Go on a Picnic with a French Winemaker

Le ‘pique-nique chez le Vigneron Indépendants®’ isn’t your typical wine festival. It’s a celebration of flavour, community, and the sheer joy of being outdoors while enjoying a glass of France’s finest wine

From the 7th to the 9th of June 2025, Independent Winemakers across France are opening their doors to a unique and memorable event. Le pique-nique offers you the chance to share a picnic and a few glasses of wine with the people who make it, those who live and breathe the art of winemaking.

Originally created in Alsace in 1995 by the Vignerons Indépendants d’Alsace, the event has grown into a much-loved national celebration. Each pique-nique reflects the personality of the winemaker hosting it. No two are the same, but every event offers a warm welcome and an unmistakably French sense of hospitality.

Activities vary from vineyard to vineyard and you can expect to experience anything from cellar tours, treasure hunts and exhibitions to live music, pétanque tournaments, and even drawing contests. Some events are free, while others may have a reasonable charge. Make sure to book ahead, le pique-nique is popular for good reason.

So, what can you expect? Your hosts will provide a convivial and joyful welcome and you’ll find tables and chairs set up with a whole range of entertainment. Le pique-nique has a much more relaxed and personal feel to tastings at more well-known estates. You’ll taste the wines and hear the stories behind the production, often directly from the winemakers themselves. Hearing their stories and learning about the unique qualities of their vineyards will deepen your appreciation for the French terroir and the craft of winemaking.

You can find all the details you need, including a list of all vineyards taking part this year, at www.vigneron-independant.com/pique-nique.  

You’ll also find a handy search tool allowing you to search by town or postcode for your nearest event. Some winemakers offer accommodation, perfect if you want to make a weekend of it.

The vibe is laid-back and charmingly rustic. It’s a family-friendly affair too, with some hosts offering activities for children. Bring your own picnic and prepare to share food, wine, and conversation in a welcoming, communal spirit.

There’s a reason this event is so popular. The first year my husband and I attended, we only managed to get tickets because he knew the vineyard owner and we promised to bring our own chairs. And so we did! We lived in France for eight years, and this day stands out as one of our favourites. We were the only British people there; everyone else was local. Rows of picnic tables were filled with families sharing sandwiches and home-grown strawberries. An accordionist played traditional French music, and the wine flowed generously. The most charming of days ended in a perfect way; dancing together in the sunshine on a French farmyard surrounded by vineyards.

We attended Domaine du Croc du Merle in Muides-sur-Loire, near Blois, in the Loire Valley. We tasted four wines from the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée Cheverny (Château de Cheverny is just 30 minutes away). All wines in the Cheverny appellation are blends and at Croc du Merle the whites combine Sauvignon Blanc with Chardonnay, while the reds and rosés mix Gamay with Pinot Noir.

Attending pique-nique is a great way to immerse yourself in French culture while supporting small, independent wine producers. It’s a chance to experience wines you might never otherwise discover, and to observe the passion and care that go into every bottle. 

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or someone who just enjoys a good picnic, le pique-nique is a slice of French countryside magic that’s well worth toasting.