INDIAN WINERIES ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY AROUND THE WORLD

Mumbai, India (October 19, 2007)— Very few western wine-lovers are aware that India is home to a sophisticated wine-producing region that rivals it’s famous counterparts in the west. With over twenty three wineries already operational in the State of Maharashtra, along with two dedicated wine parks established by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, investment in the State’s wine industry increased by over 74% in 2006. Furthermore, the recent establishment of eight new wineries, including six in the city of Nashik (100 miles northeast of Mumbai) and one each in the cities of Pune (220 miles southeast of Mumbai) and Buldhana (about 280 miles west of Mumbai) is evidence of the growth of this prosperous industry in Maharashtra. Continuing are highlights of the wineries located in the State of Maharashtra that account for the vast majority of India’s bourgeoning wine industry:

-          Chateau Indage: Located in the picturesque village of Narayangaon, in the Pune district of Maharashtra, the 400 plus acres of vineyards use state of the art technology for their blending methods. Chateau Indage is the first and only winery in Asia to produce bottle fermented sparkling wines. This winery also runs a wine bar in Narayangaon often frequented by foreign travelers. This bar pairs Indage wines with foods chosen for their complimentary flavors. Indian Wine.com named Indage the top Indian winery of 2006.

-          Grover Vineyards: Unlike other wine makers in India today, Grover Vineyards is the only company which exclusively uses French wine grapes. The quality of the wine from Grover has been affirmed across the world as the vineyard was awarded The International Wine & Food Society Silver Award at WINPAC in 2003 and received accolades for the ‘Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz' at the “Wines of the Pacific Rim”.

-          Sula: Since its inception, Sula has rapidly established itself as India’s premium wine brand, helping spark a wine revolution through its growth of 25% annually and the opening of several new wineries in the Nashik area. In keeping with its innovative spirit, Sula opened India’s first Tasting Room, which boasts a blue-mosaic balcony bar with a spectacular view of the vineyards and the surrounding lakes and hills. Offering Red, White, Sparkling, Rosé and Dessert wines, this vineyard was recognized when two of its wines, out of only three Indian wines, were named second and fifth on the list of the greatest-quality wines in the wine Asia report 2007.

-          Sankalp Wines: Based in the Vinchur Wine Park outside Nashik, Sankalp Wines launched Vinsura Wines in 2003 which produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah varieties for Red Wines and Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Symphony for White Wines. The vineyard was proud to accept the Wine for Asia Award in 2006.

-          Renaissance Wines: A picture-book winery, Renaissance Wines resides in a red-tiled hacienda-style building set amidst rolling vineyards outside Nashik. With unique packaging and delicious tasting wines, this new winery is converting Indian wine enthusiasts with their new flavors.

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