Sweet, luxurious, and often a perfect end to a meal, dessert wines are making a quiet but delightful impact in Mumbai’s wine and dine scene. Whether you’re indulging in a sticky toffee pudding or savoring a cheeseboard, dessert wines bring a balance of sweetness and complexity that elevates the experience. Here’s a closer look at what dessert wines are, where you can enjoy a glass (or bottle) in Mumbai, and what it’ll cost you.
What Is Dessert Wine?
Dessert wine refers to a category of sweet wines served alongside or as a dessert. These wines are made using grapes with high sugar content and can be produced through methods like:
- Late Harvesting – Grapes are left on the vine longer to intensify sugars.
- Fortification – A distilled spirit like brandy is added mid-fermentation, preserving natural sugar.
- Botrytis (Noble Rot) – A beneficial fungus shrivels grapes to concentrate sugars and flavours.
- Ice Wine (Eiswein) – Grapes are naturally frozen on the vine and pressed while frozen.
Popular dessert wines include Port, Moscato, Sauternes, Tokaji, Sherry, and India’s own Late Harvest Chenin Blanc.
Where to Try Dessert Wine in Mumbai
La Loca Maria
This elegant European bistro is known for its global wine selection, which includes dessert wines from Italy and Spain. A great spot for pairing wines with gourmet desserts.
- What to Try: Moscato d’Asti, Vin Santo
- Address: 14th Road, Khar West, Mumbai
- Timings: 12 PM to 11 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Price for Two: ₹3,000 approx.
Enoteca at Vetro – The Oberoi
This luxe wine library inside The Oberoi Hotel is a go-to for premium international dessert wines. Sommelier-led experiences are available, often pairing dessert wines with cheese or gourmet sweets.
- What to Try: Sauternes, Late Harvest Rieslings, Vintage Ports
- Address: The Oberoi, Nariman Point, Mumbai
- Timings: 7 PM to 11 PM (Daily)
- Price for Two: ₹5,000 approx.
Living Liquidz – Retail Wine Experience
If you’d rather enjoy dessert wine at home, this premium liquor retailer offers an extensive selection across styles and origins. You can purchase wines in-store or online.
- Popular Picks:
- Sula Late Harvest Chenin Blanc – ₹995 (India)
- Paladin Moscato Dolce – ₹2,995 (Italy)
- Floralis Moscatel Oro – ₹2,200 (Spain)
- Povero Moscato d’Asti – ₹2,699 (Italy)
- Address: Multiple outlets across Mumbai
- Timings: 10:30 AM to 10 PM (Daily)
Liquor Genie – Online Delivery of Dessert Wines
This Mumbai-based e-commerce liquor platform specializes in niche and premium wines, including dessert wines and meads.
- Featured Ones:
- Arka Honey Dessert Mead – ₹1,050
- Fratelli Sette Late Harvest – ₹1,250
- Delivery: Across Mumbai, depending on stock and location
How Much Does Dessert Wine Cost in Mumbai?
- By the Glass at Restaurants: ₹500 to ₹1,000
- By the Bottle (Indian Brands): ₹900 to ₹1,500
- By the Bottle (Imported): ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 and above
Prices depend on the label, vintage, and where you’re buying it. Indian options are relatively affordable and ideal for beginners, while European classics come at a premium but offer exceptional depth.
Summing Up
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just have a sweet tooth, dessert wines offer an elegant and indulgent experience. From casual bars like 266 to luxury pairings at Vetro, and even online orders through Living Liquidz and Liquor Genie, Mumbai has no shortage of places to enjoy these golden-hued bottles. Next time you’re planning a date night, celebration, or just a classy finish to your meal, consider dessert wine.
