6 Must Visit Vineyards In Bangalore For Wine Lovers

If enjoying a wine tour among the picturesque vineyards is what you have in mind for a serene weekend getaway, the vineyards in Bangalore are just the place for you. In recent years, viticulture and wine tourism has been growing rapidly in India with Karnataka being the second largest producer of wine, right after Nashik in Maharashtra. The history of winemaking dates back millennia but only gained popularity first in Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later during the British rule.

Today, there are several vineyards scattered across the country that are not only known for their reds and whites, but also for their spectacular estates set amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes. As Bangalore’s cool climate along with the apt soil conditions makes it an ideal location for wine grape farming, many vineyards have opened their gates for wine tours, offering guided wine tasting and a peek into the whole process of wine making.

# Big Banyan Vineyard

Situated near Bangalore’s famous 400-year-old banyan tree (also known as dodda alada mara by locals), the Big Banyan Vineyard first started producing wine at its Goa winery about a decade ago and then expanded in 2016 to Bangalore, with the construction of its second winery. Taking place in a wood-panelled room decorated with images of the winemaking process, it makes wine tours interesting by pairing 10 kinds of unique cheese with six different wines. Covering over a hectare of land with a scenic backdrop, you can take a walk around this vineyard in Bangalore while hearing the story of their wine making process or enjoy the sunsets while sipping on some delicious wine. From March to May, the vineyard also offers visitors a chance to hand-pick grapes.

# Grover Zampa Vineyard

Mumbai-based businessman Kanwal Grover’s quest for good-quality Indian wines eventually led him to open Grover Zampa Vineyards, one of the first vineyards in Bangalore. With over 81 hectares of their own vines, they were the first to use an optical sorting machine that easily separates the best grapes for fermentation. At the company’s sprawling vineyard, you can spend some peaceful time learning about their winemaking process, as well as get recommendations on wine pairings. With six different wines, this vineyard in Bangalore sweetens the deal with a delicious buffet lunch amidst a lovely ambiance with music.

# Kādu Winery

Renaming it Kādu Winery from Heritage Winery, which means “wild” in Kannada, the winery is Sula Vineyards’ fourth unit in Karnataka. Kādu winery is India’s first wine offering that gives a portion of its proceeds towards tiger conservation in Karnataka. Spread over nine acres of land, you can enjoy a guided wine tour, taste the Kādu and Sula wines in their tasting room, learn about the various aspects of winemaking, and dine at Epulo, the vineyard restaurant. You can also take part in grape-stomping at this vineyard in Bangalore for an additional cost of INR 500 per person.

# SDU Winery

SDU Winery is a winery run by Shaambhavi Hingorani, the first female wine entrepreneur. With a focus on producing easy-drinking wines, the boutique winery adheres to a simple, yet modern approach to winemaking with machinery imported from Italy. Under the famed Italian winemaker Andrea Valentinuzzi’s leadership, the winery produces a range of easy-drinking varietal, reserve and blended wines under the brand names Deva, Reserva and Trilogy respectively. You can savor some of their fine wines and gain insight about the intriguing wine making process on a classic wine tour to this vineyard in Bangalore. The winery also plans on hosting open-air vineyard brunches in the future.

# Kinvah Vineyards

Kinvah or Nandi Valley Vineyards spread over a 250 acre vineyard has a current capacity to produce ten million liters of wine. Produced from premium quality French grapes, Kinvah is all about refined tastes and fine living. The tour of this vineyard in Bangalore is more than just learning about the production and tasting wines. You are also pampered with a welcome drink and snacks, followed by a visit to the factory and a 3 course meal for lunch; finishing with a fun grape stomping session.

# Myra Vineyards

Myra Vineyards is perfect for those looking for a splendid and gratifying wine tour within Bangalore’s city limits. Offering both white and red wines, the winery uses different varieties and the latest winemaking techniques to produce high quality wines that will delight the taste buds of wine lovers. Founded by Ajay Shetty in December 2011, the wines produced here are designed to present a fine taste that can be enjoyed by connoisseurs as well as experimenters. At this vineyard in Bangalore, you can enjoy an interactive wine tour where you can get insight on their wine making process as well as try out their various wine varieties.