Retro Picnic Style: Glam Gingham for the Vineyard

I think it’s safe to say that gingham is the print of summer. It’s classic and versatile, and makes me think of lazy summer evenings spent on a picnic blanket with wine and cheese. Naturally, the first chance I got to put a picnic together, I wore my a-line gingham skirt I bought a few years ago from Guess (we sat at a table so there would be no confusing me with the blanket).

Guapo and I visited Arrington Vineyards in Arrington, Tennessee. It’s a beautiful property with hills that make me want to spread my arms and burst into song like a Disney princess, or Julie Andrews.

We tried the Firefly Rosé and really enjoyed it. We were surprised by how quickly—err, smoothly—it went down, and ended up buying a second bottle. It was pretty hot that day and we were thirsty, OK? It’s a dry rosé that’s not overly fruity, and paired well with all of the cheese on our board. And at $19.99 a bottle, it’s a great deal.

They also have a sweeter rosé which we did not try, called Scarlet. I will say I’ve liked all of Arrington’s wines I’ve tried, except for the one aged in whiskey barrels. I’m not a whiskey drinker but I know a lot of people do enjoy that one.

Hiking up that hill in these wedges sure was quite the calve workout.

Most people spread their blankets or set their chairs down on the hillside lawn, and there are a few picnic tables scattered throughout. There’s a tasting room that gets pretty busy, so you should plan ahead and put your name in to reserve a time. Near the tasting room there’s a level pavilion area outside where the jazz band plays and larger groups, like bachelorette parties, usually gather.

A short hike over (well, “short” depending on how tall your wedges are) there’s a barn with live bluegrass music and another bar.

Before we went, I had just returned from a work trip where I got to learn all about cheese made in Madison, Wisconsin. I met dairy farmers and cheese makers and some adorable baby cows, and ate my weight in cheese. Yes, I was truly living the dream!

The last stop on the trip was lunch at Fromagination specialty cheese shop where we were served an amazing charcuterie board and sent home with cheese samples. I liked the Underground Meats Spanish Chorizo that we were served so much that I purchased one to take home.

Other things we bought to round out our charcuterie board were olive tapenade with crackers, marcona almonds, sliced green apple and red grapes. My pink chocolate-covered strawberries would have been a nice addition, too.

Do you have any cheese plate favorites? I’d love to hear about them! Leave a comment below and let me know.

May the rest of your summer be filled with good cheese and great rosé.