This July, we teamed up with Millcreek Mercantile and Jim Santangelo of the Wine Academy of Utah to craft the perfect picnic pairings for your next mountain adventure. Think of it as your grab-and-go guide to local flavor—compact, crave-worthy snacks and sips designed for trailside toasts and alpine lounging.
Start with Beehive Cheese’s Apple Walnut Smoked, a smooth Uintah-based cheese kissed with subtle sweetness and a toasty edge. Jim suggests pairing it with Sugarhouse Distilling’s Pineapple Coconut ready-to-drink cocktail. At 10% ABV and packed in a 12 oz can, it’s both breezy and bold—just like your favorite summit trail.
Next, Creminelli’s cured meats from Salt Lake City practically demand a luxurious pour. Enter Field Recordings' Boxie Orange Wine, a 3-liter box of sunshine. “Orange wine works beautifully with charcuterie,” says Jim. “It’s aromatic, textured, and travels better than glass.” With a sturdy pour and citrusy brightness, it can elevate any impromptu grazing board on the go.
Laziz’s Mediterranean offerings (think hummus, dolmas, and bright salads) find their match in Elemental Pinot Noir, packaged in shatterproof, chill-friendly aluminum bottles. It’s red wine made for motion: sharable, smooth, and perfect at elevation. Bonus: it chills quickly in a cold creek or snowmelt stream, making it ideal for hot summer days.
And finally, bring the heat with Salsa Del Diablo, a Salt Lake City staple known for its smoky, spicy depth. Jim pairs it with Simplicity Cocktails’ Mango & Passion Fruit Margarita, a tangy, tropical blend in a 12 oz can that’s gluten-free and a friendly 7% ABV. The spice-meets-fruit combo? Unforgettable. “It’s fun, refreshing, and it stands up to the bold flavors in the salsa,” Jim notes. The contrast makes every bite and sip more vibrant.
So whether you're hiking, hammocking, or just sneaking away to your favorite canyon picnic table, these local pairings are a taste of Utah at its adventurous best.
Easy to pack. Easy to love. Cheers to snacks with soul and drinks with a view—because food tastes better under open skies, and wine always pairs well with a little elevation.