The popularity of wine in India has started growing rapidly. Along with it, India is also experiencing a boom in wine tourism. Many Indian vineyards now have tasting rooms, so wine enthusiasts can enjoy exploring India's wine regions. It's often possible to complete the experience by staying at at the vineyards.
India's main wine region is Nasik, around four hours northeast of Mumbai, in Maharastra. However, there are also some reputable wineries scattered further south in India.
Visit these vineyards to enjoy some of the best wine in India.
1. Sula Vineyards
Sharell Cook
Sula Vineyards is perhaps India's most popular and most accessible winery. From humble beginnings in 1997, Sula Vineyards has admirably developed into a world class winery. The winery is open to visitors, who can enjoy a tour, tastings, courses, and fun events. There's also a Little Italy restaurant on the premises.
Sula Vineyards has a luxury three bedroom bungalow called Beyond, which visitors can rent. It's located a short distance from the winery. Beyond comes with private balconies, large living area, swimming pool, and in-house chef who'll prepare delicious meals made out of organic vegetables.
Location: On the outskirts of Nasik, off Gangapur-Savargaon Road, around 20 minutes drive from town.
2. Chateau Indage
www.flickr.com user Ipshita B
Chateau Indage is another popular and very large Indian winery, with over 2,000 acres of vineyards in different parts of the country. Founded in 1982, it's best known for its premium range of Chantilli wines, including chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. The winery has well stocked wine bar, where visitors can taste six varieties for 150 rupees, as well as a wine shop. Those who are feeling hungry can dine at the Ivy restaurant on the premises. Chateau Indage also offers winery tours. If you arrive by 11 a.m. on weekends, you'll be able to participate in a one and half hour a tour of the vineyard.
Location: On the outskirts of Narayangaon, around 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Pune on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway.
3. Chateau d’Ori
www.flickr.com user Ipshita B
Chateau d’Ori is a relatively new winery, who's first harvest was in February 2007. The vineyard hasn't wasted any time producing top quality wine. Its wines have already started winning awards, including Best Indian Red Wine of the Year for its 2007 Cabernet Merlot, at the Indian Wine Challenge 2008.
Significant effort is being put into developing the 400 acres of vineyards as a tourist destination, with three artificial lakes for boating and other water sports, luxury farmhouse accommodations, and ambient wine tasting lounge. The winery's state-of-the-art technology is also worth checking out.
Location: At the base of the picturesque Nhera-Ori hills at Dindori, around 22 kilometers (13 miles) from Nashik on the Nashik-Dindori Road.
4. Grover Vineyards
Grover Vineyards
Grover Vineyards is one winery that's proven that it's not necessary to be located in Nashik to produce highly rated wine. Established as a family business in 1988, Grover Vineyards has expanded to over 210 acres. The winery focuses on producing premium wines, with the standout being its award winning La Reserve brand of oak matured cabernet sauvignon and shiraz reds.
To arrange your own personalized tour of the vineyard, get in touch with Grover Vineyards at visit@grovervineyards.in. There are extensive wine trails across the property, and it's also possible to visit the winery's new barrel room.
Location: Nandi Hills, around 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Bangalore in Karnataka.
5. Tiger Hill Vineyards
Sharell Cook
Tiger Hill Vineyards produces a wide variety of excellent quality wines, including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, shiraz, sauvignon blanc, semillon and chardonnay. It's got a resort on the outskirts of Nashik, but the actual Tiger Hill vineyard is located three hours away from the resort. Winery tours to the vineyard can be arrange if you pre-book.
The attractive thing about the resort is that it has a tasting lounge bar, and offers a wide range of wines at view reasonable prices. It's worth a visit if you're in Nasik to enjoy wine!
Location: Tiger Hills Vineyard Resort is located on the Mumbai-Nasik Highway, around 20 minutes drive from town.
