Successful construction entrepreneur and self-declared foodie, Rajesh Patil decided to venture into the wine business to produce his own brand, which he named Pause Wines. Its philosophy recommends taking time out to enjoy life with the people important to you.

The wines are made under contract at A D Winery, located near Dindori village outside Nashik. Both A D and Pause must have seen better days: disorganisation was as evident as the lack of hygiene when I visited in late 2014. It was in 2012 that they last made wine and I understood that stocks were stagnant.

The tasting reflected the situation. Of the five wines tasted, three were overly oxidised, one terribly dilute and out of balance, and the last, though suitable for tasting, was very basic at best.

Pause Wines produces a number of different labels. At the time of my visit the only wines I could taste were the Chenin, Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet and Tempranillo. The other wines were most likely sub-entry-level off-dry or sweet wines. The grape varieties were not identified, another indication of likely market position.

Indian Nectar

Indian Classic

Indian Pearl

Premium Port No. 1

• white
• red

Puro

• white
• red

Pause Wines

• Chenin Blanc
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Ruby Red: rosé
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Shiraz
• Zinfandel
• Merlot
• Tempranillo