There are media & blogger FAM trips and then there is Four Seasons doing new launches coupled with getaways like no other! This July we received an invitation to join the launch event of Four Seasons Vinter’s Reserve at the Four Seasons Winery, Baramati and it turned out to be a memorable staycation with goodness of nature, classic wines and great food! 

We took a comfortable flight from Delhi to Pune and with a prearranged travel; we drove our way to Four Seasons Wineyard, Baramati from Pune airport. With grapes being grown around the Sahyadri valley in Maharashtra (Around Baramati which is 65 kms from Pune), The Four Seasons Wine making facility has a beautiful French chateau style resort in place along with a spa that gives you all the perfect vibe for wine tourism in India. The chateau comprises of 14 rooms, a swimming pool, a spa and a party deck and terrace. We were bowled over with the first look of the property for it stands tall in all grandeur, welcoming one and all. 

We were welcomed with a deliciously fruity bubby, Rosé Wine at the vineyard. The refreshing flavor of strawberries featuring hints of sweet spice was rather a great start to the staycation. The chateau is warm, comforting and had discerning interiors as well. The ones who follow us on Snapchat had a chance to see our room but needless to say it was a quaint space! 

We headed for a wine tasting session that was being hosted by India’s famous wine Connoisseur, Mr. Abhay Kewadkar. Meeting him was such a pleasure for he truly is a craftsman whose passion for wines can be seen right through his eyes and his knowledge of course. My takeaway wine at the tasting table happened to be The Four Seasons Sauvignon Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc grape variety originates in the Bordeaux region of France. With green nuances, this white wine comes with a high acidity and has herbaceous flavors. Its varietal aromas include cut grass, bell pepper, gooseberry & passion fruit. Known for its refreshing crispness, this white is paired best with the goat cheese, mild vinaigrettes, and delicate fish. 

The Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Cabernet comes with fully ripe cabernet grapes that have been matured in French oak barrels for concentrated black currants. This wine too comes with herbaceous notes with a sweet hint of vanilla, coconut and chocolate. We also tasted Viognier, Blush, Shiraz around the dinner table and learnt more about the Indian wines and how they are beginning to get noticed across the globe. 

Morning was followed by a hiking session and deer spotting, something that we thoroughly enjoyed as part o our stay. We tried to soak in all the natural beauty and surroundings and here are some glimpses of the same. 

The breakfast was laid and local cuisines like Misal Pav was served along with a continental spread. I tried a bubbly with my breakfast and since it was my first time, I’ll remember it for the rest of my life!  

Since our schedules were packed, we indulged in a kickass tour of the winery, and the facilities at the property. The Four Seasons Winery is equipped with crushers, fermenters, staff that is hands on the wine making process, guided by Abhay of course. The bottling and labeling process was exciting to see.

This was followed by the launch of Four Seasons Vinters Reserve that was designed over lunch, and it surpassed our expectations. The Vinters reserve is a vintage red wine that’s a special blend of the Cabernet Sauignon and Shiraz grapes grown in the Sahyadri valley. The wines flawlessly matched the three-course cuisine specially created by Vivanta by Taj, Pune’s Chef and his team. The Vinters comes with a rich, elegant taste that is characterized by autumn black fruits as tope notes with hints of spices as underlying notes. Love the finish this wine gives for it has been aged for two years in the barrels followed by further aging in bottles. The lunch table along with fine flower setting and striking cutlery was an absolute winner. The nametags along with the food menu were laid for perfect setting. It was a great afternoon indeed! 

Only 1,200 bottles of this exquisite wine has been created for each city. It was a great experience travelling with my food partner, mum and learning so much about wines. The hospitality and the PR team at the Four Seasons Wineyard deserve an admiration for brining us to a wine stopover like no other. I absolutely recommend a staycation at The Four Seasons Wineyard, Bramati for those who want to break free and discover more about wines!