The Ultimate March Picnic Wines from Bec Hardy
March Picnic Wines: Light Where They Should Be, Generous Where It Counts
March is picnic season done properly. The heat softens, the evenings stretch out, and suddenly wine becomes part of the day again - not something you battle against the weather, but something that belongs exactly where you are.
Whether you’re heading to the coast or spreading a rug at Tipsy Hill Estate with one of our Picnic Experiences, this is the moment to rethink your wine line-up. The goal? Wines that stay fresh in the sunshine but still deliver generosity and depth as the afternoon rolls on.
Here’s how to build the perfect March picnic selection - without overthinking it.
March sunshine demands restraint early on. Fresh, aromatic whites and sparkling wines set the tone without fatigue.
What to look for
- Bright acidity
- Moderate alcohol
- Clean, refreshing finishes
From our range, this is where our Blewitt Springs classic Lot 94 BSR Chardonnay 2024 and Bec Hardy Sparkling come into their own - polished, generous, but never heavy. These are wines that don’t rush you; they invite you to settle in. If Riesling tickles your fancy for those oysters, then it has to be our Clare Valley Riesling 2024 – only made because it is Bec’s favorite variety!
Perfect with simple grazing - cheeses, cold chicken, seafood, fresh bread and ideal for opening first, not “saving for later”.
As the afternoon unfolds, rosé and lighter reds quietly do the heavy lifting. They’re flexible, crowd-pleasing and far more food-friendly than they get credit for.
Think:
- Dry rosé with texture, not sugar
- Tempranillo and Pinot Noir styles that shine with a slight chill
From Pertaringa, our outstanding 2024 GSM (Richard thinks it’s the best ever Two Gent’s he’s tasted) is a natural fit here - an unmistakable McLaren Vale expression that still knows when to behave. These are wines that work just as well on a picnic rug as they do at the table.
Here’s the truth: March doesn’t mean giving up Shiraz - it means choosing the right one.
Lighter, more elegant styles work beautifully as the sun drops and the air cools. This is where Pertaringa Undercover Shiraz shines, approachable, generous and designed for enjoyment, not ceremony.
And for those who like a proper crowd-pleaser on hand, the Bec Hardy “Family Crest” McLaren Vale Shiraz 2024 is the bottle people keep going back to. It’s also last orders, which makes opening one now feel not just justified but smart.
If packing eskies and planning menus isn’t your idea of fun, we’ve already solved that.
Our Tipsy Hill Estate Picnic Experience gives you space, views and food designed to match the moment - so you can focus on what to drink, not how to carry it. It’s also the perfect excuse to open something special in one of the most renowned private gardens in South Australia.
This is the setting where a museum wine finally makes sense. Or where a bottle of Yeoman Shiraz doesn’t feel indulgent, it feels right.
Some wines aren’t meant for the cupboard. They’re meant for days like this.
If you’re heading further afield, these are our go-to picnic spots once summer starts to ease:
Second Valley Beach (Fleurieu Peninsula)
Granite cliffs, clear water and cooling sea breezes. Go early, keep it simple, drink crisp.
Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot
Classic, relaxed and perfect for long afternoons that stretch into dinner.
Morialta Conservation Park (Adelaide Hills)
Leafy, cool and ideal for lighter reds and Grenache as the day winds down.
Raw, coastal and quietly spectacular. Bring wines that can handle a bit of sunshine.
Onkaparinga River National Park
Underrated and beautiful, with elevated views and cooler late afternoons.
March picnics reward balance. Start light, build texture, finish with generosity. Choose wines that suit the moment, not the label and don’t be afraid to open something special when the setting earns it.
Whether you’re picnicking by the sea, in the hills, or right here at Tipsy Hill Estate, this is the season to drink well, eat simply and stay longer than planned.
That’s what March is for.