On the grapevine

South Africa goes dry again: For the fourth time during the pandemic, the whole of South Africa has been banned from buying alcohol. This means that shops, restaurants and wine estates cannot sell their stock. It doesn’t just affect the drinking classes, this affects truck drivers who deliver wine to the shops, people who work in shops and restaurants and pourers at wine estates. South Africa needs help to sell its wines. Pick up a bottle today. Head to Tesco for Bruce Jack’s powerful, fruity Shiraz Malbec £7 or £6 until July 12 if you have a Tesco Clubcard. I know this producer looks after his workers even when there is no work. The same goes for many other estates such as Bosman which is equally owned by the workers. Head to the Co-op for Adama Fairtrade White £10. Mainly Chenin with Grenache Blanc it is a rounded, structured white with honeysuckle and lemon flavours.

Sipping Society: Now that we are allowed to gather in limited numbers, the Sipping Society at Martinez in Bingley has started up again. Ring them on 01274 565000 to reserve your place at the Transylvanian tasting on July 20. The Ilkley Sipping Society is also back in action with tastings on August 11, September 8 and October 1 when wines from Liberty, the Rhône and Romania will be opened and tasted. Ring 01943 600000.

Perrin Côtes du Rhône: Famille Perrin make excellent quality wines and their seemingly ordinary Côtes du Rhône stands head and shoulders above most others. Bon Coeur Fine Wines (01325 776446) has some of the last stock of the gorgeous 2018 vintage at £9.99 when you buy a case. Every home should have a case of this wine, to see you through summer barbecues and autumn suppers. Stocks limited.