Spring Picnic in Wine Country

Healthy Flower Snack for Kids Breakfast Fruit and Granola Tart

Spring Picnic in Wine Country

Oh spring. You are more gorgeous than ever this year. Our brown hills are green for the first time in a very long time and poppies are popping up everywhere. A few weeks ago we celebrated my birthday by spending Sunday in one of my favorite places: wine country. Santa Ynez is just over the hill, about 30 minutes away, but feels worlds away. It's so incredibly peaceful that I feel like I must be in Tuscany or Provence.

Before we left, I hopped out of bed early and made a picnic. The main event was a vegetarian "BLT" inspired sandwich. I love making one huge sammy on a loaf of baguette or ciabatta and then slicing it into individual portions. My veggie "BLT" was layered high with cucumber, avocado, tomato, greens, and feta cheese. I just used veganaise and mustard, but I think next time I would slather the bread with pesto or hummus and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette over the greens instead.

We met up with family at Gainey Vineyard, which is one of the best spots for picnics with kids. There is a big fenced in lawn with picnic tables just begging for family gatherings. My mom and I enjoyed a delicious flight of wines with our lunch.

Is there anything more lovely than fruit? I piled a pie dish high with mango, mandarin oranges, blood oranges, blueberries, and kiwi.

The kids got to do just what kids should - run around in the sunshine. Cows in the background are a bonus.

I love a good colorful veggie sammy.

And chocolate chippers with big melty hunks for dessert.

Cheers to a fresh new season!
Ideas for your own spring picnic: Veggie Sandwiches and BLTs Fruit PlatterCheese and Crackers Chocolate Chip Cookies