Sip your wine, nibble on cheese, learn how to cook with wine, stomp in a slush of grapes, and even learn enough about it all to go back and brag to your friends. This weekend is when the Fete du Vin, a wine and cheese festival, is happening in UB City.
You will find here Four Seasons, Grover Zampa, Sula Wines, Moet Hennessey, Kerry Gold, Bread Works, Fratteli Wines, Enoteca, O2 Spa, Karen Anand, Prestige Cellar, Himalayan Cheese, Fawa, -- all participating at the festival. A special workshop by Chef Goutham of Toscano, on cooking with wine, A class on ‘Wine and Cheese – Eternal Friends’ will initiate you on how best to pair wines and cheese. The Art of Tasting Wine will demystify wine vocabulary and explain how to taste, smell and savour a glass of wine.
But aren’t Bengalureans pretty in with it, when it comes to wine? “People drink wine purely by recommendation. Very few actually have adequate knowledge about the subject, and so many are willing to jump at the possibility of getting some additional lowdown,” offers Girish Khare, founder and principal consultant of The BrainstrustDF, which is organising the fest. The average Bengalurean is definitely more educated and more interested in the subject, admits Girish. “The food clubs and food bloggers are thriving communities; wine connoisseurs, sommeliers, flock to the city, knowing that their skill sets will add value and are therefore appreciated.”
He also stresses that Bengaluru’s folks are always up for something innovative, new or even a new spin on an old idea. “Just take a look at the cuisines the city offers; even better, take a look at the footfall at these places. And Bengaluru has room for much more,” he adds.
Wine app
Also something to look forward to is the launch of a special app developed by a Bengaluru-based tech company that explains everything about a particular wine, merely by scanning its label.
Acclaimed wine trainer Gaurav Thapar, who has studied the art in New Zealand and London, will guide people on appreciating the nuances of wine-tasting. A unique session on painting with wine, called Canvas and Wine, will introduce a little-known art form.
But without doubt what will bring people much glee is the grand old tradition of grape stomping on both days. Get all messy and gooey with grapes at your feet.
There’s live music -- vocalist Megha Shankar of the Nathaniel Music School will croon her popular numbers. Popular band Mellowdyn will set the mood. The festival will close with singing superstar Soundarya’s performance.
Fete du Vin is on July 9 and 10, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Piazza, 2nd floor, UB City. Tickets, priced Rs. 1,000 to 1,500 are available on BookMyShow.
