When I was growing up, summer was about simplicity…and food. Going to the beach and bodysurfing in the cold Pacific until my lips were blue and my teeth chattering, then warming up on the hot sand with picnic sandwiches and chips. Camping trips to Sierra Nevada lakes where wild packs of youths roamed the campground while our parents played cards, everyone coming together at the end of the day around campfires to stuff ourselves on sausages, fresh-caught trout, and watermelon. It felt like endless down-time, with the long, hot days rolling by one after the next, the only challenge being how to fill the languid hours.
     A case of wine can’t bring back those carefree days, but simplicity still exists, even if it’s a more adult version. Grab a bottle for that impromptu pool party at the neighbor’s, or be equipped to keep the parents entertained when your kid’s afternoon playdate stretches into dinner. You can even pour a splash of rose? into a water bottle for a mid-hike respite.With a mix of old and new favorites—sparkling, whites, rosés, and reds—and an eye toward versatility, this sampler is tailor made for summer days where the best pairing is the one that’s right at hand. Just grab a bottle and go. It’s that simple.