The Sommelier India Pour

The Sparkling Rise of Southern England

Southern England, especially the regions of Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire, is swiftly transforming into a chic destination for wine lovers, gaining recognition as a sparkling wine powerhouse comparable to France’s famed Champagne region. Warmer summers, chalk-rich soils, and idyllic, gently rolling landscapes now produce sparkling wines of exceptional elegance and quality.

This new wine-tourism hotspot has seen vineyard visits surge by 55% in just two years. Enthusiasts and travelers alike are flocking to scenic estates, enjoying sophisticated cellar-door tastings, leisurely vineyard strolls, gourmet dining, and stylish countryside accommodations. Chapel Down in Kent, the country’s largest winery, produces a Brut sparkling wine that has graced tables at Buckingham Palace and rivaled renowned Champagnes in blind tastings.

Sussex, meanwhile, has elevated English wine further by securing a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). It’s home to celebrated sparkling wine estates like Ridgeview and Nyetimber, where scenic vineyards blend seamlessly into the landscape of South Downs National Park. English Wine Week, held annually in June, further amplifies this wine-lifestyle experience, bringing visitors immersive tastings, live music, and gourmet picnics among the vines. From charming inns to vineyard retreats, southern England now offers a refined yet welcoming lifestyle that elegantly fuses wine culture with heritage tourism. Source: The Daily Telegraph

Bungalow: Vikas Khanna’s Bold New York Chapter

Bungalow, the newest culinary landmark from Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna, has quickly earned its place among New York City’s most celebrated dining destinations. Located in a warm, inviting space with pale pink walls, intricate murals, and carved wood accents, Bungalow is a tribute to India’s colonial-era social clubs, where architecture, culture, and cuisine came together to create memorable experiences. Drawing on Khanna’s personal heritage and the culinary memories of his hometown Amritsar, the menu is a bold celebration of regional Indian cuisine, blending historical inspiration with contemporary flair. From five-cheese kulchas to yogurt kebabs wrapped in kataifi pastry, each dish reflects the diversity and complexity of India’s 28 states. The inventive cocktail list, featuring turmeric-infused tequila and chili-laced mezcal, adds a modern touch to the dining experience. It is no surprise the restaurant has earned a coveted spot on The New York Times 50 Best Restaurants list.

For Khanna, Bungalow is more than just a restaurant. Opened on what would have been his late sister Radhika’s 50th birthday, it reflects his journey, his pride in being Indian, and his commitment to elevating Indian cuisine globally. Shiv Singh, Co-Publisher of Sommelier India, recently dined at Bungalow and had the opportunity to meet Chef Khanna in person and express his appreciation for the powerful culinary storytelling on display. In a city known for its intense culinary scene, Bungalow stands out for its vision, its atmosphere, and its role in reshaping how Indian cuisine is experienced. It proves that Indian food can compete at the highest level of gastronomy, both in sophistication and innovation. Visit Bungalow to learn more.

Sommelier India Partners with ProWine Mumbai 2025

We’re pleased to share that Sommelier India will once again serve as an official media partner for ProWine Mumbai 2025, taking place on October 31 and November 1 at the Jio World Convention Centre. As India’s largest international exhibition for wine and spirits, ProWine Mumbai brings together global and local producers, importers, trade buyers, hospitality professionals, and enthusiasts for two days of tastings, education, and high-impact networking. The 2025 edition will feature over 1,000 brands, 10+ masterclasses, the ProSpirits showcase, blind tasting challenges, and the celebrated Bartenders’ Competition.

At last year’s show, Sommelier India’s Editor and Co-Founder Reva K. Singh was honoured with the Excellence in Editorial Content award, a recognition of her longstanding contribution to wine education and journalism in India. We’re proud to continue supporting this important platform and look forward to bringing our readers exclusive coverage from the event, including expert interviews, tasting highlights, and insights into India’s evolving wine culture. Stay tuned—and see you in Mumbai this October. Visit Prowine Mumbai to learn more.