Diwali, Indian Wine
Adam Jacob, Principal Co-Founder of Maharaja Drinks, explains why Indian wine is a serious contender for celebrations this Diwali
When I think of Diwali, I remember evenings back home: the house alive with conversation, plates of food passed across tables, and glasses raised in joyful toasts. Drinks have always been central to these celebrations, not for the alcohol itself, but because they bring people together, sparking laughter, conversation, and shared memories.
This year in the UK, I want to bring that same sense of celebration through something new: Indian wine. While premium Indian spirits have already made their mark here, Indian wine is only just stepping into the spotlight. This Diwali, at Maharaja Drinks, we want to change that.
What Makes Indian Wine Unique?
India’s wine regions often sit at surprisingly high altitudes, where cool nights temper the warmth of the day. Regions like Nashik benefit from this diurnal shift, giving wines remarkable balance and freshness. Winemakers also contend with the monsoon; its rains and humidity create a seasonal tension that they adapt to rather than fight. The result is wines with lively aromatics, bright fruit, and a texture unlike anything from more traditional climates.
Indian wine growers work with both international and locally adapted grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Chenin Blanc thrive under Indian skies, expressing themselves in unique ways. For example, Grover Zampa Signet 2K Shiraz is described as poetry in a bottle; Myne Chenin Blanc is a vibrant wine that balances tropical fruit flavours and Charosa Selection Chenin Blanc reflects elegance in its white expression.These wines don’t try to copy Bordeaux or Burgundy, they proudly express the land they come from.
Are There Many Female Producers in India?
Female entrepreneurs are playing a remarkable role in India’s wine story. Rhythm Winery in Pune, led by Vidita Mungi, produces bold, fruit forward wines like their Alphonso Mango Wine, Strawberry and Pineapple wine which is perfect for celebrations. We also work with Kiran Patil, the co-founder and the sales & marketing director of Reveilo wines, a family-owned winery in Nashik, India, that was established in 2002. Kiran manages the brand's marketing efforts while her husband, Yatin Patil, oversees the vineyards and winery.
Why Choose Indian Wine This Diwali?
At Maharaja Drinks, we retail wines that carry both story and integrity. We don’t chase volume or trends; we prioritise quality, character, and authenticity in every bottle. Our selection includes sparkling wines like Fratelli Gran Cuvée Brut and Grover Zampa Soiree Brut as well as exceptional varietals from vineyards such as Myne and Good Earth , all crafted with meticulous attention to detail, sustainable vineyard practices, and a deep respect for heritage.
Is Indian Wine Growing in Popularity?
India is emerging as a highly promising growth market for alcoholic beverages, including wine and spirits. A rapidly expanding middle class with growing disposable income is eager to spend on premium products. Younger, urban consumers, especially millennials, and a rising segment of women are keen to explore new drinks, while overall per capita consumption remains low, offering ample room for growth. Cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and New Delhi lead consumption, with secondary urban centers also showing rising demand. Recent trade deals reducing import barriers further enhance opportunities for international brands. Altogether, India presents a dynamic, relatively untapped market, making it an exciting opportunity for producers and brands to build presence and awareness.
My Top Wines to Try This Diwali
Fratelli Gran Cuvée Brut:
As I kick-off my celebrations this year I, like many, will be reaching for a bottle of sparkling wine. This year I will have the pleasure of popping the cork from a bottle of Fratelli Gran Cuvée Brut . This wine made using the traditional Zero Dosage method, has a lovely creamy texture with hints of citrus and a signature minerality in the mouth. I find this to be the perfect welcome drink for my guests to enjoy as we start the evening with snacks and idle chat.
Grover Zampa Vijay Amritraj Collection White:
When we take our seats at the table and first courses touch plates, a bottle of Grover Zampa Vijay Amritraj Collection White will accompany them. This wine is a very elegant expression and shows some of the best India has to offer. With aromas of stone fruit and floral notes this wine is surprisingly powerful, and you can feel the faint hints of vanilla from the French oak barrels. I find that the fruitiness pairs nicely with a light seafood or shellfish starter.
Myne Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon:
As the evening continues, I like to move towards the heavier foods and with those, bolder wines. For the main course I will be serving the Myne Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon . This full-bodied red is exquisitely crafted and aged to perfection. I find the smooth, fruity flavour and long finish of dark fruits and hints of liquorice and chocolate pair wonderfully with my favoured mains, foods from the tandoor!
Rhythm Pineapple:
Once we have had our fill, we like to move to the balcony to watch the skies of London come alive with fireworks. This is where I like to add something a little unique. Whilst many would reach for another bottle of sparkling, I will be serving Rhythm Pineapple to my guests. I find this wine, served ice cold, is the perfect palate cleanser whilst still being delightful to drink. The Keralan pineapples and Chenin Blanc work wonderfully together to give a vibrant expressive wine that is a wonderful surprise in the mouth. On a personal note, it evokes many memories of my father telling me stories as a child of the famous Queens pineapples from Kerala.
Reveilo Late Harvest Chenin Blanc:
As our celebrations wind to a close, what Indian festival would be complete without a sweet course! With dessert of course I go for a dessert wine: the Reveilo Late Harvest Chenin Blanc is a perfect choice. The deep golden hue and powerful aroma of honey, dry figs, and almonds provide a complete fullness to end the evening. I love that this wine is not overpoweringly sweet. There is a hint of acidity which helps give it a perfect balance. Whilst on this occasion I will most certainly be serving it with gulab jamuns, this wine also pairs wonderfully with everything chocolate.
Wine has always been about connection for me. It’s not just the flavours in the glass, it’s the heritage, celebration, and stories shared. Through Maharaja Drinks, my vision is to bring Indian wines to the UK in a way that allows them to stand proudly alongside the great wines of the world.
This Diwali, raise a glass of Indian wine. Share it. Celebrate it. Discover that the wines we’ve been waiting for are finally ready.
