Here’s the truth: I could eat a grilled cheese sandwich every day for the rest of my life.

The balance of flavors and textures is just, well, perfect. Crunchy toast and gooey cheese combine to create one of the most satisfying bites in the world.

But there’s another reason I like the toasted sandwich so, so, so much.

The format translates beautifully to something more sophisticated, the kind of sandwich you could make two of, plate with a couple gourmet potato chips, and savor with a glass of wine–and a good friend.

Here, I deck out my favorite sandwich with irresistible honey mustard and sweet apple slices, both of which match irresistibly with sharp cheddar on slices of seven-grain. In turn, the grilled cheese, with its sweet flavors and cheesy richness, pairs with a glass (or two!) of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay.

Maybe it’s the honey mustard or the focus on a a sandwich as dinner, but something about this meal makes me think of picnics, of summer, of lounging out on a blanket in the park. So I’ll take that for what it is: here’s your ticket to a late winter’s picnic!