Wine & Dine

The selection of wines too is no longer just restricted to reds or whites. “Sparkling wine is fast becoming popular and organisers often ask us to serve them with an extensive list,” adds Makroo.

At the recently held pre-Valentine’s bash hosted by Montblanc,the German luxury label that houses a boutique in the city,the city’s swish set swirled their reds and raised a toast with their choice of white wines. “With most of us working on weekends,wine offers the perfect sip,” mentioned entrepreneur Aman Gupta,who admits to being “as fond of hard drinks” as he is of wine. For a city that’s raised many a Patiala pegs,wine is no longer seen as a lady’s drink either. “Wine sales have only increased with each passing year and young adult drinkers,both genders,have much to do with that,” says Nitin Mehta,owner of Aqua,a high-end store in Sector 7,Chandigarh,that stocks on imported wines and spirits. Of course,the market is still immature,but Mehta says there’s a keenness to explore and try out new varieties. Indian wine labels like Sula and Grover are also fast gaining popularity because of their friendly pricing. “Wines are becoming popular gifting options,specially imported ones,” he adds.

Weddings and anniversaries in the city have,for long,held on to the customary Patiala pegs,but that too seems to be changing. At MLA Bikram Singh Majithia’s wedding a few months back,the choicest of wines did the rounds. “It’s a welcome change indeed,” 28-year-old fashion merchandiser Kirat Randhawa smiles,mentioning how she prefers Merlots over Chardonnays and often meets up with friends for a wine evening. “Earlier we would have coffee sessions. Now we mostly pitch for wine,” she cheers.

Buoyed by the response to their wine lists,restaurateurs Priya and Abhay Jagat have introduced the concept of wine by the glass,at their Oriental fine dining restaurant The Orchid Lounge in Sector 34. “To add variety we keep changing the list as diners are now extremely aware of what kind of wine they are drinking,” says Priya. Elsewhere,at their country resort,Whispering Willows,the Jagats have stocked on a range of imported wines after an increasing demand for the same. “Today,wines are a must-have on the menu and to add an element of fun we have introduced wine-based drinks like Sangria for smaller events,” says Jagat. Go take your pick.