White wines from Cassis (www.vinsdecassis.fr) are so superb that they were protected as an AOC region in 1936 (along with Châteauneuf-du-Pape, outside of Avignon). Most vintages are infused with flowery Marsanne from the Rhône Valley, and herby Clairette from Provence. Just a dozen small, mostly organic producers tend their ocean-facing vineyards that are planted from the port up to the Cassis train station. All can be toured (with free tasting sessions to those who wish to purchase a bottle or three) by foot or by bicycle using the free Vineyard Tour map from the Cassis Tourist Office. A final fact for your friends at home: AOC Cassis is the only appellation to be entirely included within a National Park. Au natural never tasted so good.