The inaugural Pune edition brought a Wine Sommelier Sweta Mohanty and an Ink Sommelier Nikhil Moholkar together for an evening celebrating craftsmanship, flavour and the timeless joy of writing
A fine wine has a story. So does an exceptional ink. On 22 August, WINKED by A&Co. brought the two worlds together in an immersive evening conceived around food, fountain pens, ink and conversation.
Created and curated by A&Co., the inaugural edition of WINKED introduced guests to an unusual dialogue between a Wine Sommelier and an Ink Sommelier, exploring the nuances of colour, character, expression and personal preference that make both wine and ink deeply experiential.
Rather than being centred around a conventional product showcase, WINKED was designed as an experience to be enjoyed slowly. Guests discovered inks and writing instruments, explored curated wines, experienced a specially crafted menu and, most importantly, spent an evening connecting over a shared appreciation for craftsmanship.
An integral part of the evening was the food and service experience at Masu, Conrad Pune, where the culinary team created an Asian-inspired menu that complemented the rhythm and character of the evening. Courses included Kueh Pie Tee, Vietnamese Rolls, Hiyashi Wakame, Asian Greens and Kung Pao preparations, followed by desserts such as Lemongrass Crème Brûlée and Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse.
The dining experience was accompanied by a thoughtfully curated wine journey presented in association with Aspri Spirits. Guests experienced wines including What The Fox Brut, Monte Pacífico Chardonnay and Monte Pacífico Cabernet Sauvignon, with a distinctive Stoli Salted Caramel Vodka pairing bringing the evening to a memorable close.
The combination of Masu’s culinary craftsmanship and attentive hospitality with Aspri Spirits’ wine selections ensured that food and wine were not simply accompaniments to the evening, but an essential part of the storytelling. Each course and pour added another sensory layer to the dialogue between writing, ink, taste and conversation.
“With WINKED, we wanted to create something that went beyond simply talking about pens. Writing instruments are about emotion, ritual, craftsmanship and expression. Wine and food have many of those same qualities. Bringing both Sommelier into the same conversation, supported by the culinary experience at Masu and the wine journey, allowed us to explore these worlds in a way that was engaging, sensory and deeply personal. The response to the first edition has encouraged us to take WINKED further,” said Nasir Shaikh, Founder, A&Co.
For A&Co., the evening also reflects a larger philosophy around contemporary luxury. Luxury need not always be defined by possession. Increasingly, it can be found in time, craftsmanship, discovery, hospitality, conversation and experiences that feel genuinely personal.
The enthusiastic response to the inaugural edition has now set the stage for WINKED by A&Co. to travel to other cities, bringing together communities of pen collectors, writing enthusiasts, and those who appreciate thoughtfully curated experiences.
Each edition is envisioned not merely as a repeat of the first, but as another chapter in the WINKED story, shaped by its city, its people, its wines, its food and, of course, its inks.
WINKED by A&Co. has begun with one simple idea: when wine meets ink, conversations flow differently.
About A&Co.
A&Co. is an Indian luxury house built around craftsmanship, individuality and the appreciation of objects and experiences with character. Its world encompasses fine writing instruments and other thoughtfully created luxury products, with a growing emphasis on bringing patrons together through meaningful, curated experiences.
WINKED by A&Co. is an extension of this philosophy, creating a space where the culture of fine writing meets gastronomy, wine, storytelling and community.
Website: https://ahmedluxury.com/
