Origin

Pioneers in the Indian wine production, Mr. Kanwal Grover and Mr. Georges Vesselle had been the first to plant French vine varieties in India, in 1988.

They were the unique wine people who studied the Indian Territory in terms of winemaking. They explored the country for the most appropriate region (according to soil & climate) to grow French grape varieties.

33 French varietals were tested in regions already growing table grapes, mainly from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. 9 years of studies (backed by French winemaking universities) and blind tastings were necessary to decide on which region should be selected.

Georges Vesselle and the Grover Family decided to go for Nandi Hills where results where far better. They started growing grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Clairette and Chardonnay.

Today Grover Zampa Vineyards is continuously engaged in experimentations.

Situated 40 kilometers North-East of Bangalore, stretches India’s most exiting wine region: the Nandi Hills. Once known as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan and then of the British, it has triumphantly risen as a rich wine producing area in recent past. Nandi Hills is a picturesque region dotted with sloping green hillsides and miles of forestland. It is inhabited by incredibly beautiful wild life. In such paradisiacal landscape, stand our vineyards.

The Perfect Soil & Climate for Vine growing

Our vineyards spread over 300 acres on the foothills of the Nandi Hills and are nestled at 920 meters above the sea level.

The landscape is made of gentle rolling hills with good sun exposition. Our vines are grown on a lime rich and gravelly soil. It is a well drained soil where rain water flows rapidly without much absorption. The natural protection of the Nandi Hills against the monsoon also enables our grapes to reach perfect maturity.

Sunny days, cool nights and moderate rain strike a perfect balance for cultivation of grapes. A healthy maturation period of 180 days, from pruning to harvest, is allowed for Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

• Temperatures vary from 23°-29° C in summers and 11°-21° C in winters
• Growing season, the longest in India. Thanks to the natural protection of Nandi Hills against monsoon, our grapes to reach perfect maturity
• Limestone soils of the Nandi Hill region give to our wines their distinctive, terroir-driven earthiness with depth, richness and aromatic complexity

All Vineyards are under Grover Vineyard’s strict supervision and farmers are given precise instructions. Each farmer has a Vineyard Supervisor on all the sites to secure compliance. The oldest Grover vines are 15 years old (mainly used for La Reserve). The average age of the vineyard is 8 to 10 years old.

The region offers tranquil surroundings, a rich history and beautiful vistas to travellers. The binoculars are in for a treat with spectacular Asian Paradise Flycatchers, Bulbuls, Blue Capped Rock Thrush, Tawny Eagles, and Puff-Throated Babblers to view.