Indulge in wines and craft beer with music at this event in Bandra this weekend

Participants at a previous edition of the festival

Every culture has its own alcoholic influences. For the patrons arriving at the Toast - Wine and Beer Festival this weekend, it will be accompanied by a chance to taste something new. The idea, says festival co-founder Sharan Behl, was to build an event that offers a diversity and variety for the curious consumer. "People want to try new spirits; even in beers, they want to try different craft beers and limited releases."

In its third edition, the festival has moved into a more immersive experience offering games, pop-ups and food curations. Behl explains, "To create a festival, we focus on getting the right vibe in terms of the music and food. The idea is to create an event where you can walk in with friends, and enjoy for a couple of hours."

Sharan Behl

While Behl admits that lager remains the beverage of choice for the Indian consumer - it is familiar, light and neutral on balance, he says - the aim is to influence the curious consumer. Performances that include The F16s, Aswekeepsearching, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya and Pro Bros imply that the fest is a far cry from a quiet wine tasting session. "We wanted to take the snobbery out of the experience; to make it more attractive for the young consumer."

With future events in Hyderabad, Goa and Bengaluru, the festival looks to spread the nuance and knowledge of craft beers and wines across the country. "Mumbai and Delhi are open to experimentation, and trying new brews. Bengaluru gravitates to beer," Behl shares, adding that festivals like this help nudge people to try out new things and discover flavours.

On: Today and October 29; 2 pm onwards
At: Jio World Drive, BKC.
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 499 onwards