Pune Wine Tasting Festival Opens
Saturday, 13 Dec 2008
By Ashvina Vakil
It was a warm day but that didn’t stop the hundreds of visitors to the Second Pune Wine Tasting Festival from enjoying hours sampling the more than 50 wines that were on offer. Colourful gazebos housed 13 wineries, representatives of which were on their feet all day serving the endless stream of wine enthusiasts. “Where shall I begin,” exclaimed a visitor, and you couldn’t blame her for being confused; anyone faced by such an array of wines would have a starting problem!
Others plunged into the tasting with greater abandon and the lawns of Rohi Villa were soon dotted by a variety of visitors sniffing, swirling, and yes, even spitting like true connoisseurs. While some stuck to tasting pours, taking the business of tasting very seriously, others were content to relax at a table with their favourite wine. They weren’t in any hurry to get through the fabulous range of wines, which included varietals such as Rose, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Shiraz, Merlot, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
Gourmet finger food was being dished out elsewhere and between sips visitors had a choice of kebabs, sushi, pasta, and Cajun fish and chicken. There were free tastings of jumbo prawns and Boursin cheese. The gelato stand had Strawberry Champagne and Sangria Sorbets in keeping with the spirit of things, while Amaretto had chocolates on offer. At the tapas bar the menu featured mouthwatering items including Lamb Empanadas, Chicken Sausage and Egg Strudel, Prawns and Leek Quiche, White Wine and Parsley marinated Squid, and Onion and Olive Foccacia.
A wine appreciation talk by winemaker Paul Bailey was very enlightening, while Chef Parag Kanhere’s ‘Cooking with Wine’ show drew an eager crowd. Other highlights included a stall selling wine festival souvenirs, a wine cocktail show, lucky dip prizes, a stall offering foot massages, and even a stall introducing a homemade beer maker!
If you weren’t at the Festival on Saturday you still have a chance to experience all this and more on Sunday, 14th December between 11 am and 6 pm. Do make it a point to attend. Such an event only comes around once a year – not only is it educative, it’s also great fun!
