Grover Zampa Vineyard Tour

Karnataka has a quietly serious wine scene, and the vineyards at the foot of the Nandi Hills are its showcase. Grover Zampa, formed from the merger of two pioneering Indian producers, runs an estate here where rows of grapes are grown in a climate that is warm by day and cool at night, helped by altitude. A vineyard tour usually includes a walk among the vines, an explanation of how the grapes are grown and harvested, a visit to the winery to see crushing, fermenting and barrel rooms, and a tasting of several wines, often including Cabernet, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and sparkling wine. The drive from Bengaluru is a pleasant countryside run, and many operators include private transport so that you can taste without worrying about driving. It is a fine half-day outing for couples and friends, especially in the cooler months. Combine it with a morning at Nandi Hills for a complete trip, or follow it with a craft-beer evening to explore Bengaluru's drinking culture from both ends.

Grover Vineyards was founded in the late 1980s and became one of the first Indian wineries to work with an international consultant, helping to put Indian wine on the map. Zampa, based in Maharashtra, was another early producer, and their combination created one of the country's larger wine companies. The Nandi Valley estate is the heart of the Grover story, and its location, with the hills as a backdrop, gives the visit a handsome setting.

Grapes are grown on gentle slopes, with harvest generally taking place in the early months of the year, which is the most interesting time to visit if you want to see activity.

A tasting experience usually starts with a short talk on the region's terroir and the particular challenges of making wine in India, including heat, monsoon rains and the need for careful pruning. You then walk through the vineyard and move to the winery, where steel tanks and oak barrels explain the process from juice to bottle. The tasting is typically a flight of several wines, sometimes paired with snacks. Wines vary by season, and available labels change, so ask for recommendations.

If you are new to Indian wine, ask the tasting host to explain how the climate shapes the styles, and try at least one white and one red side by side. The staff are usually happy to talk about food pairings, and a few bottles make good gifts, though carrying rules for flights vary, so check before you buy. Finish with a relaxed lunch if one is offered and enjoy the view of the hills.