store-bought foods. You’ll save money by preparing food at home, but there are some dishes that are quicker and easier to simply pick-up at your local market’s prepared food section. Scroll down to see store recommendations that are close to Beckmen.
- Don’t forget to bring plenty of water. Being outside, possibly in direct sunlight, and drinking wine will dehydrate you faster than you anticipate. You won’t regret packing an extra few bottles.
- Some people’s biggest complaint with picnics is that they are too messy. But if you plan thoughtfully, they won’t be. Bring plastic bags or tupperware to take home leftovers, another plastic bag for used utensils, another larger plastic bag for used plates or bowls, and a lot of napkins. Packing up will be a breeze and everything will be organized for cleaning once you get home.
- Invest in a cooler – even better if it’s designed specifically for picnics. You’ll thank yourself down the road.
![Beckmen-vineyards-dock](https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-dock.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=300&s=6e37c7149b6bdbecfdd8cad7e55401ae 300w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-dock.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=725&s=2c17f96c4574a5730f9959dcd0276251 725w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-dock.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=1150&s=6404586f0a50e5b56c16c87f6d1534bb 1150w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-dock.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=1575&s=763a5f7a9799b8e4ef7c6dd4c7264e23 1575w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-dock.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=2000&s=ecb13bcc4309b5bf23d6d69dac237d77 2000w)
![Beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-1](https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=300&s=c9634ce45c45b90aef5d6e192150bd77 300w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=725&s=d0779f3a94a0ea1bc2c43492309c0066 725w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=1150&s=90e0de41b49e886a14c95b39f52374cb 1150w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=1575&s=fba6c842c039ad13939ac2abecaa1f28 1575w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=2000&s=100cdf94a7282ed2d88b6ae20e5d6bce 2000w)
Food Ideas
- Picnics don’t have to consist of strictly finger foods. Bringing small plates and forks will make it easier for your guests to choose what they want to eat, keep portion sizes in check, and add a level of elegance to your outdoor dining experience. Plus this will only broaden your food horizons!
- Let’s be honest. A picnic at a winery isn’t complete without cheese, because cheese might just be the best wine pairing food out there. If you’re going to have more than one (and we recommend you do), bring cheeses that are total opposites: a smoked gouda and stilton, brie and a sharp white cheddar, the possibilities are endless.
- Fruit beautifully balances the richness of cheese. Bring pre-cut fruit to keep the picnic messiness to a minimum, or pack berries since they are an easy, no-fuss fruit to eat.
- Even if you find a shady spot to picnic, most likely it will be warm or hot out, especially during the summertime. Bring cool or room temperature foods that will fill and refresh you at the same time. Leave the hot and heavy meals for home.
- Use grains! Make hearty salads with quinoa, couscous, barley, and farro. They are a healthy alternative to sandwiches (boring!).
- End your picnic with a sweet treat. You’ve been munching on a delicious meal, taking in the stunning view, and relaxing with your friends or family. Reward yourself and finish your picnic with an indulgence, something that will satisfy your sweet tooth, whether it be freshly baked cookies, brownies, or fruit (keep in mind that chocolate will melt and be a sticky mess unless you have a cooler).
Nearby Places to Get Your Goods
- The Lucky Hen Larder: A wide selection of artesian cheeses, meats, and other platter essentials.
- New Frontiers: If you’re looking for organic or biodynamic goods and produce, this store is a must-visit.
- Los Olivos Grocery: Just down SR 154 from Beckmen, this locally owned gourmet grocery is small but has an incredible cheese, meat, and deli counter.
- El Rancho Marketplace: A full grocery store with all of the picnic necessities, from a multitude of tasty bites, to plates and napkins.
![Beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-2](https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=300&s=f0fbfc20ab252a3e3a58cf0b81017891 300w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=725&s=6964a44e958bef110baa4e5de2681107 725w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=1150&s=09104e7b08399e23bfab7980b250273e 1150w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=1575&s=fc33a2f3724992305169cb13dffe3255 1575w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=2000&s=7971747ff87bc93978954df4e5486ad9 2000w)
![Beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-3](https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=300&s=3bb4af6355c5bf9973ab596ccaf0a36e 300w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=725&s=febf3884552e2ebeb7f718caabe05e59 725w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=1150&s=e26a391944425804e96fee63a98d60e2 1150w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=1575&s=41fa417e665916a16a643d291b8ae07b 1575w, https://beckmenvineyards.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-vineyards-gazebo-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=clip&q=80&w=2000&s=3c09eaa6ffec659abc0714c1ff025306 2000w)
Picnics are an ideal way to relax and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. We offer a multitude of picnic areas, from our four gazebos with picnic tables, various tables and chairs around the estate, and two picturesque ponds surrounded by rolling lawns, all with a view of the vines. Check out our Visit Us page to learn more about our facilities and policies, or call (805) 688 – 8664 ext. 200 to make a reservation.