With almost every Indian wine brand opening up their properties for a 360-degree experience, Indians can experience how wine is made, consumed and celebrated.

Thanks to booming wine tourism in India, you don’t have to plan a fullfledged international tour everytime you need a wine-dedicated holiday. Wine tourism involves tasting, consumption or purchase of wine, visits to wineries and vineyards, organized wine tours, wine festivals and other special winerelated events. Although relatively new, it is gaining popularity by competing with other beverages and other tourism themes. Sula was awarded by The Drinks Business for ‘Best contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism’. This award recognizes global wine and spirits companies' efforts to draw customers to a unique tourism experience. It goes without saying that Sula is the first Indian winery to be so recognized.

The experience of visiting vineyards is so enchanting that it will surely turn you into a wine lover, if you are not one yet. Check out these vineyards.

Sula Vineyards, Nashik

Situated in the Western Ghats, at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level, Nashik's soil is of volcanic origin, ranging from weathered basalt to red laterite to heavy clay. The heavier soils are closer to the Godavari river beds while the lighter crumbly weathered red soils are closer to the northern hilly part of the region. Vineyards in proximity to hills or rivers have markedly different microclimates- the best example being Dindori, which further reflect in the quality of the wine produced here. The cool nights of Nashik ensure high level of acid in the grapes, while warm days ensure optimum ripeness of the grapes, resulting in perfect growing conditions and terroirs for premium wine grapes.

This picturesque sub-district of Nashik features gentle hills of red laterite and basalt rock. Well-drained soils on the slopes give way to heavier, clay soils on the valley floors. Clean air, plenty of monsoon rain and a cool climate all contribute to Dindori's suitability for quality vineyards. Dindori is one of the best regions for the cultivation of red wine grapes since they require relatively lighter soils. This region is most known for producing Sula's premium red grapes like the Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Malbec and Tempranillo.

Chateau Indage Estate Vineyards, Narayangaon

Sham Chougule and his Indage companies are important for having been central to developing the current era of wine production in India. The first Indage vineyard was established in 1979 at Narayangaon in the Sahyadri valley with French varietals. In 1982 Champagne Indage was formed to produce sparkling wine for export, utilising technical assistance from Piper-Heidsieck. Their first wine – Omar Khayyam – was launched in 1986 to generally positive critical acclaim, and won several international awards in competition. By 1988 Indage was able to sell in the Indian domestic market and soon established a range of red and white table wines.

Four Seasons Vineyard, Pune

Step into the world of Four Seasons wines where we pride ourselves on being India’s finest, with luxury and sophistication distilled into each bottle. Taste the freshness of Spring, the seductiveness of Summer, the crispness of Fall, and the zest of Winter in our international award-winning wines. Made from carefully selected grapes from the lush valley of the Sahyadri in Maharashtra, every bottle of our Classics, Blended and Reserve wines are crafted with care and passion in the state of the art winery in Baramati. Modeled on a French château and surrounded by sprawling vineyards, the winery is the ideal setting for the art of winemaking. Join us in celebrating life. Taste Four Seasons, the perfect complement for all occasions.

Fratelli Wines, Akluj

Fratelli that translates to brothers, is a partnership run by seven men who came together to give India its own premium wine label. While the vineyards are spread across 240 acres of land with 12 varieties of grapes from Italy and France, the accommodation is restricted to just four guestrooms with a common living area as of now. Nonetheless, the hospitality is warm. After a hearty Indian lunch paired with a glass of Sangiovese Bianco, we set out to see the vineyard and learn a thing or two about winemaking. Motewadi Vineyard which is spread across 60 acres of land is right outside. The staff member accompanying us explained how Fratelli grows its grapes in a vertical shoot position where the shoots stay in a standing position with the grape bunches getting maximum sun exposure that is required for better quality.