In recent years, outdoor leisure activities such as camping and barbecues have become increasingly popular.
Getting away from your everyday life and spending time surrounded by the openness of nature is truly a blissful experience.
Furthermore, if you add alcohol to the mix, it's the best! I'm sure there are many people who would say so.
When it comes to alcohol to drink outdoors, beer and canned chuhai are probably the standard. But why not try wine this year?
Wine is often thought of as something that is difficult to drink, but it is actually a drink that is perfect for outdoor activities. However, when it comes to actually taking it with you, there are many things you don't know, such as "What kind of wine should I choose?" and "What kind of glass should I use?"
So, this time, for those who want to enjoy wine outdoors, Iwasu, a sommelier who loves camping, and our editorial staff members will teach you various tips they have learned from their many years of camping experience!
In addition, the New Zealand wines we sell are all perfect for outdoor occasions.
I will also introduce some New Zealand wines that I recommend. Don't miss it!
Whether you're a beginner to the outdoors or you're thinking about bringing a different type of alcoholic beverage to your camping trip, be sure to read this article and enjoy camping with wine to the fullest!
Iwasu, a New Zealand wine-loving sommelier, enjoys wine at a campsite
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Nacchan (questioner)
I'm a complete beginner when it comes to camping and wine, but I want to try something outdoors this year.
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Iwasu (respondent)
The sommelier in charge of supervising this website. The bar he runs in Nagoya stocks a wide range of New Zealand wines.
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Editorial Department Makiko (Respondent)
A man in his 30s with children. He goes camping with his family every weekend and is a true camping enthusiast. He always brings along alcohol, but recently he has started choosing wine more often.
Why wine is great for camping
What do you recommend about camping and wine?
Yes! This time, I will tell you the recommended points from the beginning!
The good points of "Camping x Wine"
- Wine makes a casual outdoor meal a little more luxurious
- Choosing the right wine to go with your meal will help you avoid getting bored with your meal.
- Red wine is fine at room temperature
- Chilled white wine and sparkling wine are perfect for hot weather!
- Compared to beer or canned chuhai, you'll have to go to the bathroom less frequently (by Iwasu)
Outdoor staples like barbecue and curry are often paired with beer or canned chuhai. However, by replacing the alcohol with wine, you can take your outdoor meals to the next level and enjoy a luxurious meal.
In addition, there is a wide variety of wines, including red, white, rosé, sparkling, etc., so you can choose the one that goes best with your meal. Furthermore, depending on the type and season, you can enjoy it at room temperature, so you can take your time to savor it.
During the hot summer months, white wine and sparkling wine are the way to go. If you chill it properly, it's refreshing and refreshing to drink, so it's recommended even on scorching hot days!
I drink a lot, so I always bring one bottle of red and one bottle of white with me.
There was a time when I used to bring sake or whiskey, but with wine I can drink it for a long time without getting bored (laughs).
I think wine is great because it goes well with a variety of meals, and you can even drink it without any special snacks!
Two bottles of red and white (lol) That's impressive! That's right, having wine outdoors expands the ways to enjoy it.
I see! I'd like to know more ways to enjoy it!
Tips for enjoying wine while camping
Next, we will tell you the points you should check before you start preparing to take it with you.
To enjoy wine even more while camping, check out the following!
- Take a convenient screw-top wine bottle with you
- Bring unbreakable glass
- Choose the right wine for your meal and occasion in advance
- If you want to drink wine chilled , chill it in the refrigerator the day before.
First, make sure to choose a bottle with a screw cap .
A screw cap is a resealable stopper that can be screwed on.
The standard cork stopper used for wine bottles requires an opener or stopper, which can be a bit inconvenient when used outdoors.
Also, glass that is weak against impacts is likely to break in outdoor situations, so choose a material that is as shatter-resistant as possible.
Also, it's better to bring a wine you've tried before than one you're trying for the first time.
This is quite an important point.
It's normal to find that the first wine you choose isn't to your taste!
So instead of just randomly buying wine at a convenience store on your way to your destination, do your research beforehand. It's best to buy your wine in advance if possible.
If you are drinking chilled wine, such as white wine or sparkling wine, chill it in the refrigerator the day before.
I always think that wine with a cork looks more authentic, but it seems that wine with a screw cap is also okay!
Just that alone makes it feel like the hurdle has been lowered somehow!
That's right. Screw caps do not necessarily mean cheap. By the way, most of the New Zealand wines I love are screw capped. So I highly recommend them!
It's reassuring to bring along wine that you're used to drinking, and it's a good idea so you can compare it with what you'll experience when you drink it outside.
▶ Click here for our New Zealand wines
What wine should I choose?
What criteria should I use to choose the wine I want to bring?
There are so many different types of wine, ranging from 500 yen to thousands of yen, so it's hard to know what to buy...
You're right, if you're not a wine expert, there may be a bit too many options.
I still get confused sometimes (lol)
First, let's look at the price criteria.
My criteria for a wine suitable for the outdoors are as follows:
- Wines priced at 1,500 yen or more are less likely to fail
- That said, I don't bring "fine wine"
First, choose something that costs over 1,500 yen.
Of course, there are delicious wines that cost less than that, but there aren't many of them. When you go over 1,500 yen, the chances of finding it delicious increase dramatically.
If you have some extra cash in your wallet, spending over 2,000 yen will increase your chances of finding a wine that you can trust.
However, high-end wines that cost over 5,000 yen or wines that have been aged for a long time are not very suitable for outdoor activities such as camping.
This is because many of these wines are quite delicate and vibrations and temperature changes can affect their quality.
It would be better to keep it for home use.
It's not cheap, but not too expensive either... (laughs)
That's right (laughs)
This is the standard price range, but when it comes to wine, there are so many other options, such as origin and variety, that I think this can be confusing.
So this time, I've created a chart to make it easier for you to choose.
Awesome! I might choose this one!!
The best part of camping is the bonfire! I've always wondered what wine would be perfect to enjoy around the bonfire.
That's right! Anyway, bonfires and BBQs are a must, so I'll start with these two options.
Iwasu-san, isn't it also possible to look up the data in reverse on this chart...?
That's a good thing you've noticed!
That's right, you can choose your wine not only from your main dish, but also vice versa. It can be fun to choose your ingredients to go with the wine you want to drink.
We will introduce recommended wines by specific varieties later in the article!
Best unbreakable wine glasses
From here, we will introduce some shatter-resistant wine glasses that are also recommended for outdoor use.
Um, do we really need wine glasses in the first place?
After all, wouldn't it be okay to use a cup like the one you use to drink tea or juice?
That's not to say it's bad, but if you want to enjoy wine properly, I would definitely recommend tasting it by the glass.
Nowadays, there are many products made from unbreakable materials that can be handled without hesitation.
Stylish and functional: GOVINO
"Govino" is a wine glass made of environmentally friendly PET material born in California. This glass is lightweight, stretchable, and can be used outdoors without breaking even if dropped, and is a popular product in many countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In addition, these glasses are ergonomically designed with a recessed thumb area for easy holding, and they also look very stylish, making them perfect for parties and other formal occasions.
Image source: Govino official website
For those who want to enjoy wine seriously! "LOGOS"
The outdoor brand "Logos" also sells stylish wine glasses. There are two types, one made of polyester resin and one made of stainless steel, and both types have removable stems.
The polyester resin glasses are priced at 1,980 yen (tax included) and the stainless steel glasses are 2,980 yen (tax included), so they are a little pricey, but they are perfect for those who want to enjoy a glass of wine outdoors.
Image source: Logos official website
▶ Logos Official Online Shop | Unbreakable wine glass with portable case
▶ Logos Official Online Shop｜Stainless Wine Glass
Although not specifically for wine, there is also a set of stemless tumblers made of unbreakable material that can also be used with alcohol, and they are reasonably priced at 1,980 yen (tax included) for a set of four, so they are recommended for family camping trips.
▶ Logos Official Online Shop | Soft Lance Tumbler 4pcs
The hottest material: "Tritan resin wine glass"!
Wine glasses made from a new material called "Tritan resin," which has transparency comparable to glass and excellent durability, are also popular.
This resin, developed by the American company Eastman Chemical, does not contain any chemicals known to be harmful to the human body, so it can be used safely. It is also heat-resistant and dishwasher safe, so it seems like it would be good for everyday use.
Image source: Rakuten Ichiba
▶ Rakuten Market | Tritan wine glasses (set of 4) with plastic bag
Convenient "plastic wine glasses" too!
If you are still a little hesitant to purchase a wine glass like the ones above, why not try using a plastic wine glass first?
Recently, simple wine glasses like these are being sold in the wine section of supermarkets. There are also champagne glasses, which are convenient for large parties or BBQs where you want to create a stylish atmosphere.
Image source: Amazon
Amazing! There are so many types of unbreakable glass! I think I can use it for things other than camping. I want it!
Unbreakable glass is so convenient!
Wine by the glass is truly something special, so if you're planning on drinking wine while camping, take this opportunity to buy some for yourself or your family.
How to transport and chill wine
Since most wines come in bottles, it can be tricky to transport them around. You may also be concerned about when and how to chill the wine.
Here, Iwasu, who loves camping, and our editorial team will frankly talk about recommended ways to carry and chill wine for beginners, as well as some items that we don't recommend!
Recommended methods for "camping with wine" from experienced people
This may seem like a normal thing, but I like to chill wine in the fridge the day before I go camping and then put it in a cooler box.
Or I use a brand called "Vacu-Van" that has a wine cooler with cooling media, which I highly recommend.
I also chill it the day before and put it in a cooler box.
As the weather gets colder from autumn to winter, I just put the red wine in my bag and leave it at room temperature.
On the other hand, the wine baskets and ice bags that you occasionally see in magazines aren't very practical.
That's right, generally speaking, bulky items aren't suitable for camping.
Using ice just to chill wine is too extravagant for the outdoors (laughs).
I see...! So that means I don't have to think too much about it? I guess.
Yes, I think it's enough to chill the wine in the fridge the day before and use a cooling box or other product with cooling functions depending on the season.
When you go on a day camping trip and don't want to bring a large cooler box, we recommend a light and convenient item.
Easy to carry! Le Creuset wine cooler
The wine bags from Le Creuset, a French kitchen goods brand that is also popular in Japan, are popular items that are not only cute in appearance but also functional.
Image source: Le Creuset official online shop
▶ Le Creuset Official Online Shop
Just chill it in the freezer for about 6 hours and then place the cover over the bottle to enjoy your chilled wine. However, it only keeps the wine cold for about 2 to 3 hours, so it's only suitable for outdoor activities near you.
Iwasu also recommends the VACU VIN wine cooler!
Another thing we would like to introduce is the Vacuum Wine Cooler, which Iwasu also uses.
▶ Amazon｜VacuVan Rapid Ice Wine Cooler
Like Le Creuset, this one is also chilled in the freezer before use, but it is cylindrical in shape. As the name suggests, if you put in room temperature wine, it will cool down to around 12℃ to 6℃ in just about 5 minutes.
Recommended camping dishes and easy snacks
Once the wine is ready, all that's left is some snacks!
Can you recommend some easy meals that can be made outdoors?
I'll share some of the dishes I often make! Please also tell me your favorite dishes, Mr. Iwasu.
Yes, please take a look!
We want you to enjoy wine with your meal.
Classic dishes & easy snacks
Beef stew
I recommend adding lots of carrots to your beef stew. The sweetness of carrots goes perfectly with red wine!
Hamburger
If you're serving hamburger steak with demi-glace sauce, a rich Bordeaux-style red wine would be best!
Hamburg steak is great because kids love it too.
steak
Charcoal-grilled meat is of course delicious, but if you're eating steak, we recommend grilling it on a hot plate!
Ahijo
So stylish~ Colourful and looks delicious!
Ajillo is also a standard outdoor dish. Pair it with white wine or dry rosé wine and you'll be in heaven!
Pot-au-feu
A warm soup is a must on a cold night.
grilled fish
River fish such as char go well with slightly acidic white wines such as Riesling!
Smoked cheese (anchovy garlic)
This simple snack is made by frying anchovies and garlic in olive oil in a frying pan, then grilling smoked cheese in the pan. Serve on a baguette!
Just grill the sausages
It's literally just "grilling"! But why does it look so delicious?♡
Bonfire magic!
We also recommend just grilling the bacon over a campfire!
Grilled Lamb Chop
This is what New Zealand is all about. If you get your hands on some lamb, I recommend pairing it with red wine.
Bonus! We also make these things at camp
Ratatouille + Fried Egg
This is an image of breakfast...
Ratatouille also makes a great wine snack.
Fruit salad
A refreshing fruit salad with plenty of citrus fruits, kiwi, and dragon fruit!
Persimmon and Celery Marinade
Is that a rice ball in the background...? (laughs)
That's right (laughs). Considering the ingredients, marinades are a great accompaniment to wine, and also make a great regular side dish.
Easy to make and drink! Wine cocktails
Is there any way to arrange things when drinking wine?
In that case, we recommend drinking wine in a cocktail.
The outdoors makes you feel open and free, isn't it? I think it's great to enjoy wine in your own way, too!
Useful ways to arrange wine cocktails
Here are some benefits of using wine in cocktails:
- The change in taste is a great way to refresh yourself.
- Adding herbs or lemon will give it a refreshing look and make it look cute.
- Diluting it reduces the alcohol content, making it easier to drink and refreshing.
If you've been drinking wine for a long time and are feeling a bit bored, try adding juice or soda to turn it into a cocktail. It's a great way to break the monotony. Adding herbs or lemons will instantly make it look more vibrant and photogenic.
In addition, diluting it with juice or soda reduces the alcohol content, making it convenient for those who have low alcohol tolerance. Even if the wine is a little strong, diluting it makes it easier to drink.
There are no rules outdoors! If you have juice on hand, try mixing it with that. Try different things and you'll surely discover something surprising!
I also love wine cocktails!
It would be fun to arrange it and drink it with everyone!!
And what's great is that you don't have to think too hard about it!
For more wine cocktail recipes, please see the article below.
Warm mulled wine to drink in winter!
I'm also interested in mulled wine, but is it difficult to make?
It's not difficult, but you'll need to bring a small pot to heat the ingredients and some other things, so it might be more convenient to make it at home and put it in a water bottle to take with you.
It's nice, it will warm you up in the cold season.
I'll also introduce a recipe for mulled wine that I serve in my shop, as well as some handy German products for making mulled wine.
Mulled wine recipe from Iwasu's shop "Bokumo"
【material】
★Red wine...100ml
★Orange juice (100% juice)...40-50ml
★Sugar…8-10g
・A little cinnamon and cloves
【How to make】
- Combine the ★ ingredients in a small saucepan and mix.
- Finally, add the cinnamon and cloves and heat.
It's easy and delicious, so be sure to try making some mulled wine with this recipe this winter!
Just heat it up and it's ready! German mulled wine
This is an authentic and convenient German wine that can also be purchased on Amazon.
Image source: Amazon
This sweet hot wine is made by infusing red wine with sugar, lemon, orange, cinnamon, cloves, anise, etc., and can be heated in a pot over low heat or poured into a cup and microwaved.
You can also add your favorite spices to your drink if you like.
▶ Amazon | Sternthaler Mulled Wine, German hot wine
This hot wine is easy to make and delicious. It comes in a liter bottle, so it's plenty to share with family and friends.
No tools needed! Canned wine is also convenient
Did you know that there is now a way to enjoy wine more easily with canned wine? It doesn't require any preparation and is easy to carry around!
What! There's wine in cans? I didn't know that!
Single-serving size canned wine is stylish and convenient!
Canned wine is becoming popular around the world, and can now be found in supermarkets in Japan.
Here are some great things about canned wine:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- No need to prepare glasses or openers
- The size is perfect for one drink, so you don't have to worry about leftovers
- The packaging is stylish
First of all, canned wine is often 200-300ml per can, and is very convenient to carry around because it is light and there is no risk of it breaking. It can be easily carried in the side pocket of a backpack or in any other small space.
And the best thing about camping and other outdoor activities is that you don't have to prepare anything. It's easy because you don't need small items like glasses, wine openers, or stoppers to recap the bottle. The bottles are one-drink size, so even solo campers or people who can handle a lighter amount of alcohol can enjoy wine without worrying about having leftovers. Many of them also have cute packaging, so they look great in photos.
What kinds of canned wine are there? Where can you buy them? If you are interested, please refer to the article below. It introduces 40 types of canned wines, mainly those sold in stores.
▶ I bought 40 types of stylish canned wine from 11 brands, from casual to professional.
New Zealand wine is perfect for drinking in nature!
Can I say it out loud now?
Yeah, what is that? (laughs)
This is a New Zealand wine that I love, and actually...I highly recommend it for camping and the outdoors!!
Ah, I said that earlier (laughs).
Iwasu's favorite is Mahi's Pinot Noir. It's a little pricey, but it's delicious.
Wow, New Zealand wine is perfect for the outdoors.
There are lots of reasons for this, but I'll explain briefly.
Why NZ wine is recommended for outdoor activities
- The refreshing flavor of Sauvignon Blanc evokes the great outdoors. It's the perfect match for the outdoors!
- Most of the wines are screw-capped (no need for a wine opener!)
- There are lots of organic wines in New Zealand, perfect for those who prefer natural wines.
- It has a mild, easy-to-drink taste, so it's perfect for large group camping trips.
First of all, in NZ, wine made from the grape variety "Sauvignon Blanc" accounts for over 70% of the total production, and its aroma and flavor are very fresh and fruity. Its flavor is reminiscent of the great outdoors, and is perfect for drinking under the sun.
Furthermore, most New Zealand wines are screw-capped. Another feature is that they are all organic wines or wines made in environmentally friendly wineries, so they meet the needs of people looking for natural wines. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy natural wines while being surrounded by nature.
There are also many wines with flavors that are easy to enjoy even for those who are new to wine, so they are sure to come in handy at large BBQs!
Here are 6 New Zealand wines that are recommended for outdoor activities! They are all great value for money, so be sure to give them a try!
Iwasu's 6 recommended New Zealand wines
[White] Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
| Winery Name | Auntsfield Estate |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,750 yen (tax included) |
A wine with a very pleasant aroma and flavor of citrus fruits, especially grapefruit.
It's quite fruity, so it's recommended even for those who aren't used to drinking wine.
It goes especially well with seafood, chicken, and pork. With just one bottle of this wine, your camp meals will be upgraded!
[White] Trinity Hill Hawke's Bay Chardonnay
*The wines currently on sale in our store are of a different vintage than the wine in the image.
| Winery Name | Trinity Hill |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Chardonnay |
| Origin | Hawke's Bay |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 3,300 yen (tax included) |
During bonfire time, try pairing this wine with some skewered cheese while roasting it over the fire.
It's sure to be a fantastic pairing!
[Red] Osawa Wines Flying Sheep Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
| Winery Name | Osawa Wines |
|---|---|
| Series name | Flying Sheep |
| Grape variety | Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Origin | Hawke's Bay |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Suggested retail price | 3,520 yen (tax included) |
This wine is a perfect match for beef, a BBQ classic.
It has a rich yet well-balanced flavor and goes very well with grilled meat. You can season it simply with salt and pepper, or with soy sauce-flavored grilled meat sauce.
It also goes great with lamb!
[Red] Brackenbrook Shangri-La Pinot Noir
*The wines currently on sale in our store have different vintages and labels than the wine in the image.
| Winery Name | Blackenbrook |
|---|---|
| Series name | Shangri-La |
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Nelson |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,750 yen (tax included) |
This Pinot Noir wine features an impressive art label and is very fruity with a somewhat light taste.
It would be good to pair it with sausages, grilled chicken (preferably with sauce) or fresh cheese.
If you're using grilled beef, I think it would go perfectly with a lighter flavor, such as adding some lemon to the sauce.
[Rose] Graham Norton Pink Design Rose
*The wines currently on sale in our store have different vintages and labels than the wine in the image.
| Winery Name | Invivo |
|---|---|
| Series name | Graham Norton |
| Grape variety | Merlot Malbec Chardonnay |
| Origin | Hawke's Bay Gisborne Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,530 yen (tax included) |
This is a versatile wine that can be paired with any meal.
Freshness, mellowness, and moderate astringency - these elements are layered in perfect balance.
It can be paired with all kinds of food, from appetizers to meat dishes and spicy foods, so if you can't decide what to drink, you can't go wrong with just this one! Make sure to drink it well chilled.
[Red] Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir
*The wines currently on sale in our store are of a different vintage than the wine in the image.
| Winery Name | Mahi |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Suggested retail price | 4,950 yen (tax included) |
Although it is a little pricey, this wine, Mahi Pinot Noir, is one that you should definitely try at least once.
This wine was created with great skill and minimal human intervention, resulting in a wine of great complexity.
This is a wine that lets you experience the greatness of New Zealand Pinot Noir. It goes well with meat and cheese. Enjoy it slowly while watching the bonfire and you will surely have a blissful moment!
lastly
I really want to go camping!
There are so many different kinds of wine, and I thought it would be difficult to know what to drink, but with just a few simple tips you can enjoy it so casually. I was surprised.
I'm glad you understood (laughs).
It's nice to forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a glass of wine with friends while taking time to relax.
Once you experience how good it is, you're hooked (laughs).
I'm really happy to see more and more people starting to enjoy wine casually in this way, not just outdoors.
Mr. Iwasu, you are truly the Minister for Promoting "Wine x Camping" !
Thank you (laughs)
What did you think of "Wine x Camping" ?
Next time you go camping or outdoors, why not bring some wine with you and experience a different atmosphere than usual!
