Every year, wine lovers around the world come together to honour one of the most charming and underrated white wine grapes—Viognier. International Viognier Day is a celebration of this beautifully aromatic varietal that delivers intense fruit flavours and floral elegance that sets it apart from other whites. Originating in the Rhône Valley of France, Viognier has now found thriving homes in wine regions across the globe, including India, where winemakers are crafting expressive and food-friendly versions of this grape.
What makes Viognier truly special is its ability to deliver bold aromas of apricot, peach, orange blossom, and honeysuckle, often paired with a lush, creamy mouthfeel and gentle acidity. It’s a wine that appeals to both beginners and seasoned connoisseurs—easy to love, yet layered when done right.
Thanks to its rich texture and fragrant bouquet, this style of wine pairs wonderfully with Indian cuisine, especially mildly flavoured rich gravies, grilled seafood, and tandoori dishes. As more consumers seek out unique and flavour-forward wines, Viognier continues to gain popularity for its distinctive profile and elegant personality.
This International Viognier Day, discover why this aromatic white is earning its place on wine lists and in cellars across India. Keep reading for our top recommendations to celebrate.
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What Makes Viognier Special?
Viognier (pronounced vee-oh-nyay) originates from the Rhône Valley in France but has found exciting new expressions in countries like India, Australia, and the U.S. It stands out for:
✔️ Aromatic Intensity – Think apricot, honeysuckle, mango, and floral notes that leap out of the glass.
✔️ Lush Texture – Viognier often has an oily mouthfeel that makes it feel rich without oak.
✔️ Nuanced Acidity – It’s softer than Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, but far from flabby.
✔️ Versatility with Food – Pairs effortlessly with Indian food, especially dishes with coconut, ginger, cream or mild spice.
Here are our picks for the International Viognier Day:
Big Banyan Pickers Hand Viognier
Crafted in small batches, this expressive Indian white wine showcases all the qualities that make Viognier so loved—luscious aromatics, soft texture, and a tropical personality. Expect vibrant notes of ripe peach, lychee, and orange blossom, rounded off with a touch of ginger spice. Medium-bodied and slightly creamy, it offers soft acidity and a long, lingering tropical finish. This balance of richness and freshness makes it a natural companion for bold, flavourful dishes. Think Thai green curry, butter garlic prawns, or even North Indian favourites like malai kofta. Lighter dishes like mango salad also work beautifully. Lush, exotic, and full of charm, it’s a white wine built for pairing with Indian cuisine.
Producer: Big Banyan Vineyard
Price: ₹1500
Grover Zampa Art Collection Viognier
Part of a well-loved and accessible range, this Viognier delivers outstanding value without skimping on quality. It opens with bright aromas of apricot, green mango, jasmine, and citrus zest, offering a refreshing take on this aromatic grape. The palate is clean, crisp, and dry, finishing with a lively mineral edge that makes each sip feel fresh. Its zippy profile pairs effortlessly with Indian and Asian dishes—think paneer tikka, grilled chicken skewers, Thai veg stir-fries, or a light feta salad. Ideal for casual sipping or sunny celebrations, it’s a versatile wine that shines with flavour and freshness. A top pick for summer, especially when you’re after something easy-drinking and food-friendly.
Producer: Grover Zampa Vineyards
Price: ₹785
How to Serve Viognier
Temperature: Chill to 10–12°C—cold enough to refresh, but warm enough to let the aromas shine.
Glassware: Use a white wine glass with a slightly tapered rim to concentrate those floral notes.
Let It Breathe: Viognier’s aromatics bloom with a little air—swirl it gently in the glass before sipping.
Also Read: Award-Winning French Wines Under ₹5000
5 tips to pick a good Viognier wine
Look for aromatic intensity – Viognier should have pronounced floral and stone fruit aromas like peach, apricot, or orange blossom.
Check for freshness – Choose wines with balanced acidity to avoid overly oily or flabby textures.
Seek minimal oak use – Light or no oak ageing helps preserve Viognier’s natural aromatics and vibrancy.
Pick recent vintages – Viognier is best enjoyed young and fresh, unless it’s a premium aged style.
Match to food styles – Opt for fruit-forward Viogniers if pairing with spicy, creamy, or Southeast Asian dishes.
Looking for amazing wines and spirits recommendations? Click here to check out the winners of the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024 edition.
