Picnics in Lombardy for a gourmet nature retreat
Among vineyards, orchards and unexpected views, the best picnics for a gourmet escape from the city
The latest trend in open-air food and wine experiences is picnics: afternoon snacks, aperitivos and tastings across the Lombard countryside, among vineyards, orchards and sweeping views. These culinary gatherings celebrate local produce with a bottle of regional wine, surrounded by the timeless charm of rolling hills and lush greenery, under fairy lights, on gingham cloths with a classic wicker hamper.
Cascine, farm estates and unexpected spots turn into the ideal backdrop for an evocative gourmet escape filled with summer flavours. Province by province, Flawless has selected the best picnics in Lombardy: taste-driven gatherings for a refreshing country retreat far from city life.
Azienda Agricola F.lli Scotti | Cascina Pizzo
Mediglia (MI)
Set in the leafy heart of Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, this farm reflects the passion of the Scotti family, who have produced vegetables, grains and eggs for centuries. Come summer, Cascina Pizzo hosts its picnic among the cherry trees: an open-air aperitivo sheltered by fruit branches, offering a choice of three menus packed in traditional wicker hampers (Gourmet, Goloso and L’Abbondante). Checked tablecloths, straw bales, plush floor cushions, fairy lights and candles set the scene for a truly memorable summer evening.
Galbusera Nera
Valletta Brianza (LC)
A few kilometres from Milan, in the green haven of Brianza, Parco del Curone is home to Galbusera Nera, a farmhouse nestled among rows of vines. During the warmer months, it celebrates local produce with its “pick and sit” experience, an atmospheric dinner in the vineyard held every Friday and Saturday evening in summer, bookable by 4pm the previous day. Choose from several curated menus – Atmosfera, Costa, Natura, Libertà and Bambini – collected on arrival before settling at rustic wooden tables and barrels set across the vineyard terraces.
Cantina Mosnel
Camignone (BS)
In the heart of Franciacorta, Cantina Mosnel, with its historic residence and 16th-century cellars, bears witness to a centuries-old winemaking heritage centred on wine production. A scenic hillside setting that, for spring-summer 2021, turns into a natural stage for a curated picnic among the vines. Four menus created by four chefs from renowned local restaurants are ready to delight guests over summer weekends, accompanied by a chilled bottle of Franciacorta Brut (one between two), screen-printed glasses and a special cellar tour, to enjoy before or after the meal.
Azienda Agricola Pecis
San Paolo D’Argon (BG)
A few kilometres from Bergamo, on the slopes of the hill of San Paolo D’Argon, Azienda Agricola Pecis, founded in the 80s, preserves a tradition passed down through generations, with two hectares of vineyards at the heart of its production, spanning still wines, passito, classic-method sparklers and apple cider. An outing into lush greenery awaits with their picnic in the vineyard experience: a tasting of the estate’s and local produce, settled among the rows with a traditional wooden crate for a toast to the countryside and its fragrant harvest.
Azienda Agricola Valdamonte
Santa Maria della Versa (PV)
Across the rolling hills of Oltrepò Pavese, near Pavia and Milan, Azienda Agricola Valdamonte covers 21 hectares, 15 of which are planted with vines. Built on the Fiori family’s passion for nature, winemaking is now overseen at every stage by Alberto. To explore the terroir first-hand, book their vineyard picnic – an afternoon spread among the vines, bookable with at least two days’ notice. You will receive a picnic kit and cloth bag containing a tablecloth, wine, water, local cheeses and charcuterie, house-made bread, glasses and tableware.
Pic-Unique
Lombardy
Rather than a fixed venue, Pic-Unique is a dynamic young team orchestrating bespoke picnics in evocative, lesser-known or normally private settings. At the helm are Carolina, Francesco and Martina, creative planners and open-air enthusiasts who have been curating atmospheric picnics since 2020. Their recent concepts include sunset picnics on the shores of Lake Como; check their official Instagram profile to discover their next dates.
Oasi Galbusera Bianca
Valletta Brianza (LC)
Oasi Galbusera Bianca is a charming organic retreat set within Parco del Curone, surrounded by unspoilt nature and cultivated fields. Its fruit orchards set the scene for the “pick and sit” experience in the orchard, offering three menus – Oasi, Luna and Atmosfera – to enjoy beneath fragrant apple and fig trees. Large rugs, cushions, handmade low tables and soft fairy lights add a romantic touch to the evening, accompanied by the summer breeze and the tranquil pace of the countryside.
