India’s wine landscape is evolving, and this time, it’s the lush hills of Arunachal Pradesh that are making headlines. The state is now home to the country’s first-ever organic kiwi wine — a unique offering that blends innovation, sustainability, and regional produce into a bottle of fruity delight. Named Naara-Aaba, this wine is not only a testament to the potential of kiwi as a winemaking fruit but also a step forward in putting Northeast India on the country’s viticulture map.
A Pioneer from the Northeast
Launched in October 2017, Naara-Aaba is India’s first pure kiwi wine. It originates from Hong Village near Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh’s Subansiri district — the second-largest village in Asia. The area is predominantly inhabited by the Apatani tribe, who have long cultivated kiwi in the region. In fact, Arunachal Pradesh accounted for 26% of India’s total kiwi production in 2016, making it an ideal location for such a venture.
Organic Roots and Local Impact
The wine is named in memory of the late father-in-law of founder Tage Rita Takhe, who had a deep appreciation for local wines. The kiwis used in Naara-Aaba are grown organically, without any chemicals. This commitment to clean produce not only enhances the quality of the wine but also benefits local farmers by creating new economic opportunities. The winery’s equipment is sourced internationally, ensuring modern production standards.
Distribution Challenges
Despite its high quality and unique flavor profile, Naara-Aaba remains a regional specialty due to logistical hurdles. Arunachal Pradesh’s underdeveloped infrastructure and poor road connectivity have made it difficult to transport the wine to other parts of the country. Packaging also posed a challenge, with the team eventually settling on imported Chinese bottles that were sturdier, though costlier.
Pricing and Availability
Currently, Naara-Aaba is available only in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. In Arunachal, the wine is priced at INR 1200 for a standard bottle and INR 600 for a smaller one. In Assam, the respective prices are INR 1500 and INR 800.
Summing Up
Naara-Aaba is more than just a bottle of wine — it’s a symbol of innovation rooted in tradition and sustainability. As infrastructure improves and awareness grows, India’s first organic kiwi wine holds the promise of reaching connoisseurs across the country, putting Arunachal Pradesh’s produce on the national map.
