What Makes Vineyard Tourism India's Latest Elite Travel Obsession?

Global Luxury Immersion

Elite Indian travelers were increasingly choosing to stay at luxurious vineyard estates like Castelfalfi in Italy, with accommodations costing approximately €600-800 per night.

- Industry experts noted high demand for curated itineraries that brought travelers into the heart of renowned wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Tuscany, and Langhe, featuring stays at exclusive vineyards and private estates.

- There was also an observed uptick in self-drive wine journeys, with travelers selecting prestigious vehicles like the Mercedes G63, BMW X5, or Maserati to explore scenic vineyard routes across Italy, Saint-Emilion in France, and Douro Valley in Portugal.

Premium Price Points & Experiences

These ultra-luxurious itineraries were reported to range around ?15-20 lakh per person and typically included exclusive barrel tasting and wine-paired Michelin dining, alongside bespoke sommelier-led sessions.

There has been a 'steady rise' in the number of people seeking experiences and trips around wine trails at Sula's vineyard and winery in Nashik.

In the 2025 financial year, Sula welcomed a total of 331,774 visitors, reflecting the growing interest in wine tourism, with their experiences designed to be accessible and immersive.

Guided tours and tastings at Sula started at ?600 per person, while personalized experiences ranged between ?1,500 to ?2,500, depending on the format and inclusions.

Domestic Distillery Developments - Samarth Prasad, cofounder at Himmaleh Spirits, explained that private distillery experiences at the brand's operation near Jim Corbett National Park were highly customizable.

These experiences ranged from tastings to guided hikes through wild juniper forests, traditional Kumaoni meals paired with spirits, and mixology sessions under the guidance of the brand ambassador.

Prasad noted that private distillery experiences were already thriving, and a visitor center scheduled to open later that year would dramatically amplify reach and revenue potential.

International Wine Destinations

- Mitalee Karmarkar, marketing and communications manager for the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia at South African Tourism, highlighted that destinations such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Constantia in the Western Cape had emerged as must-visit spots for Indian travelers.

- These locations attracted visitors not just for tastings but for vineyard picnics, cellar tours, and guided whisky pairings.

- While Radico Khaitan's Rampur distillery already organized exclusive, invite-only whisky experiences for connoisseurs, the company was planning to roll out a program to enable more Indian and global whisky enthusiasts to experience the craft.

Innovative Global Offerings

- In Australia, winemakers were offering 'blend-your-own-bottle' sessions, allowing guests to create custom wine blends reflecting their individual taste preferences.

- South Africa was also emerging as a premier wine destination, especially during its harvest season when visitors could participate in traditional grape-stomping at top wineries in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

- These immersive harvest experiences, combined with vertical tastings of rare vintages and gourmet farm-to-table dining, were attracting a growing number of Indian wine enthusiasts.

Industry Transformation

- What was once considered a niche or supplementary activity had become a key highlight of international itineraries.

- European wine tours, particularly in France, Italy, and Spain, had gained immense popularity, while Scotland's famed whisky trails were attracting connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.