Great food and wine. Close family and friends. Let’s keep things real (and tasty) this July.

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Eco-friendly wine in a can

There are a few reasons why we’re raving about the new Robertson Single Serve wines. Firstly, they’re 200ml, so they’re the perfect serve … exactly what you want if you’re just after one glass. Secondly, they’re packaged in a can, which makes them very convenient to carry for hiking, camping, and alfresco get-togethers. Thirdly … there’s a red and white option. Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (fresh and dry with generous notes of green apples and melons) and Merlot 2019 (rich and smooth with ripe, punchy plum and sweet black cherry flavours and a velvet finish).  Lastly, they tick the eco-friendly box … the lightweight packaging significantly reduces the carbon footprint, they’re 100 per cent recyclable (more recyclable than glass) and can be recycled over and over again. You’ll find them for around R25 each, and can buy them online at shop.robertsonwinery.co.za.

Kitchen Queen … this is me!

‘This is me. Not just the curry, maize or seven colours queen, but the Kitchen Queen.’

From teacher to actress, singer and TV personality, then on to foodie and social media influencer, Lucia Mthiyane has had a colourful life. Now she shares her favourite and most re-posted recipes – food, she says, that’s ‘infused with flavour and flair, enthused with love and light and grace’. Expect dishes ranging from Zulu chicken to spinach with chorizo to chocolate brownies with a maize meal twist. Human & Rousseau, R375.

Guilt-free chocolate

This month we’re indulging with a clear conscience. GD Chocolate is made from natural ingredients, is free of diary, preservatives, refined sugars and high-fructose corn syrup. Sweetened with raw, unadulterated honey, it comes in soft-centred chocolates (called Buttercups) and slabs, in flavours like ginger, orange and mint. You’ll find them at Wellness Warehouse (including the online store), selected Spars and health stores and delis, for around R53 for the slabs, R20 for the Buttercups.

Organic Pinot Noir

Grounded humans and enlightened grapes equal honest wines. Which is what Elgin Ridge Wines is all about. Known for producing outstanding certified biodynamic and organic wines, the latest release – Elgin CRUNCH! Pinot Noir 2019 – doesn’t disappoint. It’s young and fresh – perfect for all year round enjoyment. This winter we’ll be drinking it with pasta and rice-based dishes … it also goes well (believe it or not) with goats’ cheeses. R125 a bottle. Details: elginridge.com

If you can’t go to the wine farm tasting room…

Let the tasting room come to you.

How genius is this? A full wine tasting room experience in the comfort of your own home. Yes, please! The Steenberg @ Home experience includes a variety of wines in mixed-case selections and to guide you through your tasting, brings Cellarmaster Elunda Basson into your home through video clips … clips featuring the cellarmaster and tasting room ambassadors who’ll captivate you with interesting wine stories and guide you through the tasting as if you were sitting in Steenberg’s plush tasting lounge or on the outstretched terrace. Each tasting pack also includes a luxurious brochure guiding you through the full Steenberg wine experience complete with tasting notes, winemaking information and food pairing suggestions. There are three different tastings selections. With a Méthode Cap Classique, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Rosé and three red wines, the Classic Tasting Selection is ideal for aspiring wine enthusiasts and a great snapshot of what Steenberg has to offer. If bubbles are your thing, then raise your glass to the Bubbly Tasting Selection … this starts with the fresh and youthful Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc followed by Steenberg’s acclaimed and elegant Méthode Cap Classique range, including the flagship prestige cuvée, Lady R. And if you’re looking to splurge, then try the Flagship Tasting Selection with the blue-blooded Italian Nebbiolo, the Natural Sweet Semillon and the iconic and intense Catharina Red Blend being some of the signature wines representing the best of Steenberg in this flight.

For details and to order, visit steenbergfarm.com and follow @SteenbergFarm on Facebook and Instagram.

Stir it up in your kitchen … with two of our favourite foodies

If you’re a true foodie like us, then food guru Karen Short of By Word of Mouth’s cooking classes will be one of your highlights this month.

Karen will share delicious (and very easy to follow!) recipes, straight from her farm kitchen to your home. If her veggie cooking class was anything to go by, then we simply cannot wait for what comes next. Stay tuned for info regarding the next class by following By Word of Mouth on Facebook. You’ll thank us later! Details: facebook.com/Bywordofmouth.sa

Do you have basic food knowledge, want to hone your skills, extend your repertoire and learn how easy it is to make simple, delicious food?

Sure you do! So DO NOT miss any of the online cooking courses by stylish chef Susan Greig. These Zoom courses are not only hugely informative, but Susan is massively entertaining, too.  For July you’re going to cruise the Greek Islands, escape to exotic Morocco, have a Lebanese feast and get a taste of Thailand.  Delicious!  Pencil July 5, 12, 19 and 26 into your diary! Details and tickets: susangreig.co.za

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