White wines, still or sparkling, are always a great entry point for beginners. If you are new to exploring the wine section, you can pick a bottle of white as per your taste palette; you will not be disappointed. With the exponential growth of vineyards in India, wines manufactured in the country are now more affordable and accessible.
You have so much to choose from, including a wide variety of flavours like fruity, floral, and bubbly. For you to experiment with different types of wines till you find “the one,” here is a carefully curated list of the best white wines under ₹1000 that are perfect for beginners. So, why don’t you take a large pour and raise a toast?
Sula Sauvignon Blanc
Sula is one of the most sought-after vineyards in India. Located in Nashik, Maharashtra, the winery offers just the perfect white wine for beginners – Sula Sauvignon Blanc. With crispy and slightly citrus notes, it has a blend of flavours, including green apple, grapefruit, and other tropical fruits. You can get a 750 ml bottle for ₹775, making it a budget-friendly option.
York Chenin Blanc
The York Chenin Blanc is reputed to be one of the best Indian white wines, partially fermented and matured in French oak barrels. Made with picking high-quality grapes, Chenin Blanc has all the right fruity notes. It is available in most of India's metropolises, such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, etc. You can get the 750 ml bottle under ₹1,000 depending on your city.
Fratelli Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a widely recognised and popular varietal, making it easy to find and a good starting point for exploring different white wine styles. Fratelli Chardonnay also has a fruity flavour with a subtle note of white flowers. With a citrus aroma of lemon and orange, you can pair it with tandoori Indian dishes as well as creamy Italian delicacies. Ranging from ₹800 to ₹950, you can easily source 750 ml from a liquor store.
Sula Riesling
If you want to try a rather sweeter wine, Sula’s Riesling is an ideal pick. Produced in India, this white wine has the flavours of lemon, grapefruit, and honey. Priced at ₹495, you can get a 375 ml bottle as a beginner and get familiarised with the taste. With a lower alcohol content, you can easily pair a glass of Riesling with Chinese appetisers, sushi, and even salads.
Grover Zampa Art Collection Sauvignon Blanc
Grover Zampa Art Collection Sauvignon Blanc is a premium white wine that a beginner can buy in India. It stands out for its herbal and fruity flavours. Made with Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are sourced from select vineyards in Nashik, Maharashtra, you can start sipping white wine with their premium bottle. You can get a 375 ml bottle under ₹400 and a 750 ml bottle under ₹900 in almost every tier 1 and tier 2 cities of India.
Charosa Selection Viognier
Another still white wine that you can try is Charosa Selection Viognier. It is made by fermenting Viognier grapes for at least 4 weeks in French Oak Barrel and imparts a rich, fruity floral. If you like your liquor to be on the sweeter side, you can pick a glass of Charosa, which has notes of sweet spices like cinnamon and floral notes like apricot. For a typical 750 ml bottle, you can buy it for ₹950 in India.