Blanc Notes

Pali Village Cafe.

When it comes to wine, you might swear by red. But Nikhil Agarwal hopes to make you see the whiter side of life when he hosts a wine tasting event on Thursday, November 25 at Pali Village Cafe. The goal? To show wine buffs and first timers new to the sniffing game that you can pair whites with a watermelon and feta salad and reds with something heavier, like spicy chorizo.

In January, Agarwal, a former marketing manager for wines at Diageo India, launched All Things Nice, a company that organises wine tastings across Mumbai. “Liquor companies invest a lot in educating hotel and restaurant staff, but not as much in educating consumers,” Agarwal says. That’s where his company steps in. Every month, ATN helps create food and wine pairing menus at different city restaurants. For the dinners, called ATN Shine Nights, Agarwal liases with an Indian or  international vineyard, and finalises the wine selection along with the host restaurant’s chef. So far, the events have been hits, with most selling out. Regulars like Katie Banham, a psychologist with a Mumbai-based consulting firm called YSC, have been back several times. ”I’m from the UK and Indian wines aren’t always impressive to Europeans,” she says. “I felt the same until we were served some at one of the dinners, which were actually very good. Their dinners are quite sophisticated without being pretentious”. Aneesh Dalal, founder of ad agency Imagine Communications says its Agarwal’s talks that have him coming back. “Often he gives you visual cues, asks you to imagine regions, it’s not conventional or dumbed down to the basics like at other wine appreciation sessions.”

Last month, ATN hosted a dinner at the Olive Bar & Kitchen in Mahalaxmi, where they showcased three wines from South African winery, Hill & Dale, over a three-course meal prepared by chef Manu Chandra. Next week, at Pali Village Cafe three of the four courses will be paired with wines from the Good Earth Winery in Nashik. The watermelon and feta salad, and cheese platter will be served with a Sauvignon Blanc, the chorizo and peppers and sweet potato gnocchi (you get to choose either one) will be paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon and the main course of peppered lamb stew, or pumpkin and sage risotto will be served with a Shiraz.

ATN also organises wine appreciation events at homes, but those tend to be priced on the steeper side, at Rs15,000 and above. And lest the wine not be temptation enough, Agarwal says the events are great opportunities to gain a few friends. ”Even if you’re familiar with the wine, it’s a good way to meet new people,” he says.

The All Things Nice Shine Night at Pali Village Cafe is priced at Rs2,100 per head inclusive of tax. To register for one of the 35 spots, contact Nikhil Agarwal on 98207 04500.

LocationPali Village Cafe
Next to Janata Lunch Home
Pali Naka
Bandra (W)

Phone2605 0401

Relevant DatesThursday, November 25

Hours9.30pm

Ticketing & Price InfoRs2,100

Websitewww.allthingsnice.in