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Must have wine accessories for a summer of picnics and al fresco dining

Photo via Getty Images
Photo via Getty Images

It goes without saying that summer 2020 will be like no other. Canceled events and fewer indoor dining options means that citizens need to improvise.

For many, that means an increased interest in hosting the perfect picnic or al fresco dining experience — and wine is an integral part of that experience. Whether you’re serving up a pitcher of fruity sangria or the unofficial wine of summer, rosé, there’s no denying that the presence of wine at any outdoor soirée is a must.

Access to great wines have also been made easier during this time with wineries like Jackson Triggs offering curbside pickup and delivery.

Whether you’re looking for a hostess gift for a wine loving friend or you’re planning a romantic picnic, these wine and wine accessories are sure to impress.

2017 Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve ENTOURAGE Sparkling Merlot

Photo via Jackson Triggs
Photo via Jackson Triggs

If you’re on the hunt for something a little different, don’t discount a sparkling red wine. A far cry from the overly sweet Lambrusco wines of the 1970s and ‘80s, this sparkling merlot features fruity vanilla notes and a refreshing bubbly finish. If you’re in Ontario, Manitoba, B.C. or Nova Scotia, you can have this delicious blend delivered to your home thanks to Jackson-Triggs’ delivery,

SHOP IT: Jackson-Triggs, $35

Le Creuset Wine Cooler Sleeve

Photo via Le Creuset
Photo via Le Creuset

It’s imperative that white, rosé and sparkling wines be chilled to optimize their aromas and flavour profiles. When hosting an outdoor dining experience, a wine cooler sleeve like this one from Le Creuset will not only insulate but chill wine to its ideal serving temperature.

SHOP IT: Le Creuset, $30

VacuVin Wine Saver

Photo via Bed Bath & Beyond
Photo via Bed Bath & Beyond

Sometimes one glass is enough. To keep your bottle of wine from oxidizing, a wine saver is an essential accessory to have on hand. Many bottles of perfectly good wine can be salvaged with this handy device.

SHOP IT: Bed Bath & Beyond, $18

Üllo Wine Purifier

Photo via Crate And Barrel
Photo via Crate And Barrel

If it’s even possible to make drinking wine a more enjoyable experience, it’s via Üllo’s Wine Purifier. The sophisticated contraption removes sulfites from wine, resulting in an enhanced drinking experience.

SHOP IT: Crate And Barrel, $115

Picnic Time Corsica Wine and Cheese Basket

Photo via Wayfair
Photo via Wayfair

Turn an ordinary summer day into a picturesque French picnic with this modern wicker basket. Picnic Time’s stylish and cleverly designed basket will easily transport two bottles along with a cutting board, cheese knife and wine opener.

SHOP IT: Wayfair, $116

Rabbit Freezable Cocktail Maker

Photo via Linen Chest
Photo via Linen Chest

The popularity of rosé shows no signs of slowing down in 2020. On especially hot days, pour your favourite rosé along with fresh berries into this freezable cocktail maker and wait for it to transform into the frosé of your Instagram dreams.

SHOP IT: Linen Closet, $55

Oster Electric Wine Bottle Opener

Photo via Bed Bath & Beyond
Photo via Bed Bath & Beyond

It may not be fancy but Oster’s electric wine opener has garnered accolades for its user-friendly design. It’s straightforward, well priced and you can be sure you won’t be picking out pieces of cork from your wine with this practical tool.

SHOP IT: Bed Bath & Beyond, $20

Bota Bag

Photo via Cocktail Emporium
Photo via Cocktail Emporium

Bota bags have a long and cherished history in Spain as a wine receptacle. Today, wine glasses are usually favoured but that certainly doesn’t mean a rugged bota bag wouldn’t be a welcome and unique gift for any wine lover. Did we mention it holds a litre of wine?

SHOP IT: Cocktail Emporium, $35

Great Estates Wine Club

Photo via Great Estates Wine Club
Photo via Great Estates Wine Club

What better gift can a wine lover receive than wine itself. With Covid-19 restrictions, the safest option is to have your wine delivered to your door. The Great Estates Wine Club offers a wonderful opportunity to sample a selection of Jackson Triggs wines. When it’s safe to do so, membership perks include complimentary wine tours and advanced seating at the estates’ amphitheatre.

SHOP IT: Great Estates Wine Club, $50-105

Govino Go Anywhere Wine Glasses, $27

Photo via William Ashley
Photo via William Ashley

These no-break wine glasses are ideal for picnics. The Govino wine glasses maintain a classy esthetic from a far but are actually made of a flexible BPA-Free plastic. The revolutionary design also features a handy thumb notch for those all too common butterfinger moments.

SHOP IT: William Ashley, $27

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