The wine market has grown from just a few brands to nearly a dozen. Wine is no longer a simple pleasure. You can now enjoy wine as an experience, from tastings at wineries to staying in luxury vineyards. Here are the top Indian wine brands you can pick from if you’re looking for a few bottles to bring to your next party.
Fratelli
Fratelli, a premium Indian wine brand, has had a large vineyard producing several varieties since 2009. Fratelli Wines’ Founder Director Kapil Sekhri says, “We take great care to make the highest quality grapes in our vineyards. This ensures that we make premium wines from Indian soil.” Most of their wines are good with Indian food, particularly Sangiovese red, which goes well with biryani and Chardonnay with grill fish.
Sula
Sula, India’s most loved wine brand, is also well-known for its annual music festival. Karan Vasani (Senior Vice President and Chief Winemaker at Sula) says, “Our goal is not to make great wine, but to make wine that has a minimal environmental impact.” We offer the best wines at the most affordable prices. This is why we’re on a mission to bring wine and people closer, one sip at a time.” He recommends the Dindori Shiraz because it pairs well with exotic mutton preparations such as laal maas or mutton rara.
York
Nashik, York’s family-run winery, produces various wines using grapes grown on 80 acres of its vineyard. It is possible to produce high-quality wines each year due to the favorable climatic conditions and the black volcanic basalt soil. York has something for everyone, from dessert to sparkling.
KRSMA
KRSMA was founded by a couple who shared a love for fine wine. KRSMA is limited in production to maintain its high-quality standards. The brand’s estate lies in Hampi Hills, and the wines are aged for a few years in French oak barrels. To ensure the highest quality wines, the founders meticulously scrutinize every aspect of the winemaking process.
Valbonne
Vallone is a boutique winery that produces French-style premium wines using unique varietals. The yield is kept low to ensure that the wine has a greater concentration of flavors and aromas. Every stage of the vine to wine journey is monitored. This tranquil estate overlooks the Kanvai Peak and offers a wonderful vineyard experience.
Big Banyan
“Founded in 2007, we brought saplings from all around the globe and the expertise of Lucio Matricardi, an Italian winemaker. Aeisha Sahni is the Brand’s Business Head. All wines are made from a single variety of grapes and have no blending. She says that the Big Banyan Sauvignon Blanc is a great pairing for Indian cuisine, particularly tandoori chicken.
Grover Zampa
Kanwal Grover, a 1970s entrepreneur, visited wineries in France and was struck by the beauty of the winemaking process. He established his first vineyard in 1992. Grover Zampa launched many award-winning varietals using grapes from its two vineyards in Nandi Hills and Nashik Valley.
Rhythm
Are you a fan of tropical fruits? Rhythm Winery produces fruit wines from Indian fruits like mangoes and strawberries. The semi-sweet taste of the product was introduced in 2012, and it has been very well received in India’s hill stations. All of the fruit wines have a 12 percent alcohol content and should be chilled. Vidita Mungi is the promoter of Rhythm Winery. “We wanted to produce fruit wines using locally grown produce that was already abundant across the Indian subcontinent.” The fruit wines are made from fermented grape juice and fruit juice.
Dia
Are you looking for a wine to go? Dia is India’s first sparkling wine can. It comes in both red and white varieties. This sub-brand, which Sula Vineyards introduced, is lower in alcohol than bottled wine and comes in 330ml cans. Rajeev Samant is the CEO of Sula Vineyards. “This drink promises all things light and bubbly and refreshing.