Here are 6 Indian wineries that are crafting memorable experiences at their wineries to engage and entertain visitors.

Sula Vineyards, Nashik, Maharashtra

At the forefront of this wine tourism revolution in the country is Sula Vineyards. India’s largest wine producer is also the organizer of one of the world’s best wine & music festivals held inside a winery. Sula fest takes place on the first weekend of February every year at Sula Vineyards located in Nashik, Maharashtra. The festival attracts almost 15000 visitors from all over the country who come to the winery to enjoy performances by world-class bands and also to taste, drink, buy, and enjoy their time at the vineyard. In the past artists such as Amit Trivedi, Kailash Kher, Shankar Mahadevan, Raghu Dixit, American band Jungle’s, Indian band Divine, and Austria’s most successful artist Marcus Fuereder have performed at Sulafest.

Source: Facebook

Sula Vineyards has The Source, an accommodation facility with an outdoor swimming pool; spa center, a tennis court and a fitness center just a stone’s throw from the winery. There are a garden and a bar on the premises. Residents at The Source can cycle around the property and enjoy the vineyard vistas. A perfect set up to unwind over a weekend. Sula Vineyards has won the Best Contribution to Wine Tourism Awards by The Drinks Business Magazine and Best Contribution to Wine & Spirits Tourism Awards by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Wine Recommendations: Some of the award-winning wines from Sula Vineyards portfolio are The Source Rose, Sula Rasa, Sula Riesling, and Sula Chenin Blanc.

Soma Vine Village, Nashik, Maharashtra

Surrounded by a reservoir on the Godavari River, the vineyards of Soma envelope a stunning resort property apt for a weekend getaway amidst nature. Options at Soma are plenty. You can choose between Regenta Resort & Villa, Soma Vineyard Resort or Soma Serviced Apartment for a pleasant experience in the wine city. Besides being close to many other tourist attractions around the city of Nashik, Soma Vine Village offers outdoor games, guided tours of the winery and tastings that keep you engaged throughout the stay. The winery also organizes Grape Stomping events during the harvest season starting end of January.

Source: Facebook

Wine Recommendations: Some award-winning wines from the portfolio- Soma Chenin Blanc Gold and Sauvignon Blanc Gold.  

York Winery, Nashik, Maharashtra

Located in the same vicinity of Sula and Soma, York Winery is a must-visit for wine lovers. York Winery not only produces some great wines but also offers notable tours, guided cellar visits and tasting packages for the visitors. The winery also houses a restaurant offering authentic Indian food, wine and food pairing options and prolonged lunches enjoyed with an enviable view.

Source: Facebook

Wine Recommendations: One of the most awarded wines from York’s portfolio is Arros. Some other wines that are highly recommended are York H Block Chardonnay, York Syrah, and York Sparkling Brut.

Vallonne Vineyards, Igatpuri, Maharashtra

Vallonne Vineyards is located in Kavnai village in Igatpuri. This boutique winery is a wine lover’s paradise, proof of India’s potential to produce remarkable wines as well as offering wine tourism. The winery provides cozy and comfortable stays, an impressive winery tour, cellar visit and tasting, picnics at the vineyard as well as food services at its in-house restaurant.

Source: Facebook

Wine Recommendations: Vallonne Viognier Reserve, Vallonne Merlot, Vallonne Riesling and Rose.

Bangalore Soma, Karnataka

Situated 50 kilometers from the city of Bengaluru in Karnataka, Soma offers one of the most breathtaking views of the southern Indian landscape. A place that could host a wedding party, or a festival, a family getaway or just a short outing with friends, Soma has it all. The winery tour, guided tasting, barbeque parties, events and a hoard of other activities. Following the principle of ‘wine for wellness’ and ‘a sense of place,’ Soma Vineyards believes in sustainable growing practices to support the ecological balance of the region.  The 120-acre vineyard property is unique in many ways from hill gazing to watching stunning moonrises and sunsets.

Source: Facebook

As one of the most visited properties in the outskirts of Bangalore, Soma has become a popular destination for wine lovers.

Wine Recommendations: Soma White

Fratelli Vineyards, Akluj, Maharashtra

Fratelli Vineyards in Akluj districts of Maharashtra may not have a large accommodation on-premises; it offers a wholesome wine experience for a small group of visitors. From tour across the sprawling vineyard sites surrounding the property to ATVs available for a drive around the vineyards to a picnic arranged at one of the hilltops overlooking the vines, Fratelli Vineyards is a perfect place for a private getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life. During the winter you may get to enjoy a bonfire and barbeque in the courtyard occasionally in the company of the winemaker or one of the co-owners. Fratelli Vineyards also produces some of the best wines in the country and with one of the largest portfolios of a range of wines; tastings at Fratelli could sometimes go on for hours.

Source: Facebook

Wine Recommendations: Some of the most awarded wines from Fratelli’s portfolio are Fratelli Sangiovese, Sette, Sangiovese Bianco, M/S Collection, J’NOON Chardonnay, Sparkling No 47 and J’NOON Red.

Header Image Credit: Sula Vineyard

Written by Rojita Tiwari

An award-winning drinks professional, Founder & The Drinks Coach at Drinks & Destinations. She is a wine & spirits writer, educator, trainer, consultant & juror at several international drinks competitions. She can be reached at [email protected]. 

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The results of the 2021 London Wine Competition reward some of the best wines in the world, and show the enormous diversity there is now, in the style of wines being made from a much larger number of countries.

In all, there were wines from 36 countries to judge, with the most entries coming from, in order, Australia (207), Italy (140), Spain (131), France, Portugal, United States, and Moldova, which also saw the biggest increase in wines from one country. There were entries from 13 countries for the first time including Hungary,

Belgium, Cyprus, Turkey, Germany, Lebanon, Sweden, Croatia, India, Israel, Trinidad and Tobago, Serbia, and Slovenia.

In total there was a near 20% increase in the number of entries to the competition.

135 varietals were entered, amongst which Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Sauvignon Blanc made up the Super Six with the majority of the entries. Wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon were awarded the most number of Gold medals.  

The overall winning wine came from Australia, with 96 points, which was awarded to the Lévrier 2015 Anubis Cabernet Sauvignon made by Lévrier by Jo Irvine Wines in the Barossa Valley. Along with winning the best overall wine, Australia also received the highest percentage of gold medals. 

Sid Patel, founder of the London Wine Competition, and Chief Executive of the Beverage Trade Network that organizes the event said: “We are delighted to see how far the London Wine Competition has come in the last 12 months, particularly considering the difficult conditions we have all been faced with, which also meant judging and hosting the event was more complicated than normal.”

“But thankfully the excellence of wines is not disturbed by the pandemic and it has been great to see the quality, diversity, and level of wines being entered from all over the world. Our thanks go to all the producers that entered, and, in particular, to the hard work and professionalism of our judges whose caliber and expertise are so important in the overall success of the London Wine Competition.”

Unique judging criteria 

The London Wine Competition raised the bar even higher with the judges selected to take part this year. The panel in 2021 included 15 Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, all of whom had direct wine buying responsibility in their current roles. Each panel included at least one MW or MS judge.

Anne Jones, category manager for drinks at Waitrose, the UK’s biggest premium supermarket chain, explained why she was so keen to take part: “Out of all the competitions I judge for, the LWC is unique in assessing wines in the context of both the liquid in isolation as well as in the context of how a shopper would see it.”

Winning a medal at the London Wine Competition means as a winery, producer, or winemaker, you know you are making wines that are in tune with what wine drinkers are looking for. A competition that puts every wine through three different stages of judging with separate scores for a blind tasting to assess its quality; a value for money score based on the retail price; and a packaging and design score based on what it looks and feels like.

This is the same criteria that professional wine buyers use to determine which wines go on their own lists in their restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and retail shelves. It is also how average wine drinkers and consumers decide which wines they buy when shopping in a supermarket, specialist merchant or ordering at a local bar or restaurant. 

That’s the big difference about the London Wine Competition added judge Barbara Drew MW, events manager at Berry Bros & Rudd: “The inclusion of packaging and design in the assessment sets this competition apart. I think the wine trade places too much emphasis on rating wines entirely ‘blind’. The truth is, few, if any consumers drink wine blind – the bottle, and the label are the first thing consumers see. What’s in the bottle is undoubtedly vital, but what’s on the bottle matters too.”

The top winners in the 2021 London Wine Competition are: 

2021 Wine of the Year – Lévrier by Jo Irvine 2015 Anubis Cabernet Sauvignon, Lévrier by Jo Irvine, Australia. 

Judge’s tasting note:

“Intense nose and palate expressing notes of chocolate, coffee, licorice, oak spices, jammed fruit, with a touch of earth and cigar box. A well-balanced wine with ripe tannins and a long, savory finish.”

Winery Of The Year – Bodegas Habla (Bodegas BH S.L.), Spain

Best Wine By Quality – Lévrier by Jo Irvine 2015 Anubis Cabernet Sauvignon, Lévrier by Jo Irvine, Australia.

Best Wine By Value – Habla Nº22, Bodegas Habla, Spain

Judge’s tasting note:

“Deep ruby red color with notes of black fruits, violet, vanilla, oak, and spices. A well-balanced wine with a pleasant nose, smooth tannins, and a long finish.”

Best Wine By Packaging – Silverado Vineyards Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, United States.

Judge’s tasting note:

“Powerful red wine with aromas of ripe cassis, blackcurrant, and dark cherry with hints of vanilla. Well-integrated tannins on the palate lend a rich, intense taste. Great aging potential. Pairs well with rich and heavy”

Best Wines by Country Awards

Australia: Lévrier by Jo Irvine 2015 Anubis Cabernet Sauvignon, Lévrier by Jo Irvine, Australia. 

United States: Silverado Vineyards Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

France: Champagne Philippe Glavier – Folie d’Cramant, Deux Six Wines

Italy: 924 Prosecco 2019, Carpenè Malvolti S.p.a.

Portugal: Quinta do Gradil 1492, Parras Wines

Spain: Habla Nº22 2016, Bodegas Habla

New Zealand: Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Yealands

Greece: Venetsanos Nykteri 2018, Nykteri

Austria: Hafner Kashmir, 2016, Hafner Family Estate

South Africa: Du Toitskloof Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc, 2020, Du Toitskloof Wines

Moldova: Republic of- Rose De Purcari Sapiens, 2019 Vinaria Purcari SRL

Château Mukhrani Qvevri 2017, Château Mukhrani

Best wines by Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon: Lévrier by Jo Irvine 2015 Anubis Cabernet Sauvignon, Lévrier by Jo Irvine, Australia

Shiraz: Mr. Riggs 2014 The Chap, Mr. Riggs Wine Co, Australia

Tempranillo: Habla Nº22 2016, Bodegas Habla (Bodegas BH S.L.) Spain

Pinot Noir: Clyde Park 2020 Single Block F College Pinot Noir 2020, Clyde Park Vineyard, Australia

Zinfandel: Twisted Cedar Zinfandel 2017, CBC BevCo, United States

Sauvignon Blanc: Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020, New Zealand

Riesling: 2018er Dürkheimer Michelsberg GG Riesling Trocken, Weingut Karl Schaefer GmbH & Co.KG.

*You can view the full list of results from the London Wine Competition here.

The London Wine Competition is one part of the three London Competitions that also includes the London Beer Competition and the London Spirits Competition organized by the Beverage Trade Network, the events and competitions networking platform for the drinks industry. 

Spirits and brands from 86 different countries battled it out for medals at the 2021 London Spirits Competition, demonstrating how quickly the awards have become a major part of the global spirits industry calendar.

The most hotly contested categories were: gin (471 entries), whiskey (132), liqueurs (131), and rum (123). Seven countries stood out in terms of the number of spirits entered and medals won, with the leading nations being: The UK, Australia, United States, Italy, France,  Canada, and Germany.

The medal winners at the fourth London Spirits Competition can be rightly proud of their achievement. For they have had to work a lot harder for their success than they do in other drinks events that only judge a product on its quality and what it tastes like.

The London Spirits Competition judges all the spirits and brands the same way a consumer does, be it buying a brand in a supermarket or ordering a drink at a bar. Along with what it tastes like, they want to know what it costs, and what it looks like.

spirits buyers and bartenders who help judge the London Spirits Competition

Those key factors are all taken into account by the judges of the London Spirits Competition; individuals who all know what they are looking for. The judging panel is made up of professional bartenders, mixologists, bar managers, and consultants who assess spirits and drinks every day of their working lives in the same way.

That’s what has made the London Spirits Competition, in just four years, one of the most prestigious and important events in the spirits world. It is rewarding, celebrating and helping promote the spirits brands that consumers will most want to buy.

TGI Friday’s Gary Burdekin is one of the professional spirits buyers and bartenders who help judge the London Spirits Competition

Gary Burdekin, Master bartender at TGI Friday’s UK, captures what it means for judges to take part in the competition: “The fact that not only is the spirit being judged, but the design and packaging too. It’s good to be able to give an overall opinion on a spirit. There’s been many times where I like the look of a bottle, but I’ll never buy it because of what’s inside. It singles out the ‘complete’ products from the rest.”

Fellow judge, Daniel Susko, head of Bars at Annabel’s and The Birley Clubs, agrees: “Acknowledging not only taste and quality, but the appearance and design of the final product complete the feel of the brand as a whole.”

Sid Patel, the founder of the London Spirits Competition and Chief Executive of the Beverage Trade Network that organises the event, alongside the other London Competitions for Beer and Wine, said: “The large range and diversity of spirits entered in this year’s competition from all over the world demonstrates how far distillers and brand owners have come in recent years in raising the bar, improving the overall quality of brands available, and, in a way making it even harder to pick out the winners in the London Spirits Competition.”

“All the medal winners at the 2021 event can be rightly proud of their achievement. Every product is judged on its own merit using our unique judging criteria that makes the London Spirits Competition highly respected by both the drinks and bar industry, and by spirits lovers, drinkers, and consumers all over the world.”

The Results

Spirit Of The Year: Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka by Ramsbury Brewing & Distilling Co.

The Spirit Of The Year award goes to Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka, made by Ramsbury Single Estate Spirits, which scored 96 points, the highest in the competition.

The Ramsbury distillery prides itself on its sustainable practices with what it calls its “field to table” approach.  It’s Single Estate vodka has a smooth and rich style, made using Horatio wheat grown on the Ramsbury estate. Each and every bottle can be traced back to the very field in which the wheat was grown.

Here’s what judges had to say about the Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka: 

Ludovica Fedi, Head Bartender at The Gleneagles Hotel described the vodka as having a “sweet aroma with marshmallow notes, creamy body with interesting milk chocolate notes”. 

Kieran Grieves, Head of Drinks Development at the Cairn Hotel Group said “Malty & rich on the nose, golden sultanas, raisins and sweet vanilla on the palate.

Creamy texture with bags of flavour, sweet vanilla & Pedro Ximéne on the finish. Sublime product!” 

Luca Ponte from JW Marriott Grosvenor House said, “Estery notes, some fruitiness, alcohol a bit pronounced, peppery and long lasting.” 

Winners by Type of Spirits

Vodka Of The Year: Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka by Ramsbury Brewing & Distilling Co. Ltd

Tasting note: Malty & rich on the nose, golden sultanas, raisins and sweet vanilla on the palate. Creamy texture with bags of flavour, sweet vanilla & Pedro Ximéne on the finish. Sublime product. 

Rum Of The Year: Rum Nation by Rum Nation International

Tasting note: Beautiful notes of banana and cinnamon. Notes of leather and a little cigar smoke in the middle. Toasted bread and burnt butter in the end.

Tequila Of The Year: IZO Tequila Extra Anejo Cristalino by Belzmart Group, Llc Dba Izo Mezcal.

Tasting note: Agave and oak are predominant on the nose. A mouthfeel of cooked apple and vanilla on the palate. Well balanced and delicate. Long finish.

Gin Of The Year: Botanic Australis Navy Strength Gin by Mt. Uncle Distillery.

Tasting note: Savoury essence on the nose with fresh notes of coriander and warm cardamom giving a gentle herbal spiciness aroma. The aftertaste is creamy and permanent with some tea notes becoming present on the palate.

Whisky Of The Year: Dingle Distillery Fourth Single Pot Still Release by The Dingle Distillery

Tasting note: Smooth and elegant in the nose with a little hint of mature berries, pleasant in the mouth with a long and a complex lasting end.

Brandy Of The Year: St-Rémy Signature by St-Rémy

Tasting note: Soft aromas of vanilla and lightly toasted oak. A light and smooth flavor, with oak characteristics and subtle spice notes.

Liqueur Of The Year: Muyu Vetiver Gris by De Kuyper Royal Distillers.

Tasting note: Fragrant liqueur with flavours that are sophisticated, balanced, and very modern. Closes on a strong, piney finish.

Cognac Of The Year: A. de Fussigny Grande Champagne VSOP by A De Fussigny Sas

Tasting note: Lots of fresh and dried citrus notes with grapefruit, orange, and lemon. Savoury aromas on the palate, such as cumin and turmeric, as well as sweet spices, and sweeter notes of licorice.

Distillery Of The Year: De Kuyper Royal Distillers from Netherlands.

Country Category Winners:

United Kingdom: Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka, Ramsbury Brewing & Distilling Co Ltd.

Netherlands: Muyu Vetiver Gris, De Kuyper Royal Distillers

Australia: Botanic Australis Navy Strength Gin, Mt Uncle Distillery

Italy: Rum Nation, Rum Nation International

Ireland: Dingle Distillery Fourth Single Pot Still Release, The Dingle Distillery

France: Eau De Vie De Poire Williams Vrp, Distillerie Massenez

Japan: Enso Japanese Blended Whisky, Enso Whisky

United States: Legent Bourbon, Beam Suntory

Canada: Georgian Bay Vodka, Georgian Bay Spirit Co

Germany: Mahiki White Coconut, MBG International Premium Brands GmbH

Mexico: IZO Tequila Extra Anejo Cristalino, Belzmart Group, Llc Dba Izo Mezcal

By Judging Category

Best Spirit By Quality – Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka, Ramsbury Brewing & Disilling Co Ltd

Best Spirit By Value – Eau De Vie De Poire Williams, Distillerie Massenez

Best Spirit By Package – Muyu Vetiver Gris, De Kuyper Royal Distillers.  

* Click here to see the full list of results from the London Spirits Competition. 

As you probably already know, Mumbai is a city which is larger than life. With the traffic that Mumbai has to offer, it’s near to impossible to explore a lot in one day. However, you can definitely do one area per day. One area in Mumbai is as big as a little island somewhere in Europe. Today we’re going to take you on a journey with us, where we explore Colaba. 

When you think of food, drinks, and street shopping in Mumbai, you think of Colaba. With a plethora of things to do in Colaba, you might be confused about what you want to do first, and what you can miss out on. However, there are some things that you definitely shouldn’t miss out on when in Colaba. 

From morning to night, here are a couple of things you can enjoy while in Colaba. 

Brunching and munching…

If you’re planning to spend a day in Colaba, you might as well start out in the morning. There’s so much to do there, that we recommend you start your first meal in Colaba as well to waste no time and enjoy every inch of the area. Start your day out with a tummy-filling and mouth-watering brunch in Colaba. There are hundreds of places where you can end up, but we’ve pulled out the best of the best for you.

Le 15 Cafe

If you’re in the mood for a Parisian vibe, then Pooja Dhingra’s Le 15 is the spot for you to be at. With an abundance of cloud-like macarons, croissants, and some great coffee – you will enjoy the vibe, the interiors, and the food.

Location – Pavillion, Shop No. 18, Lansdowne House, MB Marg, Near Apollo Hotel, Opposite Lings, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Cafe Basilico

If you’re looking to start your day with a quiet and peaceful brunch, then Basilico is the place for you. Basilico is known for its Mediterranean brunch platters, along with a European fare. You can either opt for a to-go option or enjoy your brunch on the patio of the cafe. We recommend a patio brunch.

Location – Ground Floor, Sentinel House, Arthur Bunder Rd, Azmi Street, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005

Time to shop…

Once you’ve filled yourself up with some delicious brunch, it’s now time to explore street shopping. Colaba Causeway is where people usually find themselves and get dragged into the world of street shopping. Along the footpath in Colaba, vendors are selling everything from clothes, shoes, accessories, crockery, homeware, you name it.

[Image credit: Wikimedia Commons]

The best part about it is that they’re always up for bargaining. So your pockets are definitely not going to hurt, and you’re going to end up shopping a lot. And of course, if you’re shopping at Causeway, you definitely need to dive into the artificial Indian jewelry trend. 

A little bit of high-end shopping needs to be done

Colaba Causeway is definitely a fan favorite, but that’s not all that Colaba offers when it comes to shopping. The area has a wide deal of high-end boutiques which offer one of a kind products, and those are ones you definitely don’t want to miss. 

If you’re looking for homeware, linen, and more, then Good Earth in Colaba is the place to be. Aesthetically pleasing with a wide range of homeware, Good Earth offers customers exactly what they are looking for. And of course, if you’re looking for good quality homeware that will last you long, then Good Earth is perfect for that. 

Location – Good Earth, 2 Reay House, Apollo Bandar, Colaba

Sarees, Kurtis, and Dupattas are a must! Dive into a little bit of your Indian side. Located right next to Good Earth, Raw Mango is a store that offers designer Kurtis, sarees, and dupattas for all occasions. And of course, the store is color-coordinated to please your eyes.

[Image Credit: Raw Mango]

Location – Raw Mango, 1 Reay House, Best Marg, Colaba

Let’s take a break and drink…

After shopping like crazy, you deserve a drink and some food! Now is the time you might want to get some good lunch. Colaba has a wide range of restaurants and bars that you can sit at and enjoy a meal with some great vibes. 

Leopold Cafe

An evergreen spot for tourists and locals, Leopold Cafe has been loved since it started.  Standing tall since 1871, Cafe Leopold is known for its bohemian vibe. What makes Leopold rich with history is the cafe being a survivor of the deadly 26/11 attacks. The walls of the cafe still hold bullet marks, which is what piques the interest of most tourists. Along with all the history and interiors, Leopold Cafe offers a simple, yet delicious food menu along with chilled beer and a range of cocktails. You might want to try the onion rings with your chilled pint. 

Location – Opp Olympia Coffee House, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba Causeway

Cafe Mondegar

Similar to Leopold, but a slightly cheaper option, Mondegar is located just a little bit behind Leopold. The cafe is known to be a favorite for college students. The wide walls with artists gracing all around it is what brings the charm to the eyes. Along with that, the food is great, and drinks and cocktails are quite easy on the pocket and great on the tongue. 

Location – Maha Kavi Bhushan Marg near cafe Mondegar Regal cinema, Colaba

Maybe a photoshoot…

As golden hour hits, you definitely will want to capture the beauty of Colaba, and yourself of course. The buildings around the area are from much older times, giving the area a vintage look. Lots of photographers and Instagrammers tend to love Colaba for a good photo shoot. 

Some great spots for photoshoots in Colaba are: Outside the local train station, Colaba Causeway, Cafe’s and Streets, In front of buildings. 

Kala Ghoda is also a great spot for pictures, and of course, to visit art galleries if you’re into that. The area is full of galleries and art installations that have left tourists and locals in awe every time someone makes a visit.

Get your drink on… and some dinner

Yes, it’s time to get your drink on once again. The sun is probably setting by now, and you’re looking to chill out a little. For your early nights, the ideal place to go is the Colaba Social. The Socials chain is quite a famous one throughout India, and the Colaba Social has a great name to it. 

Colaba social is known for its quirky vibe, great food, and of course, the famous LIIT (Long Island Iced Tea). 

Socials is the place where everyone goes to unwind, and it’s the spot for millennials to be at. With separate smoking rooms and a wide menu for both food and cocktails, the Colaba Social is one that you can’t miss. In fact, we guarantee that you won’t be able to get out of Socials for a long time.

Location – 24, Ground Floor, B K Boman Behram Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba

By roaming around Colaba all day, you might be extremely tired – but trust us, it’s going to be worth it.

Vijay K Rekhi, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the spirits producing company, Unibev chats with Rojita Tiwari about the thought behind establishing a unique business model such as Unibev and the ways that his brands have stayed relevant during the pandemic 2020.

1) When was Unibev founded?

In 2016, Unibev joined hands with Globus Spirits and together defined a unique business model – Integrated spirits play, strong governance, financials, and bold business philosophy. That’s how Unibev was born.

2) What was the thought behind establishing the company?

Unibev was incorporated on identifying a striking gap in the Premium Indian Whiskies segment in the market place which was flooded with “me too” products with only packaging differentiators and no unique product proposition. Time and again research throws up that premiumization has an upside and a silver lining for the industry internationally and it applies to the Indian market too which now we have been able to. Till date, the Indian market has grown at its belly only and no player including international companies operating in India identified or took up the challenge to create a highly differentiated and aspirational blend. Unibev spotted this opportunity and now offers Premium Whiskies and other products with a unique product proposition. 

After a year of R&D and product development, in 2017 Unibev came out with a range of premium and super-premium Whiskies blended with up to 12, 15, 18 & 21-years old Scotch and a 3 years old French blended grape Brandy.

3) What makes the Unibev products special? Anything unique about the production process?

Unibev’s Premium Whiskies, Governor’s Reserve and Oakton Barrel Aged are blended with up to 12 & 18-year-old scotch respectively and matured Indian malts. For the first time, discerning consumers in India now are able to get a palate experience of bottled in India Whiskies which are blended with Aged Scotch from Scotland. We have now also added a new premium brand to our product portfolio  – Seventh Heaven which is blended with up to 21 years old of scotch and matured Indian malts.

As far as manufacturing is concerned, our products are blended and bottled at a single point production facility based out of Bangalore which enables us to have greater control over the quality of the production & achieve efficiencies. What is noteworthy is our entire blending and bottling line is installed in a ‘Clean Room’ – a centralized air-conditioned closed room – which ensures hygiene at the highest level.

4) Which of these brands are currently available in the market?

At present we have Governors Reserve Whisky – Blended with up to 12-year-old Scotch and matured Indian Malts, Oakton Whisky – Blended with up to 18-year-old Scotch and matured Indian Malts, L’AFFAIRE Premium French Blended Grape Brandy – Blended with 3-year-old French grape Brandy and soon to be launched, and the newly added brand Seventh Heaven.

5) Where can we find Unibev brands? Are there any leading bars in major metropolises where your drinks are currently poured?

Our product distribution strategy is to make our brands available in select potential mostly premium outlets where our targeted consumer’s footfalls are high. Currently, we are selectively available in multi-retail and standalone retail outlets across the markets we are present. 

6) How have your brands stayed relevant during these times of crisis?

Relevancy is the need of the hour.  As brand owners, we were able to disseminate purposeful content to the respective brand communities over social media platforms.  Our focus was on communicating essential information, supporting the community, and offering entertainment.

7) Are your whiskies available in other countries? What are your plans for expansion to other countries?

Presently our focus is only on the huge domestic market. Yes, we do look forward to selling our whiskies in other countries for which we already have enquires on hand.

8) Can you tell us some signature cocktails that can be made with your whiskies?

We recommend Oakton whisky for Irish Coffee Cocktail and Governor’s Reserve works very well in The Whiskey Sour.

Written by Rojita Tiwari

An award-winning drinks professional, Founder & The Drinks Coach at Drinks & Destinations. She is a wine & spirits writer, educator, trainer, consultant & juror at several international drinks competitions. She can be reached at [email protected]. 

This gin produced in India has world-class influences; from maker Sakshi Saigal’s time living in Barcelona, a distilling course in the Netherlands and finally the relaxed Portuguese vibe where it is distilled in Goa.  Stranger & Sons capture the true essence of India by using botanicals native to every household – the citrus peel mix of the Indian Bergamot, Nimbu, Nagpur oranges & gondhoraj and spices like the local pepper, coriander mace, licorice, cassia and nutmeg grown in Goa. 

Interview with Sakshi Saigal founder of Stranger & Sons Gin – Third Eye Distillery, Goa, India.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was working in the impact investing sector prior to my MBA at IESE Business School. However, while living in Barcelona, surrounded by gin bars, it piqued my interest as to why India wasn’t up to speed with gin even though the choicest of botanicals were found in every home’s spice box. So I came back to Bombay to spearhead the idea of setting up a gin brand. After dabbling with the idea for a couple of months and of course drinking over 300 gins, my husband, Rahul Mehra, a founder at Gateway Brewing Co. and Svami drinks and my cousin brother, Vidur Gupta, immediately jumped on the idea. We attended a 10-day course on distilling in the Netherlands and ended up purchasing a still, that we imported to India. I would say it’s our love for gin and all other spirits that brought us together to start Third Eye Distillery.

Sakshi Saigal

What made you start your distillery and found Stranger and Sons?

Many international gin brands speak of having origins in India, but one look at the back label, and it’s clear it was made anywhere but India. The entire world looks towards India to a source not only botanicals but also to explore its provenance to fit their brand identity. That’s when we knew it was time to build a truly Indian gin for local and global audiences. Add to this, India’s diverse agricultural heritage and our country being one of the youngest nations with a wide set of people exposed to international cultures, we realized that this could be an opportunity to tell the story of a new India through an interesting medium- Gin, especially since this liquid has its own strange ties to India. As an Indian spirited gin, Stranger & Sons celebrates the agricultural diversity, entrepreneurial spirit and the rather wonderfully strange traditions of India in a way no other spirit can.

Why Goa?

Goa is a truly special place for most Indians where you’ll find the cuisine, architecture and culture of India & Portugal all come together. The roads wind through green fields, the people speak Konkani with as much ease as they do Portuguese; colonial bungalows and local spice markets all co-exist with some of the most progressive hospitality and restaurant establishments. Among India’s most fertile states, Goa was a natural choice for us for its lush expanse of spice farms. The mace, cassia bark, licorice and nutmeg that perfumes our gin are sourced from spice farms surrounding our distillery making Goa the beating heart of our narrative. Tucked away in a far-removed corner of Goa, you’ll find Third Eye Distillery and us hunched over our still, throwing in our Indian botanicals. The Portuguese also taught us vinegar-based pickling and so this is where our love for pickling everything from tomatoes to grapes and apricots comes from. When we aren’t distilling, you’ll find us sitting on a porch sipping on some Gibsons made with our pickles!

What’s in the name “Stranger and Sons”

Stranger & Sons is an Indian spirited gin that captures the essence of India in every bottle for a curious and discerning consumer; we celebrate the transmission of centuries-old traditions while recognizing the contemporary India we live in today. India is indeed land with a suffusion of diverse festivals, politics, religions, colors and cuisine with traits, practices and characteristics each more unique and peculiar than the other. The many quirks and eccentricities of all generations play a part in our daily lives. This was the inspiration that led to “Stranger”, as we believe that India is wonderfully strange! The “& Sons”, perfectly encapsulates and pays homage to the multiple businesses in India that are passed down from generation to generation. Launched by three family members, Stranger & Sons is a tribute to these businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit inherent in most Indians.

Image Source Instagram

How did you develop the brand and what are its main principles?

After having tasted over 300 gins (we aren’t complaining!), we realized we wanted to build a robust gin that precisely captures the essence of India and celebrates its agricultural heritage. What makes Stranger & Sons different is how our narrative celebrates the wonderful strangeness inherent in India and its diversity. We can never resist a good story and as Indians, storytelling is in our genes. Our story thus begins with a two-tailed, three-eyed mythical creature who chanced upon juniper berries hidden in the pocket of a sari blouse while roaming the Western Ghats. From our elusive protagonist, we inherited the recipe of our Indian spirited gin and our rather peculiar ethos, which governs how we prepare our drinks, how we convey their stories and where we show up. While the creature is the tangible heart of our story, there is another more abstract force at work. A whimsical force that is uniquely Indian and permeates all that we do. It stems from India’s cultural diversity – the colors, the customs, the chaos and the peaceful co-existence of it all. The Stranger in our name is also a nod to this wonderful Indian strangeness that is the invisible essence in our bottles.

Bottle Shot of Stranger and Sons

How have you supported and marketed Gigglewater?

It’s not easy to promote alcohol in India as one usually requires surrogate products like soda, water, CDs, etc. to market your liquor brand through mainstream media. Interestingly, word of mouth has worked really well for us in terms of creating intrigue and engaging the consumers with different activations. We enjoy storytelling which is worked into each of our highly curated events that allow consumers to connect with the story and the brand in a very organic manner while also enjoying a variety of our strange serves and Indian-inspired cocktails. Also, we work really hard in each of our markets in terms of events and activations to make sure that our brand stands out.

You can follow their Instagram account for stories and posts

How is the Indian craft spirits market doing…which cities do you see this phenomenon appear strongly in?

Craft brands have helped redefine the perception of premiumness. It no longer needs to be just about the ‘bling’ but much more about the authenticity, the craftsmanship, and embracing more creativity in terms of flavors and botanicals to produce something unique and groundbreaking. Gin in India is still a very niche market that is evolving and where there aren’t just new consumers every day but new gins too. So over the next couple of years, we expect to see a lot more craft distilleries coming up in India as well as an increase in imported gins. The increasing number of new gins on the market would seem to pose a threat to established brands, but so far almost everyone is reaping the rewards of the gin renaissance. The definition of ‘premium’ no longer has to be old and stuffy: it can be contemporary and urban but must be crafted and presented in a superior way. I know that this time will define a new way altogether for how our customers choose products and how we attempt to capture their attention.

Where can people buy your Gin in Mumbai? Which bars have it?

We’re available across 130 retail stores & 90 bars currently –The Table, Woodside inn, The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, Cin Cin, to name a few. We’re always working on interesting collaborations with them which are equally fun and rewarding, so make sure to look out for our special menu! Our most recent launch, India’s first distilled cocktail – Perry Road Peru was a seasonal collaboration with The Bombay Canteen to grow the country’s cocktail culture and introduce India’s gin enthusiasts to an innovative expression uniting potent Peru and the 9 Indian botanicals in our gin.

What were the biggest challenges you faced to get your distillery running?

India is known as a mass liquor producing market where quality isn’t key. Further, we are primarily a whiskey-drinking nation and alcohol is largely a taboo subject here. Though we know that our laws here are framed around prohibiting the consumption of liquor, they are even worse if you want to make high-quality liquor, which is why as a country we’re known for the quantity or volume of things we produce rather than the quality of our products. So, there are a lot of challenges in setting up your own distillery for small-batch spirits in India.

If you look at the math and volumes behind the brands that fall in the above category, we could be considered by many to be doing something stupid and risky, but having said that we are very excited by the response we have received so far and have been able to get some early adopters. We are constantly trying to grow our customer base by ensuring that we keep them entertained through our events, social media channels and of course our Gin!

Where and how far you want to go with your Gin brand?

With Stranger & Sons, we introduced a Gin that showcased a rather peculiar side of India—something that had a robust London dry style backbone, but with a reimagined and unique expression of its own. When we traveled with our bottle to bars around the world and sent it for being judged at various awards, the response we got was quite phenomenal and it’s because of this that we have been able to build an exciting entrepreneurial team, all of whom feel strongly about what our brand stands for. We are constantly trying to do our bit to make our distillery more responsible and sustainable, while also experimenting with other spirits and expressions of our gin that we can create in order to showcase the diversity that India represents to the rest of the world. We at Third Eye Distillery promise to kick start the craft spirit culture in India showcasing that India can make more than just its fair share of Whiskey.

Rahul Mehra, Sakshi Saigal and Vidur Gupta

What do you think has contributed to gin’s resurgence in recent years in India?

People travel and that’s always a big influence when you watch trends move from country to country. The gin tonic trend (at least the way we know it today) started in Spain which was always known for its wines and sangrias, but suddenly Spain became synonymous with gin & tonic. This spread to Europe and eventually made inroads into urban India by way of a small demand for imported gins. Gin & tonic is a classic easy to drink, easy to serve cocktail that works best for hot tropical climates and so it wasn’t too long before the Indian market started to witness a steady rise in imported gins. Today, we see that a lot of Indian consumers are willing to try a good Indian product, the same goes for a good inherently Indian Gin. One of the main reasons I think Gin started trending is because there is so much one can do with it and how unintimidating it is as a spirit. And even though there is such a deep history of its origins, it still provides enough room for the distiller to experiment and make a distinct flavor profile. There is substance behind the hype, however, as there are many interesting gins being produced now.

What makes Stranger & Son stand out from the crowd?

With robust and generous flavors, Stranger & Sons is a three-dimensional Gin. Our citrus peel mix of Indian Bergamot, Nimbu, Nagpur Oranges & Gondhoraj, representing different parts of the country, gives our gin a beautiful freshness on the front palate. The local pepper, coriander and mace give it a strong spiced middle while licorice, cassia and nutmeg give it a lovely, warm sweet finish. Ensuring that we are batch distilled, lends a soft smooth mouthfeel, allowing all of these intense spices to play in harmony. Cut in our precision iStill and rested for 5 weeks, the versatility of our gin provides bartenders a very solid foundation to any cocktail and a variety of flavors to play with and we always encourage people to do that.

At Stranger & Sons, we’re mindful of our impact on the environment and one of our core commitments is to choose practices and partners that help us stay true to our sustainability goals. Right from managing the water waste at our distillery to employing local women to help us make jams, pickles & cordials from the remaining fruits that are used for every batch of Gin, we make sure to collaborate with brands that have social consciousness built into their DNA. Lastly and most interestingly, we recently won a Gold Outstanding at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London. We are honored to be one of eight gins in the world to receive this prestigious award & what makes it really special is that not only was this the first time we participated but also with this global recognition, we are finally able to put spirits from India on the world map.

What are your key future plans?

Third Eye Distillery was never built as a one-product company right from the get-go- I don’t think there’s a single day that goes by when either one of us at our homes currently or Charnelle, our head distiller, isn’t tinkering with some new method or product. We are always exploring new extensions and are currently experimenting with various ideas and we look forward to extending the Stranger and Sons gin family when the stars are aligned. Currently, we are available in Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, London, Singapore & Thailand. We’re not a brand that is in a hurry to get to newer cities just to put it on our resume, we choose specific cities and then work really hard in each of them to make sure that our brand isn’t taken lightly as we don’t want to end up being another bottle on the shelf. So keep your third eye open to see when we will be available in your city!

Do you think Mumbai cocktail culture is going and what impact has the booming cocktail scene had on the gin market?

Today bartenders in India enjoy an unprecedented influence over the spirit that becomes a part of their bar and with the rise of maker culture, and an overwhelming emphasis on carefully chosen, high-quality ingredients, a restaurant’s cocktail menu is fast becoming a significant contributor to why people visit it in the first place. At the forefront of this movement are highly sought after bartenders, whose cocktail programs seek to capitalize on the public’s desire for exciting and distinctive drinks. This will definitely change the gin consumption style in India but the Indian audience needs to be motivated & keen to learn about the finer nuances of distillation. Globally, bars are moving back to the classic cocktails, but it will take some time to reach across India because it’s difficult to find liqueurs like Chartreuse or vermouths that are essentials for any bar serving cocktails. As for appreciating any gin, one should definitely try it neat, with a cube of ice or even in a Dry Martini. With Stranger & Sons, we make a great Gibson with a pickled onion – don’t miss out on these cocktails at our next bar takeover in Mumbai.

Challenges you faced in lockdown?

Being absolutely aware, that it has been an extremely tough phase for a lot of startups including ours, we did lose sales in the first month, but thanks to our team’s sheer creativity and persistence, we were agile enough to immediately switch gears and move most of our communication to online engagement with trade as well as our consumers. We successfully hosted two house parties on Instagram where all the proceeds went towards NRAI’s “Feed the Needy” initiative. So we are constantly ideating & working on new ways to engage with our audience and support the industry. We’ve also started making small but important improvements on various aspects of running a business that ends up being ignored during the day to day workings of a startup. Having said that, we haven’t had a single idle day, not one, and the moment the lockdown got lifted, the sales jump we experienced ensured that we more than made up for time lost.

A journey through Social’s – a millennials favorite spot in Mumbai. 

The Socials chain is quite a famous one throughout India – and in Mumbai, it’s a favorite spot for all millennials. Those looking for a chill time to unwind, or even those looking for a little bit of loud music and pub vibes usually find themselves at various Socials’ locations across Mumbai. From young adults to an older generation – Socials is a place that caters to everyone. 

A little bit of history…

Even though Mumbai locations are the most popular ones, the chain didn’t actually start from Mumbai. The first Social that was seen across the country was in 2014 on Church Street in Bengaluru, the area being the heart of the city. 

The chain was founded by Riyaz Amlani, CEO and Managing Director of Impresario Handmade Restaurants. The initial plan was for Social to be a cafe and a coworking space. However, it didn’t take long for the place to become a hotspot that shone across the city during the night as well – turning itself into a pub.

Palladium Social. Source Social Official

Currently, there are 28 locations across India, with 12 of them in Mumbai itself. 

The quirks and love of Mumbai Social 

Socials in Mumbai are known for each and every detail they put out, from their food to their drinks, to their interiors, and even their bartenders. During the day, the places are treated like a coworking space and a cafe, and at night, all branches come to life to give customers a full-on relaxed experience.

Capital Social. Source Zomato

Each branch has its own quirk with its interiors. According to Riyaaz, each of the branches have taken their inspiration from the area that they are located in. For example, Goregaon Social is exactly like the area. Crisp, professional, with woodwork and modern interior along with a smoke room covered in glass from top to bottom. It’s a place for young professionals to unwind at the end of their day. 

Another example is the well known Colaba Social. Colaba is known for its social life and drinking scene, and the Social branch has adapted the exact works from the area. The decor at Colaba Social includes woodwork pub-like tables and chairs, along with recycled alcohol bottles hanging from the ceiling.

Colaba Social. Source Social Offline

Throughout the day, the different branches of Social across Mumbai see a different set of customers as time goes by. Their customers range from people looking for a chill place to work, to office colleagues unwinding, to young adults hopping in to enjoy their evenings and nights. 

More than anything else, it’s the concept of Social that attracts consumers. Being a place with quirky interiors, a peppy vibe, and a place for everyone – Social is loved by both locals and tourists. 

What’s best…

Yes, Social is known for its way of working, but it is also known for its mouthwatering food and lip-smacking drinks. The bar at Social offers customers a wide array of cocktails, spirits, wines, and beer. With over 7 beer taps in all branches, Riyaaz has definitely created a vibe for beer lovers everywhere. 

A fan favorite, when it comes to drinks at Social is their iconic Long Island Iced Tea (LIIT). The iconic Social LIITs are known for their array of flavors, and of course, their overly large test tube containers in which they are served. When you enter any of the Social branches, you’re bound to spot at least 5-6 tables with a range of different flavored LIITS.

When it comes to food, Social is known for almost everything on their menu. From Indian treats to pizzas and burgers, the cafe+bar serves delicious food all year round. However, one of their most famous treats is the “Chakna Box”.

The Chakna box comes with 4 different types of dry snacks to munch on. The concept is for customers to choose their favourite “Chakna” to add to their box. Not only are the snacks tasty, but they also come in the cutest presentation. The Chakna box comes in an old-timey, steel-based lunch box which customers have to open up themselves to get the full experience. 

Another main attraction when it comes to drinks & food is the #THANDIBEER campaign that Social holds out on a daily basis. With over 7 taps at the bar, and a wide range of both local and imported beer, the 

Cafe+bar offers beer lovers a plethora of different beers. 

Socials around Mumbai…

Mumbai has 12 branches of Social around the city, and all of them have their own charm. 

Colaba Social – 24, Ground Floor, B K Boman Behram Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Palladium Social – 3rd Floor, No. 462, Palladium Mall, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013

Vikhroli Social –  Imagine Studio, CST No- 51/8, Next to Godrej One, Eastern Express Highway, Road, Vikhroli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400079

Goregaon Social – R1, 3rd Floor, Next to PVR Cinema Oberoi Mall, Film City Rd, Western Express Hwy, Next to, Yashodham, Goregaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400063

Carter Road Social – 21, Gagangiri CHS Ltd, Sangeet Samrat Naushad Ali Marg, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052

Versova Social – Plot No B, CTS No. 1311/2, Savitribai Jyotiba Phule Rd, Juhu Versova Link Rd, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400061

Khar Social – Rohan Plaza, 5th Road, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052

Capital Social – Ground Floor, Unit. No. 3 The Capital, G Block Rd, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051

Powai Social – Delphi B Wing, Orchard Ave, Hiranandani Gardens, Panchkutir Ganesh Nagar, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076

FunRepublic Social – Plot No 844/4, Fun Republic Mall, 3rd Floor, Opp To New Link Road, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053

Vashi Social – F31 Plot No. 39, Inorbit Mall, 1, Palm Beach Rd, opp. Vashi, Sector 30A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400705

Don’t forget to follow Social on their Instagram @socialofficial  

Header Image Source Facebook

If you were to be told about Mumbai, most of the people you asked the question would tell you things like the rain, the excellent local train service, the crowd that they love to hate, the humidity and the culture with iconic places in all corners of the city were what defined the city. Well, they are right. There is something in Mumbai’s air that makes it inviting and unwanted at the same time. The population is constantly on the rise and yet the millions of people in the city all have an identity that adds some value to the city.

From the illustrious Dabbawallas who will deliver your tiffins on time no matter how far off you are, or the classic ‘Kaali Peeli’ (Mumbai’s taxi service) that will get you to the remotest corner of the city, or the ‘Maidans’ (grounds) that have given a lot of highly talented sportspeople to that nation and of course, Bollywood that has gone on and become one of the most widely recognized film industries in the world, Mumbai is a city that makes dreams come true and offers hope with its never give up attitude. An attitude that is ingrained deep within every person who is a part of the city, whether since birth or for a limited point of time.

Yet, there is a part of the city that does not get the attention it deserves, and that is the city’s drinks culture. Mumbai has been at the center of India’s history and food and drinks have been at the center of Mumbai’s long and interesting history since time immemorial. It has been there for a lot of celebrations that have engulfed the city in a frenzy, it has been a friend when the times haven’t been the best and it has been there when you were lazy to cook a meal for yourself. The drinks were there when the transportation was limited to BST buses and locals, upgraded to the ‘Kaali-Peeli’ taxis and it has been in great demand even when Uber and Ola and other taxi services have taken over the city’s transportation needs.

Image Source: 145 Kala Ghoda, Facebook

There is no dating back to when drinks became popular in Mumbai but there are places that have had a huge hand in keeping it that way. The iconic Taj Hotel, a two-minute walk from one of the city’s biggest attractions the Gateway of India, is a must-visit with their wines, spirits and cocktails having as esteemed regard as the place itself. South Bombay is one of the main attractions in Mumbai and it has been home to a lot of bars that have set the stage alight ever since the drinks culture started undergoing a change.

In a way, western culture has had an impact on how the drinks culture has changed in Mumbai over the years. With the nightlife starting to extend till the wee hours of the day, concepts like happy hours, ladies’ night and more have found their way to Mumbai and it has helped change the culture. One of the other big factors is the influx of international brands coming in and targeting the Indian markets. This has given rise to competition and that has triggered the flexibility of bars as it has become convenient for them to provide different types of drinks at different rates, allowing more people to come in and enjoy a great time.

With the infrastructure changing drastically, people have found newer avenues to visit and enjoy. Open terrace patios, modernized bars, sea-facing restaurants and more have opened up which has led to a change in what people drink. It might not be such a big factor but it does contribute in decision making. As Mumbai has progressed to become one of the most sorted work destinations for the youth, it has seen the vibrancy and the needs of the youth increase as well. From the not so elegant bars where the lighting is dim, the food isn’t the best to classic combinations of food and drink that complement their mood and an exquisitely planned decor and ambiance, the city has everything to offer when it comes to drinks.

You can have drinks that will not burn a hole in your pocket (let’s face it, we all live on a budget at times) to the times where you can spend all that you want because it is a special occasion, Mumbai has it all. From having internationally recognized beers to places that serve their own brews, from cocktails that come with a twist on the classic versions and wine and dine (lunch too) scenes have become far more prevalent than they were fifteen years or so ago.

Image Source: Independence Brewing Company, Facebook

Internationally recognized chains like ITC hotels have their bars and restaurants in Mumbai and so do up and coming chains like Social. You can sit for a nice beer at Toit or White Owl, which are both pan India chains and you also have the option of enjoying craft beers at standalone breweries like Independence Brewing Company, Gateway Taproom and more. When it comes to wines and spirits, they are available at almost all the big restaurant chains and pubs, with Sangria being a popular drink choice. You can enjoy your spirits while dancing the night off with your friends, or you can enjoy them during a brunch in the suburbs at multiple restaurants. From enjoying wine near Marine Drive to enjoying a great glass of red at Truu Tram Trunk in Juhu, the options in Mumbai are endless in Mumbai today.

Perhaps that last statement is the game-changer for all those wondering what has actually been the biggest change in the drinking culture of Mumbai, the options have increased, and not just in one way. The options when it comes to brands are more, the options from a monetary point of view are more and the options when it comes to places where you can enjoy a great drink are more, and the good thing is that they continue to rise even more.

In the city that never sleeps, the drinks never end and neither do the options to drink. Mumbai is the city to be in for more reasons than one, and you can add its drinking culture to that list as well.

Header Image Credit: 145 Kala Ghoda, Facebook