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There’s a reason why Mumbai is known as “Maximum City” as this metro knows how to live life to the fullest. Also the financial capital of India, Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures and business. The city enjoys the reputation of being a trendsetter in spheres of luxury, fashion, culinary explorations and many more. While Mumbai has always enjoyed an exciting dining scene, wine has become an integral part of this culture in the last few years.
The city is home to some of the finest hotels, restaurants and cafes in the country, which take pride in their extensive wine lists that range from exquisite to popular and bring a taste of different parts of the world to Indian wine enthusiasts.
So, what makes Mumbai’s wine and dine scene so extraordinary? Let us take a look:
1️⃣ Highly aware consumers: The typical Mumbai consumer is a young working professional, with high income and access to information. Such a consumer is well-travelled, and thus, exposed to the global wine culture. They are always on the lookout for similar experiences back home and this demand has brought an array of global cuisines, innovative themes and unique luxury dining experiences to the city and wine is an inseparable yet important part of such experiences.
2️⃣ Strategic location and availability: Mumbai is not only the leading consumption market for wine in India, but it is also the port of entry for nearly 80 percent of international wine and enjoys the highest density of importers, distributors and retailers in the country. The channels within the city’s wine network efficiently help international brands find a place at eminent and popular establishments. This allows HORECA to curate impressive wine lists to entice consumers.
3️⃣ Diverse wine experiences: The city offers diverse wine experiences that cater to different preferences and tastes. So, while budding wine enthusiasts can attend guided tasting sessions to refine their palate, connoisseurs prefer to attend closed-door luxury dinners that put them in a highly influential company and allow them to reaffirm their stature in society. As a result, consumers expect restaurants and bars to go above and beyond to design a wine list worth exploring.
5 dining destinations in Mumbai that should be on every wine lover’s bucket list:
1️⃣ Olive Bar & Kitchen: Nestled in Mumbai, Olive Bar & Kitchen dazzles with its array of innovative cocktails and an extensive wine selection. This rustic hideaway is a must for visitors seeking good food, drink, conversation and laughter. While its Mediterranean-inspired dishes captivate, it’s the expertly crafted drinks that truly shine,
offering a perfect blend of classic and contemporary flavours. The restaurant is known for its iconic Bar Nights on Thursdays, which are exploding with music and spirit. Wine enthusiasts are in for a special treat with the restaurant’s extensive wine list that perfectly complements its Mediterranean cuisine.
2️⃣ The Table: The Table in Mumbai is a paradise for drink enthusiasts, offering a diverse wine list and inventive cocktails. Known for its globally inspired menu that is influenced by the San Francisco style of cooking, The Table is one of India’s first restaurants to conceptualise and execute the ‘Farm to Table’ philosophy to harvest organic produce for the restaurant. What cements the restaurant’s position as the ultimate wine and dine destination in Mumbai is its impressive wine list, featuring more than 100 labels. The Table is also one of the first restaurants in India to have an in-house sommelier to ensure a specially curated 360-degree wine experience for every consumer.
3️⃣ Masque: Nestled in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi, Masque offers a one-of-a-kind 10-course chef’s tasting menu. However, it is their wine list that will catch the attention of wine connoisseurs, simply because of all the care that has been put into curating it. The establishment firmly believes that wine is meant to complement the food without being formal or intimidating. They aim to take some of the mystery out of wine service and selection in the hopes of making the process of consuming it more accessible and relaxing.
4️⃣ San Qi: Four Seasons: San Qi at the Four Seasons in Mumbai is a haven for wine lovers, boasting a diverse wine list that includes both old-world and new-world selections. The elegant ambience and Pan-Asian dishes create a luxurious drinking and dining experience. This stylishly modern restaurant offers a long list of Indian and international wines that will perfectly pair with the restaurant’s popular South Asian offerings.
5️⃣ La Loca Maria: Mumbai’s La Loca Maria is celebrated for its Spanish-influenced cocktails and an impressive array of sangrias. The vibrant atmosphere and Spanish tapas complement its lively bar menu. La Loca Maria also boasts of a thoughtfully curate wine list, with sparkling, white, rose, red and dessert wines from all over the world. However, there is a strong emphasis on Spanish wines in the list that complement the restaurant’s cuisine perfectly.
How can be so confident about our choices? Because these establishments were voted among IndiaWineAwards 50 Best Places To Drink 2023. This exclusive list, curated from votes of consumers and special jury members, features the best bars and restaurants in the country (both in-house and standalone) to grab a drink. These places offer impeccable service, irresistible bar menus, innovative dining experiences and inviting ambience- a combination which commands consumers to keep coming back for more. To check out the full list, click here.
