Luxebook December 2021

BY SCHENELLE DSOUZA Forget tropical beaches and exotic locations, take a trip to these scenic vineyards in India for your next vacation These lush vineyards in India are a perfect travel destination for wine enthusiasts A s wine becomes more popular in the country, more people have become interested in the culture of wine and want to experience and understand the ethos of winemaking in its most authentic form, boosting wine tourism in the country. Nashik is well-known for being the wine capital of India, having the most number of vineyards and wineries in the region. With the growing popularity of wine tourism, wine makers have begun setting up their own estates with tasting rooms and tours for wine enthusiasts and beginners alike. Some of them also set up accommodations, either in or close to the estate. However the state of Chandon India Winery Karnataka is not far off, with a few estates in the Nandi Hills region. Here are some of the most pristine locations where you can find gorgeous vineyards and wineries in India, a perfect travel destination for a romantic getaway. Chandon India Winery  Location  Located about 45 minutes north of Nashik, Chandon India Winery is a sight for sore eyes. Nestled at the base of the lush green Nhera-Ori Hills, the winery is truly an escape from the city with nothing but clear blue skies and picturesque landscapes.   Speciality  Chandon Indian Winery was started in 2016 and is the first offering from Moët Hennessy to be made in India. Best known for their sparkling wine, Chandon combines the centuries-old sparkling wine-making practice of “méthode traditionnelle” using only the finest produce of local grapes.   Why Visit While Chandon does not have an in-house accommodation, wine tasting and tours of the winery are available from 11 am to 5 pm. Guests are greeted with a welcome drink post which they are taken through the wine estate and then to the tasting room. Here they receive an in- depth informative session by an expert from Moët Hennessy, ending the tour with a visit to the winery.   Must Try  Chandon offers three variants of sparkling wine: Brut, Rosé & Délice, from which the Chandon Brut is quite well received for its fresh fruit bouquet of citrus blossom with green apple, along with hints of tropical fruits and vanilla.  Charosa Vineyards Location Set amidst sprawling 230 acres of land, Charosa Vineyards is located in the Dindori-Niphad- Satara area of Nashik and is a homegrown wine brand to be named after the village in which it is located.  Speciality  The process of making wine at Charosa is quite unique. They use open tank fermenters, a first for Indian winemaking. Other than that, they also use supreme quality equipment like the inert gas press, which ensures only the best quality grape juice is used in the winemaking process. Charosa is also the first brand to introduce Tempranillo, which is a Spanish origin grape in the Indian market.   Why Visit  Although, the journey to the vineyard is a little bumpy, guests are greeted with beautiful scenic views and luxurious interiors. Tuscan design fused with contemporary vernacular architecture gives the vineyard a very sophisticated look.  Must Try  Charosa produces three premium ranges including Reserve, Pleasures and Selection wines. Among these, the Reserve Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc and Voignier are some of the much- appreciated selections.   WINE C OUNTRY 38| L U X E B O O K | D E C E MB E R 2 0 2 1 D E C E MB E R 2 0 2 1 | L U X E B O O K | 39