Wine and dine, the monsoon in Bengaluru transforms the city into a lush, vibrant canvas. As the rain patters down, there’s an undeniable craving for something warm, spicy, and comforting. While chai and pakoras are classic, we at Rico Wine Park and Vineyards believe it’s time to elevate your rainy-day ritual with an unexpected yet rewarding combination: monsoon snacks and fine wines.

Nestled amidst the picturesque vineyards in Bangalore, Rico Wine Park and Vineyards is more than just a winery. We invite you to explore our sprawling estate, witness the meticulous winemaking process, and indulge in a truly unique dine-and-wine experience specially curated for the monsoon season. Our vineyards are home to exquisite grapes, from the robust Cabernet Sauvignon to the crisp Chenin Blanc and the bold Shiraz.

So, what makes wine such a surprising partner for your favourite monsoon munchies? It’s all about balancing flavours and textures. The richness and spicy taste of Indian appetizers can be delightfully contrasted or complemented with the right wines.

Here are a few of our favourite combinations:

Wine and Dine with Crispy Delights: Pakoras and Samosas – These deep-fried golden treats are the epitome of monsoon comfort. For vegetable pakoras or a classic aloo samosa, a crisp, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice. Our Sauvignon Blanc offers notes of green apple and a hint of grassiness that harmonises wonderfully with the fresh flavours of the vegetables. For spicier versions, an off-dry Chenin Blanc with its tropical fruit notes and a hint of sweetness can soothe the palate, creating a delightful balance.

Wine and Dine: Hearty Aloo Tikki or Paneer Tikka Picks – When it comes to richer, more substantial snacks like aloo tikki or paneer tikka, you can venture into the world of red wine. A medium-bodied Shiraz wine with its peppery notes and dark fruit flavours can stand up to the spices without overpowering them. The subtle tannins in our Shiraz wine will beautifully complement the char and richness of the paneer or potato. For those who prefer a classic, a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon with its robust structure and notes of blackcurrant can also create a harmonious pairing, especially with more heavily spiced versions of these snacks.

Wine and Dine: Sweet Endings with Port Wine Delights– Even beyond savoury snacks, Port wine offers a delightful monsoon pairing. Its inherent sweetness and rich, fortified nature make it an ideal complement to traditional Indian desserts like jalebis or gulab jamun, perfect for a cozy, rainy evening. The fruity, sometimes nutty, notes of our Port wine beautifully complement the syrupy sweetness of these treats, creating a truly wine and dine indulgent finish to your monsoon wine-tasting journey.

Each season is an opportunity to delve further into the intriguing realm of wines at Rico Wine Park and Vineyards. From the light and refreshing white wine varieties perfect for cutting through the richness of fried snacks, to the comforting warmth of a good red wine on a cool, rainy evening, there’s a perfect match waiting for you. Come visit our vineyards and let our experts guide you through a memorable wine-tasting experience, discovering the unexpected combos that truly work this monsoon. It’s an invitation to unwind, savour, and experience the magic of the rains with us.