When you think about wines, the first place that comes to mind is probably Italy or France. However, you’ll be surprised to know that India is emerging as a hub for unique fruit-based wines. From peach and apple wines crafted in the serene Himalayan hills to exotic blends made from jamun and lychee, Indian wineries are offering a diverse selection that deserves attention. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just looking to try something different, here’s a list of seven distinctive wines in India, along with their approximate price range.
Where to Find: Uttarakhand, Himachal PradeshPrice Range: ₹800 - ₹1,500 per bottleA sweet and aromatic delight, peach wine is a specialty of the Himalayan regions, particularly in Uttarakhand, which is India’s largest peach producer. Made from locally sourced peaches, this wine offers a refreshing fruity taste with floral undertones. It pairs well with light salads, cheese platters, and grilled seafood. However, commercial availability is limited, so exploring local markets is the best way to find it.
Where to Find: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, UttarakhandPrice Range: ₹700 - ₹1,400 per bottleApple wine is an exquisite creation from India’s northern states, particularly famous in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, which are major apple-producing regions. With its crisp and mildly sweet flavor, this wine makes for a perfect summer drink. It complements spicy Indian dishes and soft cheeses beautifully. Some local wineries and markets in these regions offer authentic apple wine.
Where to Find: Maharashtra, KarnatakaPrice Range: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 per bottleJamun wine is a deep, rich, and slightly tangy wine made from the black plum (jamun) fruit. Maharashtra-based Rhythm Winery is one of the well-known brands producing this unique wine, offering variants like Jamun Wine and Jamun Lite Wine. Packed with antioxidants, it has a unique balance of sweetness and tartness, making it an excellent pairing for grilled meats and dark chocolate desserts.
Where to Find: Bihar, West Bengal, UttarakhandPrice Range: ₹900 - ₹1,600 per bottleLychee wine is an exotic and fragrant wine with floral and citrusy notes. Bihar is the leading producer of lychee in India, making it a potential hotspot for lychee-based wines. However, large-scale commercial production of lychee wine in India is still limited. If available, it pairs well with light Asian cuisine, sushi, or even spicy Indian curries.
Where to Find: Maharashtra, GoaPrice Range: ₹850 - ₹1,700 per bottleA true tropical indulgence, mango wine is slightly sweet, with a luscious, fruity flavor that captures the essence of India’s favorite summer fruit. Brands like Hill Zill Wines have introduced Alphonso mango-flavored wine, available in Maharashtra and Goa. It pairs exceptionally well with spicy foods, grilled chicken, and creamy desserts.
Where to Find: Mahabaleshwar, KarnatakaPrice Range: ₹900 - ₹1,800 per bottleStrawberry wine, crafted in regions like Mahabaleshwar, is a delightful drink with a naturally sweet yet slightly tangy profile. Hill Zill Wines offers strawberry-flavored wines, reflecting the region’s significant strawberry cultivation. Its vibrant aroma and flavor make it a perfect match for chocolate-based desserts and mild cheeses.
Where to Find: Rajasthan, UttarakhandPrice Range: ₹1,000 - ₹2,200 per bottleMade from fresh rose petals, gulab wine offers an elegant floral aroma with a subtle sweetness. While rose cultivation is significant in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, commercial rose wine production in these regions is not widely documented. If available, it is often enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif and pairs well with mild kebabs, paneer dishes, and desserts like gulab jamun.
India boasts a fascinating variety of fruit-based wines, but their commercial availability varies. Some states have embraced fruit wine production, while in others, it remains niche. Whether you prefer something sweet, tangy, or floral, there’s a distinctive wine waiting to tantalize your taste buds. If you’re keen to try these unique wines, exploring local markets and wineries in the mentioned regions can help you find the best picks!
