December comes with its holiday season, sweet winter harvests and of course, wine picking! Lucky for us, earlier this year, at the launch of the Godrej Food Trends Report 2025, Sula Vineyards joined us as our esteemed beverage partner. We caught up with their team to gather exclusive insights into how the Indian wine landscape is evolving, and also for some much-needed advice on wine picking and pairings.

Moving into 2026, we are seeing some major shifts in terms of wine consumption. This growing trend can be attributed to customers seeking 'premiumisation' and a 'drink less, but drink better' philosophy, both highlighted by the GFTR and the Sula team.

Addressing these directly, is Sula's 'The Source collection. A premium tier designed to meet the demand for high-quality and internationally styled wines made right here, at the source in Nashik!

Equally important is their focus on sustainability, a value Sula is proud to uphold in its wine production. This includes extensive use of solar panels to reduce reliance on conventional electricity and programs for water conservation.

Here is your expert guide to picking the perfect pour and pairing this season.

The Source Moscato

This is a relatively new offering, currently a two-year-old wine. It showcases the challenging, but rewarding, cultivation of the Muscat grape in India. Sula successfully identified an ideal, micro-climate vineyard location near a water body, atop a cliff, which provides the perfect conditions for this varietal. Using the Italian Asti method, this lightly bubbly wine undergoes only a single fermentation to preserve the grape's natural sweetness and vibrant fruit flavours, resulting in its appealing lightness and sweetness.

Flavour profile: The wine is notably lively and intensely fruity. The prominent aromatic and taste notes include honeysuckle, overripe mango and distinct characteristics of lychee. It is also intentionally crafted to have a lower alcohol content.

Pairing: Crispy Samosa or Yummiez Cheese Corn Nugget Chaat, Yummiez Chilli Chicken Sausages, Thai Green Curry or Chicken Basil Stir-fry, Citrus and Fennel Salad or Prosciutto-wrapped Melon or Figs and Fruit Tarts.

The Source Sauvignon Blanc

Considered the king of white wine varieties, this Sauvignon Blanc is crafted to be very crisp and intensely aromatic.

Flavour Profile: Typical characteristics of the varietal shine through, including grassy notes and hints of green fruits. There can be a subtle tropical undertone, with specific hints of apple, pear and a touch of capsicum.

Pairing: Yummiez Chicken Pepper and Herb Sausages, Yummiez Seekh Kebab, Lemon-Butter Steamed Fish or Garlic Prawns, Goat Cheese Salad or Feta with Olives. Vegetable Sushi or Asparagus Risotto.

The Source Grenache Rosé

This beautiful Rosé is made from Grenache, a black grape variety. The style is inspired by the acclaimed dry rosés of Provence in France, meaning it is fruity but not sweet.

Flavour Profile: It presents lovely fruity notes derived from the Grenache grape, maintaining a balance that is fruity but definitely dry. It is a pleasant, light-bodied wine that is light on the palate, with an approachable alcohol level of around 12.5%.

Pairings: Yummiez Chicken Breakfast Salami, Paneer Tikka (mild), Falafels with Hummus or Grilled Pitas, Grilled Prawns or Poached Salmon. Cold Roast Chicken or a Charcuterie.

On the significant challenge of aging white and rose wines in India

A significant challenge in Indian winemaking, particularly with white wines, is the impact of the tropical climate. Indian grapes, especially green varieties, ripen very quickly. This rapid maturation means the fruit can also spoil fast, making the process of aging white wines, especially in barrels, a risky and meticulous undertaking. A single batch can be easily ruined.

Sula, however, is taking on this challenge with great care. They are aging their white wines, including 'The Source' Sauvignon Blanc, in lightly toasted French and American oak barrels. This light toasting is intentional, imparting a subtle oak character that signifies a more serious wine - one that is designed for appreciation and complexity, rather than a simple 'drink-and-go' style.

And onto our final recommendation, this one's a gentleman's favourite.

The Source Cabernet Sauvignon

Known as the king of black grape varieties, this wine offers a bold and complex experience. It is lightly oaked, which imparts a subtle oak presence without overpowering the fruit. The tannins are very smooth, making it a highly approachable, entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a good tannin structure, full-bodied and typically carries a good alcohol level. The high tannins work to coat your palate, effectively cleansing it for the next bite or sip.

Flavour Profile: It exhibits powerful, sometimes described as 'earthy' notes. Specific flavours include coffee, olives and a subtle presence of capsicum or bell pepper.

Pairing: Laal Maas or Mutton Rogan Josh. The smooth tannins coat the palate, standing up to the heavy spice and fat of the meat, smoky Dal Makhani, Mutton Lasagna or Chili Chicken. The bold structure of the Cabernet holds its own against meaty, rich tomato sauces. Finish with dark red cherries, mulberries and aged Cheddar or a 70% Dark Chocolate Tart.

Now that we're aware of the types of wines, here's a quick visual cue for you to take note of when going wine picking.

On understanding wine by its colour: A visual guide

The colour of the wine offers profound insights into its character and structure.

Enjoyed our wine picking guide? Which one is on your list this holiday season? Let us know in the comments!