Who doesn’t love a good snack on a rainy evening? As the skies darken and the air fills with petrichor, we crave deep-fried, piping hot snacks, whose crunch and warmth add a bit of thrill to the lazy season. The best part about such snacks is that a lot of them are surprisingly good rainy day wine pairings.
If you are looking to elevate your rainy-day experience and offset the indulgence of fried treats like batata vada, or soothe your palate after a spicy bite of mirchi pakoda, then you must pair your monsoon snacks with wine. From light, fruity reds to round, toasty whites, there are a variety of award-winning wines available today which make for versatile pairings with all our desi monsoon snacks. Whether you’re binge-watching under a blanket, watching the skies pour outside your window, or having friends over for a rain-drenched catch-up, here are three award-winning wine and snack pairings that are just perfect for the season.
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Fratelli TiLT Red with Bhajiyas
Let’s kick things off with a no-fuss, all-fun combo: bhajiyas (crispy, deep-fried fritters) and a chilled can of Fratelli TiLT Red. Whether it’s onion, potato, or mixed veggie pakoras, these street-style monsoon essentials get a flavour boost when paired with a juicy, chilled red.
What makes TiLT Red a game-changer is its convenient wine-in-a-can format, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or when you simply don’t want to uncork a bottle. Made from indigenous Indian grapes, it’s light, fruity, and smooth, bringing out the earthy spice in the bhajiyas without overwhelming the palate. The slight chill on this red enhances its vibrancy and makes it even more refreshing alongside hot, crunchy snacks.
TiLT Red comes in a can, which makes it especially suited for the monsoon. No glasses? No corkscrews? No problem. Crack open a can and enjoy delicious wine anytime, anywhere. Its portability and youthful vibe make it ideal for casual rainy-day plans,
Price: ₹180
Producer: Fratelli Vineyards
Bush Ballad Merlot with Maggi
Rainy evenings and Maggi are a match made in heaven, but there’s always scope to upgrade your instant noodles with a dash of green chillies, chopped onions, and cheese, and serve it alongside a glass of Bush Ballad Merlot from Australia.
This red is soft, approachable, and fruit-forward, with velvety notes of plum and red berries that complement the sweet-savoury-spicy profile of your desi-style Maggi. The wine’s juicy flavours create a soothing contrast to the kick of spice, while its smooth texture pairs beautifully with the richness of silky, cheesy noodles.
It’s a pairing made for those nostalgic moments: the warmth of childhood comfort food matched with the refinement of an international wine. When the rain is relentless, and you need a little edible hug, this combo delivers. This Merlot’s round edges and mellow charm make it an instant crowd-pleaser. Even if you’re not usually a red wine drinker, you’ll find this one easy to sip on and enjoy.
Price: ₹1,750
Importer: Aspri Spirits
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Sula Dindori Reserve Chardonnay with Corn Chaat
Corn chaat is another rainy-season staple; it’s warm, tangy, spicy, and perfect when loaded with lime, chaat masala, onions, and a dash of chilli powder. To bring balance to all those bold flavours, try pairing it with a glass of Sula Dindori Reserve Chardonnay.
This Indian Chardonnay is creamy yet crisp, offering notes of tropical fruit, subtle spice, and a gentle oakiness. Its bright acidity refreshes the palate between bites, while its medium body stands up to the masala punch of the chaat. The zesty lime and spice of the chaat are given a polished edge by the wine’s balanced profile, turning a roadside favourite into a chic at-home snack-and-sip experience.
This pairing is a prime example of how Indian wines can hold their own next to flavour-packed Indian street food. And if you’ve never tried white wine with something hot and spicy, let this be your introduction, because the way the acidity of the Chardonnay cuts through the richness of the chaat will leave you pleasantly surprised.
You can even serve this wine slightly chilled to enhance its freshness, making it ideal for humid, rainy evenings when you need something lively and palate-cleansing.
Price: ₹1,150
Producer: Sula Vineyards
Whether it’s the practicality and charm of Fratelli TiLT in a can, the silky ease of Bush Ballad Merlot, or the crisp complexity of Sula’s Reserve Chardonnay, each pairing brings comfort, character, and a splash of celebration to your rainy-day rituals.
So go on, pour a glass, plate your favourites, and let the storm set the perfect backdrop for your next delicious moment. When the rain falls, let the wine flow.
Click here and check out the India Wines And Spirits Award website for more such amazing wine recommendations.
