Season of the Shift: What Fall Teaches Us About Alignment

October always feels like a quiet invitation to realign. The rush of summer fades, the light changes, and there’s a softness in the air that says: you don’t have to keep pushing—you can just be. We light candles again. We pour something a little warmer, a little richer. And we gather in closer. This shift is everywhere at Picnic. The music moves indoors, the conversations deepen, and the wines start to reflect the season—earthy, textural,…

The Art of the Pause

,

May is a month of quiet transformation. The days grow longer, the trees burst into bloom, and everything seems to exhale after the long stretch of winter and early spring. At Picnic, May always feels like an invitation to slow down, take it in, and make space for the things that truly matter. As I prepare to lead a group of travelers through Sicily—winding from the slopes of Mount Etna to the shores of Marsala—I’m…

A Trip, A Solar Eclipse, and A Deeper Purpose

“Do not lose heart. We were made for these times.” —Clarissa Pinkola Estés There’s a lot going on in the world right now. Some days it feels like we’re spinning faster than we can keep up—with uncertainty, chaos, and division flooding our feeds and our hearts. And yet… amidst the overwhelm, beauty still exists. Joy still matters. And purpose still calls. Later this week, I leave for Spain. It’s part work, part dream. I’ll be…

Women’s History Month: A Celebration, A Stand, and A Call to Keep Moving Forward

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the progress we’ve made, the women who have paved the way, and the undeniable power of our voices. But it’s also a time to acknowledge the fight that still exists—to ensure we don’t move backward. Why This Matters to Me As a single mother navigating the corporate world, I have lived the reality of being underestimated in industries that were never built for women. Finance, construction,…

The Day Everything Changed

Are you stuck in a life that feels like a never-ending grind? I was. As a financial consultant, I worked endless hours, traveling for business but never for pleasure. My health, happiness, and passions were sidelined by stress, deadlines, and the pursuit of “success.” But everything changed during a 3 ½ week trip to Italy—a trip that wasn’t just an escape but the beginning of a new life. Halfway through a cycling tour along Puglia’s…

Remembering Bob Levin – A Kind Heart, A Generous Spirit

On our recent journey through Italy, we were hit with the heartbreaking news that one of our dearest neighbors and customers, Bob Levin, had tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident while biking. The news weighed heavily on us during our travels, but it also shifted our mindset toward reflection and gratitude. For those who knew Bob, he was a pillar of positivity. Always thankful for what he had, Bob lived his life helping…

Exploring Oregon’s Wine Country: A Journey of Connection, Flavor, and Unforgettable Moments

This August, we embarked on a truly special journey through Oregon’s wine country as part of our Picnic Wine Adventures. For me, this trip was more than just a chance to explore incredible wines—it was a homecoming, an opportunity to share the place where I was born and raised with a group of wonderful people. Our journey was filled with laughter, learning, and experiences that brought us closer together, all set against the backdrop of…

Celebrating Five Years of Adventure, Connection, and Art at Picnic

,

As I write this, I am filled with a mix of emotions. On July 19th, we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of Picnic Wine & Provisions, a milestone that fills me with immense pride and joy. Yet, I will not be at Picnic to mark this special occasion as I will be in Oregon, celebrating another significant milestone: my son’s wedding. While I am thrilled to be part of his special day, I can’t help…

Discover the Elegance of Franciacorta at Picnic

Dear friends and wine enthusiasts, We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Franciacorta Restaurant Week at Picnic! From June 1st to June 15th, we invite you to join us in celebrating the exquisite charm of Franciacorta, Italy’s premier sparkling wine. Throughout these two weeks, we will be serving Franciacorta by the glass and bottle, offering you the chance to indulge in this luxurious wine right here at Picnic. To kick off the festivities, we…

Embracing My Roots: A Journey to Oregon’s Wine Country

As we step into May, which is also Oregon Wine Month, I’m filled with a sense of pride and nostalgia. I was born and raised in Oregon, a place not just of stunning landscapes but of profound experiences that have shaped who I am today. This month, I want to share a part of my story, the connection I have with Oregon, and why I am so excited to bring Picnic Travel to this special…