There are things you should never forget to take on a picnic...
extra sandwiches, midge repellent and a cheese knife are all important. However, I believe that the most important thing to take on a picnic is a corkscrew.
Imagine getting the gingham cloth just right, plates beautifully positioned, and the perfectly chilled Puligny just so. Then you pat your pocket. And the other one. And you look around desperately for a solution to your plight, only to find you're in an idyllic meadow, with a rabbit looking at you quizzically. Not a corkscrew in sight.
Of course, there are other solutions. Stelvin closures (screw-tops) are becoming more common, and some shops have more 'tin hats' than corks on their shelves. We love them for their accessibility and there is no possibility of the wine being affected by cork taint. A real picnic treat is chilled Macon Rose from M&S (£7.99) made from the fruity Gamay grape.
Glass corks or stoppers are slowly filtering into the market and would certainly provide a talking point over lunch. Look for the Sicilian Cusumano (Benuara and Angimbe) wines for a good example of a lovely red and white under a glass cork.
But, if your favourite bottle comes with a cork, remember your opener. There are lots to choose from; t-shaped, twin-lever, lever-arm and (heaven help us) the electric rabbit. My favourite is the classic and reliable waiter's friend or wine knife. I find it's by far the easiest way to pop your cork and it easily fits in your pocket. Available from most supermarkets as well as from Amazon, from about £6.
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