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Whatever the weather, we’ve got your long weekend covered. Stock up early, order plenty, and cover all bases – from sparkling for picnics and BBQ reds, to cosy comfort wines for rainy-day games or pasta-making adventures. And don’t forget Monday – a final toast deserves something chilled and cheerful.
Let’s face it – we’re all watching the forecast on the run-up to a Bank Holiday Weekend. And it could go either way. Basking in the sunshine while steaks sizzle on the BBQ … or gathered around a battered Monopoly set as the rain lashes against the windows.
Either way, it’ll be more enjoyable with a glass of wine at your side. Here’s a handy guide to how to prepare for whatever the English Bank Holiday weekend has in store.
Ordering your Bank Holiday Weekend wine
First off – order your wine online. If the weather is good, you don’t want to waste it standing in line at a supermarket. If you’re planning to stay at a holiday cottage, get the wine delivered there – you’ll save valuable space in the car for all your other essentials.
Secondly – order plenty. Again, you don’t want to have to waste valuable holiday time queuing in traffic to top up your wine supply. And choose a variety of styles to cover all the weather options. Some fizz and rosé for the sunshine, and something a bit special as a treat if you do get stuck indoors. And if it’s in between? Some warming reds to keep off the chill as you brave the cooler weather huddled next to the BBQ for warmth.
If you end up with a little extra? Don’t worry, wine keeps for ages!
Top tip: plan for Monday too
Don’t let the last day catch you out – have a chilled bottle ready for a final toast, be it brunch, roast or one last hurrah.
Best wines for a sunny Bank Holiday weekend
Let’s start with positive thinking – and plan for a glorious sunny Bank Holiday weekend.
Best wines for a picnic
A picnic can be as simple as a blanket and a few sandwiches and snacks – or you can go all out with tables and chairs, tablecloth, napkins and even a vase of flowers. I like to go somewhere in between – with a thick blanket and a few cushions for extra comfort.
As for wines – some chilled whites and rosé would be good. But for the classic English picnic scenario – it has to be something with bubbles.
Something special: If you really want to treat yourself, go for Champagne or English Sparkling wine. I’d recommend the Harrow & Hope Brut Rosé. Its citrus berry fruit and toasty richness will go beautifully with pretty much anything in your basket – including the strawberries.
Smart thinking: For a classy sparkling wine that won’t dent your wallet – go for a Cava. This Spanish classic is made just like Champagne – but costs a fraction of the price. The ¡H! Barcelona Hola Organic Cava shows why this style is surging in popularity right now – with fine bubbles and plenty of fruity finesse.
Crowd pleaser: For something a little different to wow your guests – try L’Occhiolino, a sparkling red from Italy. Victoria Moore listed it in ‘The 20 Best Wines for Easter’ in The Telegraph, adding: “Characterised by subtle notes of red and black cherries and a pleasing dustiness, this one's great with charcuterie”.
Top tip: how to keep your wine cool for a picnic
Take a thermos of frozen grapes and pop a couple in your glass at the picnic. They’ll chill the wine without watering it down – and double as a snack. For the bottle, wrap it in a damp tea towel and stick it in a freezer bag with an ice pack. Old-school but effective.
Best wines for a barbecue
It’s no wonder that barbecues are so popular. As soon as your neighbours light theirs, those wonderful grilled meat aromas drift over the fence and you just have to follow suit. It’s like a chain reaction. So, best get the wines ordered in advance to make sure you’re ready.
For the full S.P. check out our Glug and grill guide to BBQ wines. But as you’re already here, these are our top picks for some popular barbecue options:
Sizzling steaks: There’s no better way to cook a tender steak, like a sirloin, fillet or ribeye, than on the barbecue. The classic match is an Argentinian Malbec with plenty of ripe red fruit and smoky notes that will perfectly complement the meat. Our bestseller, Opi Malbec, will go down a treat with your guests.
Banging burgers: Whether shop-bought or homemade from the finest chuck steak, burgers are a barbecue staple. Cabernet Sauvignon is the top partner in my book. Ripe cassis fruit to complement the umami flavours, a bit of structure to hold up against the fattiness of the meat – it’s a match made in heaven.
Ravishing ribs: Fancy yourself as a Texas pitmaster? Then you’ll need to get your sticky barbecued ribs game going. And you’ll want something full-flavoured and spicy to match. I’d recommend something from the southern Rhône, with rich bramble fruit and spicy notes. Or plump for our all-time No.1 bestseller, Cabalié.
Chargrilled chicken: There’s always room on the barbecue for some sticky glazed chicken. It’ll be fine with a red if you don’t want to open an extra bottle. But it’ll also pair beautifully with a full-bodied white – like a gently oaked Chardonnay. Treasures Adelaide Hills Chardonnay from Australia will do nicely.
Top tip: the one-size-fits-all barbecue wine
If you just want to pick one wine that’ll go with everything on the barbie – from red meats to fish and seafood – pick a versatile rosé like Moulin de Pontfract from Provence.
Best wines for a Bank Holiday weekend washout
OK, it might happen. But whether you’re at home with all your entertainment to hand or in a holiday cottage checking out the jigsaw collection, you can still make the best of it. Here are some suggestions to give your damp Bank Holiday a boost:
Monopoly marathon: Make an occasion of it with a games night – with snacks a-plenty of course. Pick a crowd-pleaser, and better still, go for a magnum – so you don’t need to keep pausing the game to open another bottle. Our No.1 Aussie red The Black Stump and bestselling Kiwi Sauvignon Sunday Bay are my top choices.
Jumping in puddles: Hey, it’s only rain. You could go out for a bracing walk and warm up afterwards with some comfort food and a big glass of red. Open a bottle of spicy Aussie Shiraz or a big jammy southern French red like Cabalié before you head out – and it’ll have opened out nicely for when you get back.
Cookery course: Why not take the opportunity to learn a new cooking skill? Try making your own pasta for example – and match it with a good Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio, depending on the sauce. Fancy having a go at sushi? Pair it with a fresh, delicate white like Riesling or Albariño. You’ll have earned it.
Top tip: don’t forget dessert
If you’re indoors for the evening, treat yourself to a sweet finish. A glass of sweet, dark Pedro Ximinez sherry like Delicado PX or Port with something chocolatey might just turn your rainy day into a highlight.
About the author
Chris Larkin
A seasoned copywriter with over two decades experience, Chris has been part of the team since 2021. At Laithwaites HQ, you’ll find him either working on our latest catalogue or creating informative content for our website. Qualified to WSET Level 3 Wine, Chris is as geeky about wine as he is about copywriting. But when it comes to choosing a special bottle, he is a traditionalist, and loves a good Bordeaux or Mâcon Chardonnay.
