Vineyard visit … with a difference

The Bangalore Wine Club organised a visit to Grover Vineyards on Sunday 9th April – with a difference. About 80 people drove down to the winery (which is 1 1/2 hrs from the city) in the evening reports Alok Chandra. Teams of 6 were organised, and a grape picking competition was held to see which team could harvest the most grapes (they were Cabernet Sauvignon, from one of the oldest parcels of land) in 10 minutes.

Teams of 6 were organised, and a grape picking competition was held to see which team could harvest the most grapes (they were Cabernet Sauvignon, from one of the oldest parcels of land) in 10 minutes.
After a round of the winery, participants were treated to some ‘not available on retail shelves’ wines from the Grover Vineyard cellars:
Grover Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Amazing aroma, though still having a ‘zippy’ acidity – should be much softer in 5-6 months (understand that the vintage is being released soon)

Viognier 2003 (wooded)
Was a privilege to sample this ‘not-for-market’ wine. Subdued though complex nose, clean and crisp taste. Most interesting wine.
Grover La Reserve 1997
Complex and woody aroma, with balanced soft fruits and even chocolate on the tongue – a long finish. Still a lovely wine, though perhaps getting a bit ‘tired’ after all these years.
The wines accompanied a barbeque in the open air, on the lawns in front of the winery, catered by The Only Place (the prawns were to die-for)
In all, a memorable evening.
By Alok Chandra