Summer is the season for long lunches. Think stylish outdoor settings, gorgeous tables, fresh seafood, decadent salads, beautiful seasonal fruit, floral dresses, linen shirts, and of course, a couple of bottles of some really nice wine. In other words, all of the things that make summer our favourite season.

The only trouble is knowing what to do when you’re hosting. There’s a lot of inspiration available online, but once you fall down that rabbit hole, it can be overwhelming. It’s different to just entertaining friends in your home. It’s more of an occasion, making a statement about who you are, which means it’s time to roll out the dishes you’ve been keeping for a special occasion, prepare a menu, and invest in a quality drop.

It’s always tempting to tell people to bring their own drinks, but the truth is that supplying the wine is the easiest way to dial up your long lunch and create a lasting impression. An excellent pairing can lift a meal to a new level. But perhaps even better than that, knowing the story of the wine is always sure to impress.

So where do you start? This summer, premium New Zealand winery Cloudy Bay has collaborated with boutique Australian homewares brand In the Roundhouse to launch a long lunch set that makes stylish dining a breeze. It’s perfect in two ways. If you’re hosting your first long lunch at home, it’s a wonderful way to treat yourself while creating a beautiful tablescape your friends can enjoy all afternoon. Or if you’re friends with someone who loves to entertain (and is difficult to buy for), it’s a beautiful gift.

The set includes two wines: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021 and Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2019.

The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is bright and focused, produced during an exceptional harvest. It’s a refreshing addition to any long lunch – particularly if you plan to include fruity elements in your dishes. It matches flawlessly with citrus, such as grapefruit and lime, which makes it ideal with salmon or greens. However, it also has a touch of passionfruit, which is excellent with a variety of summer desserts, such as mini pavlovas.

The Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is elegant and versatile. It’s the perfect wine to take when you don’t know what’s on the menu – or, if you’re planning ahead, it’s ideal for your aperitif, paired with prosciutto or soft cheeses and served with ciabatta bread, to set the tone for the fun afternoon you have in store.

This set is an easy way to add depth to your table. It includes four custom designed In the Roundhouse designed by artisan Francesca Athas, with motifs inspired by New Zealand’s South Island that combine modern charm with the pragmatism of being microwave and dishwasher safe. It also includes menu cards and name place cards to complete your stylish tablescape.

There’s a reason these two brands have a cult following. This collaboration is perfect for the meals where you want to put effort into what you wear and take care dressing the table. Of course, the premium social content never hurts, but it’s more about immersing yourself into a moment and savouring every second.

All you need now is a trip to your local fish market, some fresh summer produce, and a guest list.

The Cloudy Bay X In the Roundhouse long lunch set is available exclusively through David Jones, RRP $200.

Special occasions deserve special wine. Long lunches, fancy dinners, summer parties, dressing up – these are the moments that are perfect for Cloudy Bay. Learn more at Cloudy Bay Wines or In the Roundhouse.

Cloudy Bay Wines are crafted to be enjoyed responsibly. You must be over the age of 18 to purchase.