There’s nothing quite like sipping wine in the fresh country air—and at Big Creek Winery, we’ve made it easy to turn an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable one. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a loyal fan, this guide will help you plan the perfect picnic day right here in the heart of Middle Tennessee.
🍷 Step One: Choose Your Wine & Cheese Pairings
The first step to any good winery picnic is—of course—the wine! Big Creek Winery offers a wide variety of handcrafted Tennessee wines to suit every palate, from sweet fruit wines to dry reds and crisp whites. For a classic summer picnic, try:
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Muscadine Blush – Sweet, smooth, and perfect with salty snacks and tangy cheeses.
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Dry Blackberry – A fruit-forward red that’s amazing with grilled meats and rich cheeses.
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Traminette – A semi-dry white with floral notes, great for light fare like chicken salad or hummus with veggies.
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Red Muscadine – A classic southern wine that pairs beautifully with peppery cheeses or cured meats.
Big Creek Winery proudly carries Flowers Creamery cheeses, handcrafted just down the road in Ethridge, TN. We recommend pairing:
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Clabber Hill Cheddar with Red Muscadine for a Southern favorite combo.
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Peppered Gouda with Dry Blackberry to highlight bold flavors.
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Tomato Basil Havarti with Traminette or Muscadine Blush for a garden-fresh match.
These cheeses are conveniently available in our tasting room—making it easy to create your perfect spread.
🪑 Step Two: Pick Your Picnic Spot
At Big Creek Winery, we’ve got plenty of relaxing spots for you to settle in with your picnic:
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The Big Tent – Our most popular picnic location! Shaded, breezy, and furnished with comfortable chairs and large tables perfect for spreading out your goodies.
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The Patio – Umbrella-covered tables offer both shade and sunshine, with plenty of room to sip, snack, and socialize.
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Indoor Bistro Tables – On a warm day or chilly evening, our cozy indoor space is a great spot to enjoy your wine with a charming view.
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Bring-Your-Own – Want to stretch out on the lawn? Bring a blanket or a favorite lawn chair and find your perfect corner of the winery grounds. It doesn’t get more relaxing—or more Southern—than that!
🧺 Step Three: Build Your Picnic Basket
Need a little inspiration for what to bring? Here are a few picnic-perfect ideas that pair well with Big Creek wines:
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Crackers & Breads – Choose crusty baguettes, sourdough rounds, or crisp crackers to pair with your cheeses.
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Fresh Fruit – Grapes, strawberries, apples, or figs are beautiful on a platter and elevate any cheese board.
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Savory Additions – Sliced salami, prosciutto, or smoked turkey make excellent additions.
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Pickles & Olives – Add a little briny contrast to your creamy cheeses and rich wines.
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Sweet Treats – Chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, or a slice of pound cake are the perfect finish.
And don’t forget: We provide the wine—no outside alcohol is permitted on site. But everything else is up to you!
🌞 Extra Tips for Your Visit
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Stay a While: We encourage guests to relax and enjoy themselves—our space is meant for lingering.
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Plan Ahead: Weekends can get busy! Consider arriving early to claim your favorite picnic spot.
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Check the Weather: Our tent and indoor areas offer shade and shelter, but a sunny day is always ideal for a lawn picnic.
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Snap a Photo: Tag us @BigCreekWinery and show off your setup—we love seeing our guests enjoying their time here!