The Best Vineyards and Wineries to Visit in India
1. Sula Vineyards
Sula Vineyards is India’s best-known winery. From starting in 1999, Sula has developed into a world-class winery with a market share of more than 70% in India. The company is one of the leading producers of many different varieties of wine. Tours and tastings are frequently conducted every hour from 11.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. daily. The Little Italy restaurant serves delicious Italian cuisine made with organic ingredients from Sula’s garden to complement the wine. There’s an Indian cuisine restaurant called Rasa as well. Both restaurants are open until 10.30 p.m. daily. In addition, the winery hosts the iconic SulaFest music festival in early February each year.
Location: On the outskirts of Nashik, off Gangapur-Savargaon Road, 20 minutes from town.
2. Grover Zampa Vineyard
Situated in the foothills of the scenic Nandi Hills, Grover Zampa Vineyard is a 400-acre land claimed to be started by the oldest viticulturist in India, Mr. Kanwal Grover, and Mr. Georges Vesselle. They were the first to grow French grape varieties in India. Visitors can learn here about the wine-making process, tour the vineyards, and sample the premium wines, such as Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, among many others. The vineyard tour happens three times a day at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. It is a glorious spot to visit any time of the year, with a wealth of natural beauty rich with miles of forests, sloping green hills, and trekking trails. There is another facility located in Nashik.
Location: Devanahalli Road, Doddaballapura, in the Nandi Hills north of Bangalore in Karnataka.
3. Fratelli Wines
Fratelli (meaning “brothers” in Italian) was started in 2007 by three pairs of brothers from Italy, Delhi, and Maharashtra. This remote vineyard is one of India’s biggest winemakers (along with Sula and Grover Zampa) and produces some outstanding reserve wines on its 240-acre estate. The Sette reserve red is rated among the best red wine in India.
A full day package includes a guided tour, lunch, and use of recreational. However, it’s recommended that you stay at least one night in the winery’s modern accommodations, as it’s not easy to reach so one should utilize the things that are offered here. The rate is fully inclusive of meals plus a welcome drink of sparkling wine, and it’s cheaper during the week. It’s also possible to rent the whole place for groups.
Location: Akluj, in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. It’s approximately six hours from Mumbai.
4. York Winery
Situated not far from Sula Vineyards, and with a view over Gangapur Dam and the hills, York Winery is where you should head for sublime sunset tastings. The tasting room is open daily from noon to 10 p.m., and tours are offered until 6 p.m. Foodies here will appreciate the Cellar Door restaurant, which serves Indian cuisine expertly paired with York wines.
York Winery has won a range of awards for its wine varieties, both red and white. However, most impressive is its Arros reserve blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, released in late 2014. York also released its own sparkling wine, York Sparkling Brut made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, towards the end of 2014. Notably, York is now one of only a few Indian wineries that produce Chardonnay. It’s decent too, with just the right amount of oak.
Location: On the outskirts of Nashik, off Gangapur-Savargaon Road, 20 minutes from town.
