As a wine lover, I had high expectations for the Bandra Wine Out 2025, and must say-I was overjoyed. From the moment I stepped inside the Club in Bandra, the vibrant and welcoming festival atmosphere welcomed me. It was filled with rich aromas of wine, sizzling gourmet bites, and the hum of excited conversations.

About a dozen  Indian top wineries and a few importers had set up tasting stations, offering a diverse selection of wines-from crisp Sauvignon Blancs and floral Rose to bold Cabernet Sauvignons, , Grillo, NeroD`Avola, Strawberry wines and elegant sparkling wines.

Moving from counter to counter I sampled wines from producers like Sula, Fratelli, Grover Zampa, Good Drop and Reveilo along with newcomers like Uniwine and Alura wines. It was a fantastic opportunity to discover how Indian winemakers are pushing boundaries with innovation and craftsmanship. It felt like a landmark moment for the country’s evolving wine scene.

It was a Wine Lover’s Paradise with all the wine counters managed by trained professionals for imparting professional information about their wines like a Pro. A fantastic moment for the novices to gain expertise.

Beyond the Glass

Wine tasting was just the beginning. The festival offered an incredible range of experiences that made it more than just a gathering of wine enthusiasts.

• Gourmet Food Pairings: The festival curated food stalls offering everything from artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to global cuisines, each designed to complement the wines.
• Live Cooking with Wine: Watching top chefs incorporate wine into dishes was fascinating.
• Interaction with Wine Experts: For those eager to refine their wine knowledge, expert-led sessions covered topics like tasting techniques, wine and food pairings, and proper wine storage.
• Flea Market & Artisanal Products: The festival also featured a charming flea market with handcrafted goods, artisanal chocolates, and gourmet condiments—perfect souvenirs for wine lovers.
• Grape Stomping: A crowd favourite! I couldn’t resist stepping into a wooden vat and crushing grapes with my feet—just like in old-world winemaking traditions. It was a joyful experience.

Festival that Got Mumbai Dancing

No wine festival is complete without great music, and Bandra Wine Out 2025 nailed it. The live bands and DJs created an eclectic atmosphere, with everything from soothing jazz in the afternoon to upbeat dance tracks in the evening. Even I found myself on the periphery of the dance floor, glass in hand, swaying to the music and daring to get into the mood!

Game Changer for Indian Wine

WineGAI has already signed multiple MOUs with organisations in Australia as part of its commitment to implementing these agreements. This remarkable initiative is driven by the vision of Ashwin Rodrigues, Founder and Secretary of WineGAI. Austrade was present through various Australian wines.

Austrade is supporting wine producers in India through collaboration with various Australian institutions specialising in wine, viticulture, and oenology, assisting Indian producers in enhancing all aspects of wine production. A few Australian wines were also a part of the pack.

Reflecting on the event, Bandra WineOut 2025 set a new standard for wine festivals in India. It wasn’t just about tasting wine—it was about experiencing wine in a fun, engaging, and approachable way, Ashwin Rodrigues, Secretary of WineGAI and the visionary behind the event, summed it up perfectly: “This is just the beginning. We want to make Indian wine the drink of choice for the modern Indian consumer. This will be an annual feature and expanded to other cities’ he told delWine,” he affirmed.

I walked away from the festival not just with a renewed appreciation for Indian wines, but also with fond memories of an incredible weekend. If this is the future of wine culture in India, I’m all in.

Jai Ho!

Hans Raj Ahuja

Hans Raj Ahuja is a pioneer in wine marketing in India and a key architect of the country’s modern wine industry. He began his career in wine marketing with Chateau Indage ( Then Indage India) in 1994 and played a transformative role in shaping India’s emerging wine market. Through strategic branding and positioning, he elevated wine as a distinct and sophisticated beverage, setting it apart from other alcoholic drinks and driving its widespread acceptance.”