I realise wine might not be on everyone’s list of ‘essentials’ but given we’re currently home schooling whilst working from home, it’s definitely on mine. I topped up with a few cases from our local independent wine shop earlier this week and if you’re thinking of doing the same, this list of wine shops still delivering on jancisrobinson.com might help. I’ve also been trying to do a quick daily dose of online Pilates with my friend & Pilates teacher Juliet to help me stay mobile/sane. She’s uploaded lots of videos to her Facebook page (Juliet’s Pilates) so you can do them in your own time (we’re doing Prosecco Pilates next Tuesday at 7pm via Facebook Live if you want to join. Bring your own, obviously). I’ve got my book club meeting tonight via Google hangout, drinks with neighbours via Zoom on Saturday and lunch with my mum via FaceTime on Sunday. Talk about virtual reality. Sending love to you and yours.

 

Current gin on the side: Verdant Gin

Price: £35.00 - Buy From Verdant Spirits

Former winner of Scottish Gin of the Year, this is one for anyone who likes their gin on the juniper-y side. Made in a distillery in Dundee by ex-Formula 1 executive Andrew Mackenzie, it’s clean, crisp and strong. He’s recently switched his production line over to making hand sanitiser for his local community but I highly recommend his gin too. Wonderful stuff.

Current red in the rack: Tesco Beaujolais

Price: £5 - Buy From Tesco

This fruity little number played a starring role on last week’s Saturday Kitchen matched with gammon, egg and chips (star guest Anton du Beke’s idea of food heaven, apparently). And it absolutely did not disappoint, all juicy raspberry and blackberry fruit flavours with lovely soft tannins (you don’t want anything too tannic with gammon, ideally). And a relative steal at the price, too. Lovely spring-like red guaranteed to put a spring in your step.