After years of intense growing, being trained and crushed by the best in the business and fermenting like a true champion, JOANNE WEIR CHARDONNAY 2010 JUST WON A GOLD MEDAL AT THE SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION!!! Congratulations, Chardonnay! It's a little against the grain to produce un-oaked Chardonnay in California, but doing so makes it really easy to pair with food.

For years, I have been exploring the regions all over the world that bring us great wine and the ingredients for delicious dishes to enjoy with them, so I thought I would bring the wine country lifestyle to you, wherever you may be! As you get your picnic blankets ready, here are some ways to get in the mood:

1. Don't skimp on the ingredients! If you aren't gardening yourself, head to your local farmer's market to find the most flavorful and freshest produce. Buy a great bottle of golden extra virgin olive oil, some nice "finishing" salt and get inspired!
2. Keep it simple! Why do meals we have on vacation seem to taste so good? It's because we're relaxed enough to enjoy them! Try a simple salad for dinner, like Seared Scallops with Fennel and Lemon Relish with a glass (or two) of my Chardonnay.
3. Do it ahead. If the idea of cooking dinner in the heat of the early evening has you ready to jump ship, try Pork Roasted the Way the Tuscans Do! This is a fantastic make-ahead dish to serve room temperature on a picnic alongside your favorite potato salad. Don't forget a bottle of slightly chilled Beaujolais.
4. Experiment. Think outside the bun and try Grilled Flank Steak with Gorgonzola Butter with my Cabernet Sauvignon!
5. Have dessert. It doesn't need to be a big project and will give you and your friends and family a bit longer to enjoy time together. Try this: Three Minute Almond Cake with Fresh Summer Berries. I am not joking, this cake comes together in no time!! Pair this with ice-cold Moscato!

If there's one thing in the world I love as much as food, it's wine!