If you’re chasing the last of the summer sun, Graeme Stewart, co-founder of TyneTipples, is going over three picnic wines worth trying…

Summer might be drawing to a close, but there’s still plenty of time to make the most of those long evenings and sunny weekends.

Whether you’re heading to the coast, your favourite park or simply laying a blanket out in the garden, a picnic is one of the best ways to enjoy the last few weeks of summer. Of course, no picnic is complete without a great bottle of wine.

To help, I’ve picked three fantastic value wines, all around the £12 mark or less, and paired them with supermarket picnic favourites to help you build the perfect basket.

Three Picnic Wines Worth Trying this Summer

Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages 2024

Tesco Clubcard, £11

TyneTipples Rating: 8.5/10

If your go-to white is Chardonnay but you’ve never ventured into White Burgundy because you assumed it would be expensive, this is your sign to give it a go.

This White Burgundy isn’t a different grape and is actually made from 100% chardonnay – the difference? Where it’s grown! The cooler climate and limestone-rich soils of Burgundy produce wines that are fresher, more elegant and beautifully balanced.

This Louis Jadot is bursting with crisp citrus, green apple and subtle stone fruit, underpinned by a lovely mineral freshness that keeps you coming back for another sip. At just £11 with a Tesco Clubcard, it’s an affordable introduction to one of the world’s most famous wine regions.

Perfect Tesco Picnic Pairings:

• Tesco Finest Brie
• Prosciutto Crudo
• Fresh baguette
• Roast chicken slices
• Green grapes

Why it works:

The wine’s bright acidity cuts through creamy cheeses, while its delicate fruit complements everything from cured meats to a simple chicken sandwich.

Zuccardi Los Olivos Chardonnay 2024

Tesco Clubcard, £11.95

TyneTipples Rating: 9/10

Still reaching for your favourite Chardonnay? Why not broaden your horizons and discover what Argentina has to offer (lets just pretend the football didn’t happen).

Whilst the country is best known for producing exceptional Malbec, Chardonnay is another string to its bow, especially from the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza. This bottle from the renowned Zuccardi family showcases exactly why – and they’re one of, if not, my favourite Argentinian producer.

Expect vibrant citrus, ripe pear and tropical fruit, complemented by just a touch of French oak that adds texture without overpowering the freshness. It’s beautifully balanced and delivers far more than its price tag suggests.

Perfect Tesco Picnic Pairings:

• Manchego
• Chorizo
• Marinated olives
• Houmous
• Roasted red pepper dip
• Olive focaccia
• Smoked almonds

Why I love it:

At under £12, this is exceptional value from one of Argentina’s most respected producers. Fresh enough for a warm summer’s day, yet with enough body to stand up to bold Mediterranean flavours.

Errazuriz Estate Reserva Pinot Noir 2025

Tesco Clubcard, £7.50

TyneTipples Rating: 8/10

If there’s a bargain of the bunch, this is it. Bright cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit are supported by soft tannins and refreshing acidity, making it a wonderfully easy-drinking red that’s even better served lightly chilled.

Perfect Tesco Pairings:

• Continental charcuterie
• Camembert
• Pork pies
• Sea salt crisps
• Fresh strawberries

Why it works:

At just £7.50 with a Clubcard, it’s one of the best-value Pinot Noirs I’ve come across. It proves you don’t need to spend big to enjoy a wine that’s elegant, balanced and packed with character.

Which picnic wine would I choose?

If I had to choose just one bottle to throw into the picnic basket, it would be the Zuccardi.

For me, it strikes the perfect balance between quality, value and versatility. It’s fresh enough to enjoy on a warm summer’s afternoon, has enough texture to pair with everything from charcuterie and cheeses to grilled chicken, and at under £12, it seriously overdelivers.

Don’t get me wrong, the Louis Jadot is a fantastic introduction to White Burgundy, while the Errazuriz is arguably one of the best-value Pinot Noirs on the supermarket shelves. But if I was packing just one bottle for a day out (which is never the case), the Zuccardi would be making the basket every time.

After all, great wine doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes it’s simply about finding the bottle that makes you want to pour another glass. Cheers!