WINE IN PROGRESS, BENGALURU
From Features Desk
Often referred to as a wine dive bar, Wine in progress or WIP is a cozy 14-seater bar nestled in The Courtyard which in its own has been in the forefront of culinary enlightenment in the city with the pop ups from relevant chefs from within India and other countries. Since opening its door in Jan 2024, conceptualized by Akhila Shrinivas and Arijit Bose, WIP was well appreciated for refreshing the way wine was consumed and perceived in India. No snobbery, no suits and no long-drawn explanation on wines. Though we have sommeliers on the team we don’t treat ourselves as experts, rather we are on a journey along with the guests who visit us in the vast world of wines. A focus also was to create rituals and a convivial environment where we appreciate wines just like in wine countries old and new without the fanfare.
A Bar That Drinks Its Own Name
Wine In Progress. We can in no way claim that we are wine experts or gurus. All we know is we love good wines and either hoped to get more variants by glass or just sit and kill bottles withan intention to achieve perfection or be the best-it’s a place for discovery and learning, not just for guests but for us as well. . Whether you’re a diehard Burgundy loyalist or someone who just wants “something cold and pink,” WIP meets you where you are. We want to be a place where people start their wine journey without feeling overwhelmed or judged, but if you are a wine enthusiast we are perfectly capable of taking care of you. It’s a great first step into the vast and ever growing world of vines. Our effort is on great hospitality, right kind of music and fast service. Even our wine fridge, lovingly named Sexy Karen, is unlike regular wine fridges where the bottles are lying down and on drawers. Our wine bottles stand upright so labels are easy to locate and above all appreciate.
Wine In Progress. We can in no way claim that we are wine experts or gurus. All we know is we love good wines and either hoped to get more variants by glass or just sit and kill bottles withan intention to achieve perfection or be the best-it’s a place for discovery and learning, not just for guests but for us as well. . Whether you’re a diehard Burgundy loyalist or someone who just wants “something cold and pink,” WIP meets you where you are. We want to be a place where people start their wine journey without feeling overwhelmed or judged, but if you are a wine enthusiast we are perfectly capable of taking care of you. It’s a great first step into the vast and ever growing world of vines. Our effort is on great hospitality, right kind of music and fast service. Even our wine fridge, lovingly named Sexy Karen, is unlike regular wine fridges where the bottles are lying down and on drawers. Our wine bottles stand upright so labels are easy to locate and above all appreciate.
We have a lot of affection not just for the juice that’s in the bottle but also the effort wine growers and owners take in selecting bottle design and label design that makes them stand out.
Meet the Crew
The bar crew is led by Ganga, whose curation style is more “let’s make it fun” and less “let’s memorize regions.” Alongside her, you’ll find the energetic trio of Azhar, Nigel and Vyshnavi each with their own wine quirks and preferences, always ready with a pour or a suggestion that hits just right. Coming from varied backgrounds they all have their personalities that come into play while suggesting wines which makes it even more interesting.
The bar crew is led by Ganga, whose curation style is more “let’s make it fun” and less “let’s memorize regions.” Alongside her, you’ll find the energetic trio of Azhar, Nigel and Vyshnavi each with their own wine quirks and preferences, always ready with a pour or a suggestion that hits just right. Coming from varied backgrounds they all have their personalities that come into play while suggesting wines which makes it even more interesting.
Together, they are responsible for building the vibe of the venue and keeping the energy up. They also play the role of tough negotiators when the slot timings get over and it’s time to reset the room for the next set of guests coming in for wines. Who knew terrible jokes, fun anecdotes, wine cocktails and the tapas style japanese food make for a great wine drinking environment. Their favorite vinyl to play is Pulp fiction and a chant you will often hear at WIP, we never spit… we always swallow’ a nod to never wasting wine and enjoying every last drop.
Killing the Bottle, One Memory at a Time
We don’t tell you how to enjoy your wine and pretty much the only rule we have is: drink good wine and have fun doing it. Whether it’s a Lillet Spritzer (the first wine cocktail ever served at WIP, now a crowd favorite) or a full bottle of pét-nat shared with a friend, WIP is about the experience, not the etiquette.
We don’t tell you how to enjoy your wine and pretty much the only rule we have is: drink good wine and have fun doing it. Whether it’s a Lillet Spritzer (the first wine cocktail ever served at WIP, now a crowd favorite) or a full bottle of pét-nat shared with a friend, WIP is about the experience, not the etiquette.
Our moto “Kill a Bottle.” It’s a toast, a challenge and a vibe. Come with your gang, polish off a bottle and maybe leave with a new favorite wine or grape variety or a story to tell.
The idea behind this was to train the local guests to finish a bottle between two three people which is great as it reduces the requirement to store bottles that may get oxidized and later wasted. It was not common before, but thanks to our selection of wines and pricing them super well facilitated a lot of wine bottles being killed on a regular basis which is great for business. Though tiny, our wine consumption at the bar is very high. If not wines we also have vermouths, port and sake.
Activations and Events
We like to constantly work with the local suppliers and talents to bring new things and ideas forward relative to the wine industry. These events are however not wine appreciation session as we traditionally know them. We have industry stalwarts, wine growers, sommeliers and wine bar owners from around the world chatting with you during the sessions and give you a peek into their process of appreciating great wines.
We like to constantly work with the local suppliers and talents to bring new things and ideas forward relative to the wine industry. These events are however not wine appreciation session as we traditionally know them. We have industry stalwarts, wine growers, sommeliers and wine bar owners from around the world chatting with you during the sessions and give you a peek into their process of appreciating great wines.
From “Meet the Maker” sessions with winemakers from around the globe to full-blown bar takeovers with some of the global bests- from Singapore’s wild-child Wine RVLT to Australia’s Killibinbin Wines to our most recent takeover with Vishvas Sidana from Haoma Bangkok, the man behind the world’s best wine list (crowned by Star Wines 2024), we’re constantly mixing it up and sharing our space with wine renegades from around the globe.
One of our first ever events was the Brand Slama lightning-round showdown where wine importers pitched their best bottles. The result? A wildly diverse, ever-evolving menu that never takes itself too seriously.
The bar lends itself really well to specialized wine events without being super posh. Come in shorts and t shirt and enjoy a great glass of wine with some of the best in the industry.
The Vibe? Disco Ball Meets Wine Lab
We are a casual wine bar. You don’t need to dress up to come to us and have a glass of wine but if you do dress up that’s cool to.
We are a casual wine bar. You don’t need to dress up to come to us and have a glass of wine but if you do dress up that’s cool to.
It has a dive bar feel with a cocktail bar hospitality. A place where everyone knows you, no one judges you and the music works every time. Disco wednesdays with the Tony, hip hop, funk, electro swing and jazz keep the vibe electric and just right so conversations can be had. The food comes from Naru next door, being japanese small plates, makes it an interesting choice to go with our wines. The space will remind you of small shop houses and narrow bars from Japan with its low ceiling, dim lighting and chatter from the guests.
How to snag a seat
At WIP we prefer it to be by reservation, booked in for two-hour slots. Not because we are trying to be exclusive, but because space is limited and we want to be more accommodating to people who travel from far to experience space. We have an online reservation process which allows you to book along the two weeks. However, we have a few picnic benches we use for accommodating Walkins or spillovers provided the weather is good.
At WIP we prefer it to be by reservation, booked in for two-hour slots. Not because we are trying to be exclusive, but because space is limited and we want to be more accommodating to people who travel from far to experience space. We have an online reservation process which allows you to book along the two weeks. However, we have a few picnic benches we use for accommodating Walkins or spillovers provided the weather is good.
Pro tip: go with a friend who asks weird questions. The more curious, the better the experience.
What’s Next?
Expect more global collabs, limited-edition bottles, vinyl nights and deep dives into weird wine subcultures. Whether you’re a wine convert or just looking for a cool night out, WIP is carving a lane of its own.
Expect more global collabs, limited-edition bottles, vinyl nights and deep dives into weird wine subcultures. Whether you’re a wine convert or just looking for a cool night out, WIP is carving a lane of its own.
We are hoping for local suppliers to get more bio dynamic wines and natty wines for our shelves and curious consumers.
Welcome to WIP , a fun first step into wines where
you may come for a glass but realize you polished
a bottle.