Nandi Hills Wine Region

Nandi Hills sits in the state of Karnataka, approximately 40-65 kilometres north of Bangalore, in the foothills that share the region's name. Vineyards are planted at elevations between 920 and 1000 metres above sea level, a critical factor at a tropical latitude of 13°N. The Nandi Hills themselves provide natural protection from monsoon winds, allowing grapes to reach full maturity during the growing season.

• Elevation of 920-1000m moderates tropical heat and provides diurnal temperature variation
• Vineyards cover approximately 300-410 acres across the foothills
• Natural topography shields vines from the force of monsoon winds
• India's second most prominent wine region after Nashik Valley

The climate is tropical in origin, significantly moderated by high altitude. Warm, sunny days are followed by cooler nights, preserving acidity and aromatic complexity in the grapes. The South Asian Monsoon delivers heavy rainfall from June to September, which means the growing season is carefully timed from budburst in November through harvest in March or April. This winter-to-spring harvest calendar is more closely associated with Southern Hemisphere wine regions than with its northern neighbours. Soils are lime-rich and gravelly with good natural drainage.

• High-altitude tropical climate with warm days and cool nights
• Monsoon season June-September; vines dormant during peak rainfall
• Growing season November to March-April mirrors Southern Hemisphere timing
• Lime-rich, gravelly, well-drained soils across the foothills

Nandi Hills grows a range of internationally recognised varieties, with a clear orientation toward French viticulture. Red varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, while whites are represented by Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc. The resulting wines are French-influenced premium bottlings spanning red, white, rosé, and sparkling styles. The emphasis on classical French varieties and international consultant input has shaped a distinctly premium identity for the region.

• Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are the principal varieties
• Whites: Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc
• Full range of styles produced: red, white, rosé, and sparkling
• French winemaking philosophy underpins the regional style

The modern wine industry in Nandi Hills dates to 1988, when Kanwal Grover planted the first vineyards with guidance from George Vesselle, a consultant from Champagne Mumm. This early collaboration established the French-influenced direction the region would follow. In 1995, Bordeaux consultant Michel Rolland joined as winemaker, further cementing the region's premium credentials. In 2012, Grover Vineyards merged with Vallée de Vin to create Grover Zampa Vineyards, now India's second-largest wine producer. The hills have a longer history as a retreat: they served as a summer palace for Tipu Sultan and a favoured seasonal escape during the British Raj.

• First vineyards planted in 1988 by Kanwal Grover with George Vesselle of Champagne Mumm
• Michel Rolland engaged as consultant winemaker in 1995
• Grover Vineyards merged with Vallée de Vin in 2012 to form Grover Zampa Vineyards
• Region historically associated with Tipu Sultan's summer palace and the British Raj

Grover Zampa Vineyards is the dominant name in Nandi Hills, ranking as India's second-largest wine producer following its 2012 merger. Alongside Grover Zampa, the region is home to Kinvah Vineyards and the Nandi Valley Winery, Soma Vine Village, and SDU Vineyards. Together these producers position Nandi Hills as a serious premium wine destination within India, building on decades of French technical expertise.

• Grover Zampa Vineyards: India's second-largest wine producer
• Kinvah Vineyards operates the Nandi Valley Winery
• Soma Vine Village and SDU Vineyards round out the producer base
• All producers reflect the French-influenced, premium-focused regional identity