After the Jolie-Pitt's high profile visit to Pune, the tiny city is back in news. This time it is the 'Wine tasting festival' that displayed 50 varieties of wine from 12 leading Indian wineries.

Other than showcasing the wine verities, the festivals also tried to convey the message that wine in fact has a positive affect on human health. The festival was conducted for the second time by the Pune Gourmet Club.

"The whole idea of wine tasting and wine drinking with meals is a beverage and it is a luxury drink. It is something to do with lifestyle choice. It also has some positive effect for your health," said Paul Bailey, a winemaker.

Special classes were held for the visitors for guests by the winemakers and trainers. "People come here for tasting different types of wine. This is the only festival in India, which is organized by the Pune Gourmet club where people can come and taste different varieties of wine.

Not only that, we have educators who teach how to taste the wine and also the importance and the effect of wine," Shanker Narayan, organizer of the event.The sweet flavored wine were popular amongst the girls, as each guest was handed a a kit carrying a glass, a tasting card and a wine guide.

"We get the chance to meet new people and interact with them. It is a place for socializing and also get to taste some good wine," said Supriya, a visitor.Other than the wine festivals, the club also organizes the vineyard tours, ticketed gourmet banquets, wine appreciation sessions and markets wine preservation systems for restaurants and wine bars, along with publishing a wine guide.

Pune Gourmet Club is a Pune based organization with 200 members and boasts to have held the first ever wine festival in India in the year 2007. The festival has attracted more than 1000 guests. AGENCIES