Tastes like strawberries on a summer evening…while Harry Styles croons about the other season, November to April is the strawberry season that we all look forward to…for these heart-shaped sugary delights. But it is in the months of January and February that the juiciest and most vibrant strawberries are available. The aggregate fruits (yes, strawberries are not exactly berries) have a strong hold on Indians. It often finds its way into various restaurants’ menus, seasonal gelato flavours, milkshakes, teas and whatnot! But why are we not talking about strawberry wines? Indian strawberry wines have a small market share in the alco-bev industry and I have rounded up the brands you have to sip on!
Where Are The Best Strawberries Cultivated In India?
The quality, taste and texture of strawberries vary according to the region it comes from. Mahabaleshwar strawberries have a huge market share and account for about 85 per cent of the total strawberry production in India.
As strawberries require cool temperatures, they are cultivated in temperate and subtropical areas with well-drained soils. Geographically, Indian states have ideal conditions for growing them. These are the states where strawberries in India are cultivated:
- Maharashtra,
- Karnataka
- Himachal Pradesh,
- Uttar Pradesh,
- West Bengal,
- Delhi,
- Haryana,
- Punjab and
- Rajasthan
5 Best Indian Strawberry Wines You Should Taste
1. Wild Berry’s Charlie
In the first decade of the 21st century, nature lovers and wine connoisseurs Sangramsinh Nalawade and Sagar Parakhe identified a problem and came up with a solution. Problem: Despite Mahabaleshwar’s abundant strawberry cultivation, no one thought of making fruit wine in the country. Solution: They joined forces with Dominic Rivard to bring to the world (and our country), India’s first fruit wine, Come On Charlie. Launched in 2011, this 100% fruit wine is made with ripened strawberries and doesn’t use grape wine as base. Its alcohol content ranges between 7-15%, the ones on the shelves do read 11%. Now packaged as Charlie, this beautiful light pink and ochre-coloured drink is best served chilled (9 degrees, the makers say)!
Cost: ₹600
Available in: Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Wai, Pune, Bangalore and Goa
More details, here.
2. Rhythm Strawberry
It comes from the house of Rhythm Winery, who are pioneers in fruit wines. This pink-coloured wine is best enjoyed chilled and is touted as a “perfect brunch drink” by the makers. You will get the hints of strawberry on the nose and a silky finish. Choicest and great quality grapes are used as a base while making this. With a 12% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), it makes for a perfect partner for boozy sundowners and brunches. Rhythm also has other fruit wines like Alphonso, Pineapple, Kiwi and more that you must try.
Cost: ₹350 onwards
Available in: Mumbai, Nashik and Pune
More details, here.
3. Kingberry
Made using the organically grown strawberries of Bhilar region of Mahabaleshwar, Kingberry Strawberry wine attracts a lot of tasters. They regularly conduct tasting tours at their Panchgani farm and even retail the bottles there. Not just strawberry wine, they do other berry wines like mulberry, cranberry, etc, too. There are more attractions on site and more organic products as well.
Cost: Not available online
Available in: Panchgani
More details, here.
4. Minchy’s Wonder Wyne Strawberry
Minchy’s Wonder Wyne, a handcrafted wine, is made with a lot of love and the best strawberries of Shimla region. With no added spirits, this light pink drink packs a lot of flavours and floral notes. With 11.4% ABV, this fruit wine pairs perfectly with soft cheeses and fresh fruits. Sadly, you can only get them at offline stores in Himachal Pradesh. Therefore, on your next Himachal trip do not forget to bag bottles of these fruit wines.
Cost: Not available online
Available in: Himachal Pradesh
More details, here.
5. Fruzzanté Strawberry
From the house of Hill Zill Wines comes Fruzzanté Strawberry. Already known in the market for their Chikoo wines, the other fruit wines are gaining more and more popularity. Inspired by Mahabaleshwar strawberries, it has notes of ripe fruit on the nose. It is a sparkling alcoholic beverage with an ABV of 6%. It is fresh, fruity and very playful.
Cost: ₹200
Available in: Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, NCR, Arunachal Pradesh
More details, here.
Also Read: With Strawberries & Hibiscus, There’s A New Pink Gin Called Punk
Wine lovers, add these Indian strawberry wines to your home bars or to-try-next list! And, don’t forget to let us know how you like it or which ones you have had in the comments section below.
Image Courtesy: Instagram/ Charlie Strawberry Wine and Wonder Wyne
*totally unrelated 1996 Deana Carter’s Strawberry Wine plays in the background* *don’t ask me why*
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