The Sommelier India Pour

Holiday Cheer, One Glass at a Time

As the festive season draws near, at Sommelier India we advise choosing wines that bring flavour, cheer and a sense of occasion to your celebrations. Sparkling wines are a joyful way to begin any gathering. An Indian brut or rosé wine as an aperitif adds instant sparkle and pairs beautifully with festive bites such as cocktail samosas and mini canapés or spiced nuts. For the main meal, we often turn to rich yet balanced reds from India’s top wine producers in Nashik or Akluj in Maharashtra  or the Nandi Hills in Karnataka. A gently aged Cabernet blend or a premium Shiraz with soft tannins and dark berry fruit complements everything from tandoori fare to mild curries with warmth and finesse.

For a more contemporary holiday moment, we encourage exploring Indian whites and rosés that combine freshness with festive indulgence. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with citrus and tropical fruit notes or a dry Grenache rosé with bright red fruit and hints of spice go well with biryani, paneer dishes or chicken tikka masala. We believe the best holiday wine is not necessarily the most expensive, but one that suits the mood and the people around your table. A thoughtfully chosen bottle that invites everyone to share in its pleasure can become the defining taste of your holiday celebration.

Sommelier India Publishers Visit Paso Robles

Reva K. Singh and Shiv Singh’s visit to Paso Robles offered a vivid glimpse into the diversity and craftsmanship defining California’s Central Coast. Their journey began at Eberle Winery, one of the region’s founding estates. They explored the iconic wine caves and sampled elegant Rhône varietals including the estate’s signature Zinfandel. The visit provided a rich sense of Paso’s history, where tradition meets a pioneering approach that continues to shape the region’s reputation.

Next came Daou Vineyards, perched atop Adelaida Mountain, where panoramic views frame a tasting of powerfully expressive Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux-style blends. The wines stood out for their precision, layered structure, and sense of place—a hallmark of the Daou brothers’ commitment to elevating Paso Robles to world-class status.

The team's stay at Justin Vineyards immersed them in a different facet of Paso life, one that marries fine dining, hospitality, and viticulture in perfect harmony. The estate’s acclaimed Isosceles blend—Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc—embodied balance and complexity, mirroring the sophistication of the setting. A highlight of the trip was spending time with Rajat Parr of Parr Collective, whose minimalist, terroir-driven wines reflect a deep respect for the land and natural winemaking.

Hosted by Sommelier India contributor Mira Honeycutt, the experience was both intimate and enriching, weaving together stories of vintners, soil, and culture. The trip left a lasting impression of Paso Robles as a region where innovation and authenticity thrive side by side.

Celebrating India’s Wine Evolution at ProWine Mumbai

ProWine Mumbai 2025 concluded on a high note at the Jio World Convention Centre, marking another milestone for India’s thriving wine and spirits community. Sommelier India was proud to partner with the event, which drew over 5,400 trade visitors and 213 exhibitors from 21 countries. From the sweeping country pavilions representing Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Moldova, Switzerland, UK and USA, to the standout masterclasses led by top sommeliers, the energy on the show floor captured both the scale and sophistication of the industry. Highlights included the ProWine & ProSpirits Challenge, the lively ProWine Bartenders’ Competition won by Deepika Shukla of Japonico, and the introduction of ProWine Zero, a forward-looking feature focused on low-alcohol and zero-proof beverages.

Organized by Messe Düsseldorf India and All Things Nice, the two-day event has become the most important meeting point for wine and spirits professionals in the region. For Sommelier India, it was an inspiring opportunity to connect with the community shaping the country’s beverage future and to witness the growing appetite for quality, innovation, and collaboration. With its strong mix of education, networking, and discovery, ProWine Mumbai 2025 reaffirmed why the event remains at the heart of India’s wine story. The next edition, scheduled for November 18–19, 2026, promises to be equally exciting, if not more!