In recent years, India has seen an increase in the popularity of wine, and there has also been a rise in wine tourism. Not too long ago there was hardly a wine industry in the country, however, this is no longer the case. In recent years winemakers have launched several excellent wine brands that produce top-quality wine in exclusive vineyards.
Most of these vineyards also actively encourage tourism by organizing modern aesthetic wine-tasting tours complete with exciting activities to ensure visitors have a good time.
Many have wine-tasting rooms that allow wine enthusiasts to get a taste before picking up their favourite wine. Some even offer the option to stay at the vineyard for a complete experience.
Let’s have a look at some of the best wineries and vineyards in India.
Nashik, Maharashtra
Nashik, which is located about four hours north of Mumbai is not just famous as a pilgrimage site. It is also one of India’s main hubs for wine, featuring vineyards of some of the most notable brands of wine in the country. The cosy little town is home to around half of the country’s premium vineyards.
Sula Vineyards
The most popular wine brand in India and one of the first to set up a vineyard in the country. The combination of quality and affordability has allowed this brand to capture 70% of the Indian Market. Those interested in the wine-making process and looking to get a taste will surely enjoy a visit to this lovely vineyard.
(Image Credit: Sula Vineyards)
To further ensure the comfort of their guests, Sula has even built a resort nearby consisting of 32 balcony rooms that face a swimming pool. What’s more, the brand even has a festival held every February which is among the more notable events on the Indian Calendar.
Chateau D’Ori
Nashik’s second largest winery after Sula, Chateau d’Ori is responsible for introducing the love for French wines in India. Featuring a wide catalogue of wines ranging from Cabernet Shiraz to Merlots, Chateau D’Ori produces some of the best quality wines in the market.
The winery has also entered into a partnership with Myra Vineyards and produces Myra Wine. Visiting wine enthusiasts will also be able to book berths in the vineyard's luxury guesthouse that overlooks a beautiful lake.
Getting Here
- 22222 | CSMT RAJDHANI - Delhi (NZM) To Nashik (NK)
- 12109 | PANCHAVATI EXP - Mumbai (DR) To Nashik (NK)
- 12810 | HWH CSMT MAIL - Howrah (HWH) To Nashik (NK)
Nandi Hills, Karnataka
Nandi Hills is located around 60 kilometres from Bangalore and is one of Karnataka's most popular hill stations. It is a popular picnic spot with scores of people flocking here every weekend, especially from Bangalore City. Nandi Hills is also home to some of the best-reputed wineries in the country.
Soma Vineyards
Bordering Gundamagere Lake on one side and Makali Hill on the other, this 100-acre vineyard is possibly Karnataka’s most scenic winery. It is also the only winery where grapes are grown with other fruit trees and coconut palms.
(Image Credit: Just Nashik)
Some Vineyards are a pretty popular destination for visitors and tourists as well. While it may not offer accommodation, it hosts a four-hour tour complete with wine-tasting sessions every day between 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Grover Zampa Vineyards
One of India’s oldest wine manufacturers, Grover Zampa merged with Vallee Da Vin i Maharashtra to better compete with Sula in 2012. Seven years later in 2019, the company acquired Charosa Vineyards and Four Seasons.
Grover Zampa is dedicated to producing premium-quality Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Visitors will be able to explore its expansive wine trails on its 410 acres of property in Nandi Hills.
Getting Here (Nearest Railway Station - Bangalore)
- 12214 | DEE YPR DURONTO - Delhi (NZM) To Bangalore (YPR)
- 19568 | VIVEK EXPRESS - Mumbai (KYN) To Bangalore (KJM)
- 22817 | HWH MYS EXP - Howrah (HWH) To Bangalore (SBC)
Solapur, Maharashtra
While it may not be the top wine hub of the country, Solapur is nevertheless blessed with a thriving wine Industry and beautiful vineyards. The numerous wineries found here offer a delightful experience to all visitors and wine enthusiasts. Using meticulous grape cultivation techniques, the skilled winemakers of Solapur produce a wide range of high-quality wines.
Fratelli Wines
Fratelli Wines opened its vineyard in the Solapur way back in 2007. The name means brothers in Italian and this is a very suitable name since it is owned by three pairs of brothers from Italy, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
The winery has a 240-acre vineyard in Solapur that produces some of the most outstanding reserves of wine in the country. The sette reserve red wine prthey produced is consideredhe best red wine in the country.
Fratelli Wines provides a day-long wine tour with lunch included. Additionally, the winery also provides amazing accommodations that visitors are sure to find extremely comfortable.
Spending at least one night here is highly recommended as the vineyard is pretty remote and not easy to reach. Moreover, meals are included as part of the stay and even come with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
Solapur Vineyard
Solapur Vineyards, located in the scenic city of Solapur, Maharashtra, is a prominent winery that showcases the region's winemaking expertise. With its vast and meticulously maintained vineyards, Solapur Vineyards cultivates a variety of grape vines that thrive in the area's favourable climate and soil conditions.
(Image Credit: fratelliwines.in)
The winery is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, ensuring that every bottle produced reflects the essence of Solapur's vintage. Visitors to Solapur Vineyards can indulge in vineyard tours, witnessing firsthand the dedication and craftsmanship involved in the winemaking process, while also enjoying wine tastings that showcase the winery's diverse and flavoursome offerings.
Getting Here
- 12628 | KARNATAKA EXP - Delhi (NDLS) To Solapur (SUR)
- 12115 | SIDDHESHWAR EXP - Mumbai (DR) To Solapur (SUR)
- 11312 | HAS SUR EXP - Bangalore (YPR) To Solapur (SUR)
Conclusion
India is quickly emerging as an exciting and vibrant destination for wine enthusiasts having some of the best vineyards in the world. All of the wineries featured in this write-up are reputed for their dedication to quality and producing exquisite wines that are on par with those from established wine hubs across the world.
From vineyard tours and wine tastings to breathtaking vistas and warm hospitality, the best wineries and vineyards of India invite you to embark on a delightful adventure where you can indulge in the rich flavours, embrace the cultural heritage, and discover the hidden gems of Indian's flourishing wine industry. Cheers to experiencing the best of India's wine country!