Have you ever sipped a wine so ecstatic, that it transported you to a picturesque vineyard in Italy, surrounded by rows of luscious plump grape vines? Well, let’s tell you a little secret.
In the Northern part of Karnataka, you will find a little valley that produces authentic blends from the finest of grapes that will leave you mesmerized and wanting for more 一 We call this wine heaven, The Krishna valley.
The monsoon winds from the south that collide with the hot winds from the north result in heavy rainfall, providing the optimal environment to grow luscious grapes for grape winemaking in this valley.
Rich aromas and authentic blends thrive in Mudhol and its neighbouring areas of Krishna valley. Here, ripe grapes with concentrated flavours are produced with a refined texture and feel. This is not surprising given that this region is recognized as the state’s ‘grape bowl’, harvesting European varieties of grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz, among other tropical white and soft reds.
You’re probably wondering how such high-quality grapes came to be grown and harvested in such small communities.
The grape production in these areas dates back to the 18th century, when the former Nizam of Hyderabad introduced various grape varieties to the state of Karnataka, primarily in the northern districts of Belgaum, Bidar, Bagalkot, Bijapur, and Gulbarga. Since then, farmers have been gradually cultivating rich plump grapes with the valley’s humid weather in their favour.
Although grapes were being cultivated, most of them weren’t utilized for the production of wine, rather sold as table grapes and raisins. Although, in recent years, there has been a gradual shift due to the increase in India’s domestic wine market. But this shift is slow since grape wine making requires a lot of effort and attention.
The production of high-quality grapes is a result of adequate knowledge in the craft and facilities to support production. Recognizing this, the state government is providing various types of assistance to new wineries and grape-wine farming in the state. By connecting wineries to vineyards, the wine industry has grown exponentially, as have the farmers’ commercial gains.
One such notable winery is the Elite Vintage winery located in Mudhol in the Bagalkot District of Karnataka, India. The winery manufactures, stores, and preserves wines using world-class techniques. It is affiliated with a number of specialists from across the world who provide guidance on how to improve the quality of its wines.
Mr. Vinod Guraddi, the company’s Managing Director, oversees the grape productions. He makes sure that the grapes are carefully nurtured to provide vintage wines with enticing aromas, delicate flavours, and exceptional tannins. The required support and consultations are given to the farmers to make the most of the yields for both parties. Elite premium wines offer an array of blends that will transport you to your happy place, with every sip. From Cabernet Shiraz to Sauvignon Blanc, take your pick!