Celesta comes in six varieties: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Cabernet Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc and is being branded as a premium wine, priced between Rs 340 and Rs 380 for a 750 ml bottle. Nevista, another red wine for regular consumption is priced still lower at Rs 160 per bottle.

Nira Valley Grape Wines expanded their capacity from 5 lakh litres per annum to 15 lakh litres per annum last year. Of this production, 8 lakh litres is being sold as bulk wine and the rest is being sold under the company’s own brands. The company aims at producing 70,000 cases this year, and increasing production to 25 lakh litres per annum next year.

The vineyards of Nira Valley Grape Wines are spread over an area of 100 hectares, located within 20 kms of the winery at Baramati, Maharashtra, and are named after the Nira River. Grapes are also sourced from contract farmers. The winery has equipment from France and Italy, has a French winemaker as consultant, and an Indian winemaker to assist the production.

The company plans to expand its domestic market in a phased manner and is also looking at exporting its wines in the future.

"With our experience in producing bulk wine for major wineries since 2005, we hope to meet the needs of the growing premium wines market in India," says Prabhat Ahluwalia, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nira Valley Grape Wines.