Tamil Nadu is apparently not a very oenophile friendly state. The state's liquor policies coupled with the surprise checks by the Enforcement Wing of the Excise & Prohibition department trouble the hospitality industry to no end.

For starters independent restaurants are simply not allowed to serve beer or wine. A hotel must have a minimum of 20 rooms and 40 beds, with an attached restaurant and a well built bar with a good number of covers. The alcohol is strictly meant for guests staying at the hotel only. And all bars have to down their shutters by 12 am in Chennai.

There is hope though as the South India Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA) is petitioning the government to change the laws. In the meantime, don't expect to do too much wine drinking if you find yourself in Tamil Nadu