The pleasure of attending wine events is twofold—entertainment and knowledge. I’m glad I attended the Wine Out festival on 15th February 2025.
It was a fantastic event to meet friends, socialites, and wine enthusiasts, but most importantly, to taste new wines and discover new varietals from existing wineries.
Alurra Strawberry Wine
Sometimes, it’s difficult to taste every wine on offer, but I was fortunate to try Alurra Strawberry. The colour, packaging, and enthusiasm of the owner were exemplary—inviting me to take a sip.
A beautiful baby pink hue, served cool, with the fragrance of real strawberries—what a delightful product! The first apprehensive sip and all hesitations vanished. I was immediately tempted to take a bigger mouthful. Not only that, but I also brought over a few friends from the crowd, and everyone loved it—so much so that they bought a few bottles themselves.
When tasting fruit wines, the focus is on fruitiness rather than acidity or tannins. This wine delivers the true essence of strawberries, with a rich aroma and the mouthfeel of fresh fruit.
If you’re looking to unwind with a refreshing drink, this is the perfect choice. Enjoy it as an apéritif or as a dessert wine after a meal—the taste and aroma will linger, tempting you to finish the whole bottle.
A true treat—both visually and on the palate!
Above note by Hans Raj Ahuja. Facebook and Insta @ahuja.hansraj
If you want to visit this winery, contact us The Wine Friend Mr. Manoj Jagtap
Big Banyan—A Winery from a Prestigious Beverage Company That Introduced Premium Single Malt in India
I had the opportunity to taste Big Banyan wines at ProWine and instantly fell in love with them. Initially, their wines were imported from Karnataka, but they are now produced in Maharashtra, making them available at highly competitive prices while maintaining the same exceptional quality.
The hallmark of Big Banyan wines is their unwavering commitment to quality and the authenticity of real varietals.
At the Wine Out show in Bandra on 15th February 2025, I tasted their Merlot—a medium-bodied wine with an enticing aroma of ripe plums. Smooth on the palate, it offered a long, lingering finish with remarkable clarity. A winner all the way.
Alongside their traditional varietals, they introduced L’Angoor. Like many others, I initially misread it as Langoor, a misconception reinforced by the animal illustration on the label.
This is a wine perfect for any casual occasion for connoisseurs as well as new wine enthusiasts—whether you’re unwinding, indulging in lighthearted conversation, or simply enjoying your own company. You can choose between your favourite red or white.
Crisp, very clean lingering finish with medium sweetness and well balanced.
Interestingly, research on wine labels featuring animals suggests an emerging trend:
“Traditional brand research argues that logos should be highly relevant to the product they represent in order to be successful. However, marketers have recently begun using unusual visual identifiers that have little, if anything, to do with the product. Market research firm ACNielsen reports that nearly one in five table-wine brands introduced in the last three years features an animal on the label, and all have been well received by consumers.”
With Big Banyan’s strong emphasis on quality, I am confident that this new offering will be a great success.
Above note by Hans Raj Ahuja. Facebook and Insta @ahuja.hansraj
If you want to visit this winery, contact Wine Friend Mr. Manoj Jagtap
Fratelli
A big name in the Indian wine industry. When they launched their wines, most of the industry people thought it will be an uphill task to face competition with existing brands and a small market.
But they proved everyone wrong with their sustained efforts in establishing a PAN India distribution network while simultaneously expanding capacity and adding varietals and brands.
A company know for their consist quality from batch to batch and a wide offering for every occasion and every pocket from their entry-level wines to premium wine J`Noon.
As expected the quality and range of wines was very good. Each varietal giving a distinct taste and aroma of the varietal.
Always a favourite.
Above note by Hans Raj Ahuja. Facebook and Insta ahuja.hansraj
If you want to visit this winery, contact Wine Friend Mr. Manoj Jagtap
Good Earth Vineyards-A Name to Reckon With in the Indian Wine Industry
Among the select few Indian wineries owned by a winemaker, this company stands out for its unique approach to winemaking. From the very beginning, they took a bold step away from traditional varietal wines, introducing wine coolers—a first-of-its-kind concept in India. These easy going, fun, and refreshing beverages quickly gained popularity, securing a significant share of the market.
Building on this success, the company later introduced high-quality sparkling wines, further cementing its reputation for innovation. Their latest offering, Frizzano, now available in Brut and Rosé, brings a fresh new look and an eye-catching, stylish packaging that is sure to stand out on the shelves.
While their range of varietal wines may be limited, the focus—much like with Frizzano—remains firmly on quality. One of their most exciting recent releases is a Chenin Viognier blend, a rare combination that pleasantly surprised the palate. This innovative blend boasts a delicate floral bouquet, crisp acidity, and a perfectly balanced medium sweetness. The palate is alive with vibrant stone fruit flavours, making it a true delight.
A wine for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike—perfect for those seeking a refined yet mood-enhancing experience.
Above note by Hans Raj Ahuja. Facebook and Insta @ahuja.hansraj
If you want to visit this winery, contact us The Wine Friend Mr. Manoj Jagtap
Grover Zampa Vineyards – Pioneers of Indian Winemaking
Grover Zampa Vineyards holds the distinction of being India’s oldest still-winemaking company, with a legacy that has shaped the country’s wine industry. Their diverse portfolio spans from approachable entry-level wines to the ultra-premium Signet range, offering something for every palate and occasion.
The winery made history in 1998 with the launch of La Reserve, India’s first-ever reserve wine. This bold, oak-aged red immediately captured the attention of connoisseurs, setting a new benchmark for quality in Indian wines. Even decades later, La Reserve enjoys a devoted following, revered for its consistency, depth, and structure.
However, Grover Zampa is no longer just about La Reserve. Over the years, the winery has expanded significantly, introducing an array of labels that cater to different tastes and budgets. From crisp whites and elegant rosés to sophisticated reds and methode traditionnelle sparkling wines, they have a wine for every occasion.
With a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation, Grover Zampa continues to lead the Indian wine market, proving that excellence and tradition can go hand in hand.
Above note by Hans Raj Ahuja. Facebook and Insta @ahuja.hansraj
If you want to visit this winery, contact us The Wine Friend Mr. Manoj Jagtap
Reveilo – A Benchmark for Quality and Innovation
When it comes to consistency in quality, Reveilo is a name you can trust—from the very first bottle to every pour at a tasting.
Innovation in winemaking isn’t always about the size of a company, and Reveilo is a perfect example of this. Their commitment to excellence goes beyond just maintaining high standards; they have also pioneered the introduction of unique varietals in India. They were the first—and possibly still the only—Indian winery to produce Nero d’Avola, a bold Sicilian red. They also introduced Grillo, another Sicilian grape, making them true trailblazers in the Indian wine industry.
Beyond their Italian Collection (Nero d’Avola, Grillo, and Sangiovese), Reveilo offers a well-structured portfolio that includes popular varietals across their Reserve, Premium, and Regular ranges. Despite their diverse offerings, the hallmark of the brand remains exceptional value for money, ensuring top-notch quality at every price point.
I had the opportunity to be at their stall when a group of hoteliers stopped by for a tasting. Every single one of them was mesmerised—not just by the sheer quality of the wines but also by their remarkably reasonable pricing.
Unlike many wineries that prioritise volume, Reveilo has wisely chosen to focus on quality, even if it means limiting production. While this approach may impact economies of scale, it ultimately secures a loyal customer base that appreciates the unwavering consistency of their wines.
I have no doubt that the hoteliers who tasted Reveilo will soon have these wines featured on their lists. A winery that others can only envy for its exceptional quality!
Above note by Hans Raj Ahuja. Facebook and Insta @ahuja.hansraj
If you want to visit this winery, contact Wine Friend Mr. Manoj Jagtap
Sula – The Largest Winery in India
Yes, Sula was present with its diverse range of wines. Given its extensive portfolio, it was not possible to showcase the entire selection. However, some of its popular labels, such as Dindori Shiraz and The Rasa, were featured alongside a few others.
Without commenting on the company’s policies, my experience at wine-tasting sessions over the past few months has led me to notice a lack of enthusiasm from the staff at their counters. This may explain why their stall seemed to attract the fewest visitors.
Among the wines on display, the Dindori Shiraz Reserve stood out, offering a smoky palate of ripe red berries complemented by hints of spice.
Above note by Hans Raj Ahuja. Facebook and Insta ahuja.hansraj
If you want to visit this winery, contact Wine Friend Mr. Manoj Jagtap
Uniwine—A Bold New Concept in Wine
When a company takes the lead in redefining an established concept, the journey is often long, risky, and challenging. Yet, Uniwine has embraced this path with confidence under the dynamic vision of Mr. Rajiv Seth, a highly experienced winemaker.
Uniwine is on a mission to reshape the wine-drinking experience through innovative blends and modern packaging that appeal to both seasoned connoisseurs as casual wine drink, and the younger millennial generation. By introducing wines in convenient, easy-to-carry cans, and crown cap closed bottles the brand is positioning itself as a fun and accessible alternative—one that could even replace beer on certain occasions.
I firmly believe that not all wines need to be analysed with the seriousness of a critic. While some wines are meant to be appreciated in depth, the majority should be enjoyed simply as a pleasurable drink—an accompaniment to food and a catalyst for social interaction, much like other alcoholic beverages but with greater versatility.
Of course, there are wines that deserve a more serious approach, but such occasions are rare. For everyday enjoyment, wines should bring delight without the weight of formality.
Coming back to Uniwine, some of their blends stand out as particularly refreshing, leaving a pleasant mouthfeel and a sense of cheerfulness. And ultimately, isn’t that what a great drink is supposed to do?
Above note by Hans Raj Ahuja. Facebook and Insta @ahuja.hansraj
If you want to visit this winery, contact us The Wine Friend Mr. Manoj Jagtap
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