Five Summer Occasions that Should Be Paired with a Glass of Sparkling

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There are those times that simply cry out for a glass of bubbly to lend a little class to the occasion: maybe you're celebrating big events, pulling out the stops for festivities or just raising a glass to the glorious sunny weather. To get you inspired for a summer of sparkle, we've paired a range of seasonally suitable activities with a fine Henkell Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. From camping to croquet, cookouts to private cruises, we're here to help you and your pals take this summer to its finest, fizziest heights. Make the most of the great outdoors and Queensland warmth — here are five ways to enjoy the season with a glass of sparkles in hand.

Paul Ewart.

PICTURESQUE GLAMPING

Brisbane has a ton of glamping options within easy reach but far enough from the city hubbub. You can join the regular parties up at Glamping Maleny — they bring the open fire and activities like archery, quad biking and woodchopping, you BYO tipple. Or head to a beachside, tropical locale at Stradbroke Island's Minjerribah Camping. Its mini Adder Rock village of glamping tents, under the native tea trees and pandanus, features every amenity you'd need on a camping trip (and then some; hi, free wifi), plus water views. And naturally, there's nothing more 'glam' than a glass of sparkling to round it all off. Whether you've spent your day hiking, swimming or learning new outdoor skills, you deserve to feel fancy when you settle back around the campfire together. Roast some marshmallows and toast to living your best life.

Emily Davies.

SUNNY PICNICS

Brisbane has a number of BYO parks, and this summer it's high time you got intimately acquainted. After all, who doesn't love a picnic? Spread out your blankets in New Farm Park, Celebration Lawn in Roma Street Parklands, The Green at South Bank or the aptly named Picnic Island, and enjoy the fresh air, nature and fizzy wine to your heart's content. You might catch some live music, but food, bevs and fine company are really the main event. Pack a picnic, fire up the park barbie or stop by one of the nearby delis to pick up gourmet goodies to complement a warm afternoon on the grass with a couple chilled bottles of Henken Blanc de Blancs.

BACKYARD BARBIE

There's not much else that says Aussie summer than chucking some fresh seafood on the barbie. Pair it with a glass of sparkling, and you'll really be in full swing. Luckily for u,s we're right near a scuttling crop of Moreton Bay bugs and plenty more delectable sea creatures ready for your summer cookout. The scrumptious soft-fleshed beasties can, of course, be thrown on the barbie, but you may also consider a New England-style boil — bugs or lobsters with corn, potato, sausage, lemon and lashings of butter — to feed a hungry crowd.

CLASSY LAWN GAMES

If you're after old-fashioned fun with some old-world class, rent the croquet grounds at McIlwraith Croquet Club for an afternoon. This Auchenflower institution, located in a beautiful wooden heritage building, is perfect for a sophisticated summer do. A sport where you can stroll and chat, drink-in-hand? Sign us up. Wearing your finest white linens and wide-brimmed hats (sun safety first, people), pop some bottles of Henkell Trocken on ice, and undertake the most leisurely and genteel of battles. Lay out the finger sandwiches, scones and fruitcake — or if that's just one step too far, fire up the barbie and slap a few snags on there. Either way, it'll all be simply marvellous.

DAYS ON THE RIVER

The riverboat party is a glorious way to see this city, bubbly in hand as you catch some respite from the heat thanks to that river breeze. Do it all yourself with Aquarius cruise charters; the whole boat is yours to decorate and fill to the gills with your heartiest crew. The boat will pick you up at Dockside in Kangaroo Point and whisk you away for a riverboat adventure. If you like, Aquarius can cater the whole affair, or you can BYO eats and stock the bar for a personalised cruise along the Brisbane River. If you're having too much maritime fun, you can also extend for an additional fee.

Summer is here and it's time to pop the bubbly. Pick up a bottle of Henkell Blanc de Blancs or Henkell Trocken for your next sparkling occasion.