Alongside the pulling of a cracker, the popping of a cork is the true soundtrack of Christmas. The trouble is most of us reach for the same bubbles every year. Champagne because we think it is what we should do if we want to look like we know what we are talking about. Prosecco if we just want something fizzy and fun. And whatever says “Brut-ish” when we have panic-bought on the way to someone else’s house.
This year, consider a plot twist.
Consider Indian sparkling wine.
Bright, fruit-driven, and genuinely pleasurable, these bottles bring something new to the table without asking you to abandon tradition. They feel familiar enough to satisfy a traditionalist and fun enough to impress the cousin who watches wine TikTok for sport.
But before we get into some cracking Christmas pairings and the bottles worth buying, we had to start with answering the most Googled questions about Indian wines.
Does India Make Good Wine?
Yes. The slake team have tasted thousands of wines over the years, and Indian wine has levelled up fast in the last decade.
Modern winemaking is relatively new in India which means international grapes dominate. Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir are the staples. The advantage of this is simple; India gets to draw on decades of global knowledge about how these grapes behave, while still crafting something unmistakably its own.
The result is wines that feel familiar but with a different edge. Sparkling wine is a standout category because the climate produces ripe, expressive base wines and more producers are using the traditional method, which naturally adds finesse, texture, and tiny bubbles.
Where Is Wine Made in India?
Indian wine comes from regions that seem, at first glance, far too warm for delicate bubbles. The trick is that the best vineyards sit in warm zones that are moderated by altitude, river breezes and dramatic temperature swings between day and night. Hot sun builds ripe fruit while cool nights preserve acidity.
There are two major regions set the tone for modern Indian wine.
- Karnataka, including Bengaluru (Bangalore) and the Nandi Hills
Think rolling hills, rocky soils and evenings that cool just in time to stop grapes from turning jammy. This is what allows zesty varieties like Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc to stay crisp and refreshing even under fierce tropical sun.
- Maharashtra, including the Deccan Plateau, Akluj and Nashik
Directly north of Karnataka and home to Mumbai, Maharashtra is warm and sun-soaked but benefits from cooler nights created by elevation and airflow across the plateau. This supports more aromatic grapes such as Müller-Thurgau and Gewürztraminer, which keep their lift and perfume even in warm conditions.
Ok – so you’ve learnt a little geography, but why does this matter you’re thinking. Quite simply:
Warm days create ripe expressive fruit.
Cool nights protect acidity.
Good drainage keeps vines healthy.
Altitude adds lift and freshness.
In other words: exactly what you want for sparkling wine – wines that taste alive.
Why Indian Sparkling Wine Works at Christmas
Christmas food is rich, salty, sweet, fatty, and occasionally chaotic. Indian sparkling wine handles all of it.
• acidity cuts through fat
• bubbles lift heavy dishes
• ripe fruit complements sweetness
• traditional method texture stands up to richness
Instead of asking whether it will work, ask yourself:
Is this dish rich, salty, sweet, fatty, or chaotic?
If yes, Indian sparkling wine will probably be perfect.
Best Indian Sparkling Wines for Christmas
These Indian sparklings have been tasted by none other than slake’s editor (who also happens to be an international wine judge) and have gained the seal of approval.
Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka. Chenin Blanc. Traditional Method.
Crisp, bright, and citrus-led – think green apple, lemon zest, and a clean refreshing snap. Karnataka’s altitude and breezes keep Chenin Blanc lively and lifted, which is exactly the energy you want at Christmas when everything else is feels heavy or stodgy.
What to drink it with
Freshness is its superpower, which makes it brilliant with anything oily, salty, or rich.
• smoked salmon blinis
• cheese straws
• goats’ cheese or bloomy Brie
• the tray of “just taste one” nibbles you pull out while cooking
It is the quiet, keep-topping-me-up bottle that happily follows you from morning to evening.
Akluj, Maharashtra. Chenin Blanc, Müller-Thurgau, Gewürztraminer. Zero Dosage. Traditional Method. Aged 18 months on lees.
Richer, creamier and more pastry led. Chenin gives backbone, Müller-Thurgau brings aromatics and Gewürztraminer adds a whisper of spice and body. Long bottle ageing gives brioche, roasted nuts, and baked apple notes but thanks to the zero dosage (i.e. no added sugar) the finish remains dry.
What to drink it with
This wine loves warmth and richness, so it is perfect for the main event – turkey with all the trimmings but will also work with
• mushroom wellington or nut roast for the veggies
• panettone
• that first quiet moment when everyone sits down after eating
It is a Christmas hug in a glass.
Both bottles are available in the UK through Maharaja Drinks, a specialist retailer of premium Indian wines.
FAQs about Indian Wine
What temperature should I serve Indian sparkling wine at?
Around 6 to 8 degrees. Chilled but not icy. If it feels too cold, give it a moment to warm slightly so the flavours can open.
How long does Indian sparkling wine last once opened?
With a proper sparkling wine stopper, it will keep its bubbles for one to two days in the fridge although it is always best on the day you open it.
Does Indian sparkling wine pair with traditional Christmas food?
Yes. It works with smoked salmon, turkey, cheese boards, nut roast, panettone and even Boxing Day leftovers.
Is Indian sparkling wine dry or sweet?
Most are dry. Even when the fruit tastes generous, the wines themselves are not sugary.
Can I buy Indian wine in the UK?
Yes. Maharaja Drinks has a strong selection including the two bottles in this guide.
Does Indian wine contain alcohol?
Yes. Usually around 12 to 12.5 percent which is similar to most European sparkling wines.