Our visit to Château-Grillet, the tiny Rhône jewel famous for its rare, golden-hued Viognier, turned into a memorable little fiasco. Slightly defeated but undeterred, we cracked open a humbler bottle of Viognier with an even humbler petit beurre along the Rhône. Simple, unpretentious, and unexpectedly magical. Proof that even a missed tasting can make for the perfect picnic. Santé!

Sourdough has less in common with supermarket bread than with wine: alive, temperamental, and full of personality. Bright, high-acid whites highlight its tang and crisp crust; stone-fruit Viognier complements its creamy, lactic side; off-dry Riesling balances spicy or funky toppings; light, earthy reds echo its chew and savoriness. The right wine transforms every loaf into an event.