Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, one of India’s southern-most states, borders on Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in the north, Kerala in the west, and the Bay of Bengal in the east, enjoying a long coastline. There is just the one wine region, the Cumbum Valley region in the south-west corner of the state, a relatively low-lying area with an average altitude of only 400 metres. It is surrounded by the Thekkadi Hills in the west, the Varusanadu Hills in the east and the Kodaikanai Hills in the north, their peaks easily reaching to a thousand metres above sea level.

Hills surrounding Cumbum Valley Winery

The river Vairavanar cuts through the valley and is responsible for the fertile black and sandy alluvial soils. Red loam and sand, however, dominate the valley floor with some lateritic and black soils in places.

Red loamy soil, Cumbum Valley Winery, Theni District in Tamil Nadu


The region’s peculiarity is that despite being classified as mild tropical, temperatures do not drop below 20˚ C, and in the daytime reach around 30˚ C, right through the year. Table 1 shows the climatic data for Madurai, the closest meteorological observation point. Cumbum Valley receives similar quantities of rain, but it is more evenly distributed through the year, with not a single month truly dry.

Madurai’s climatic data

Source: Indian Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India


A little over 2,000 hectares is under vine in the Cumbum Valley, with what is said to be Muscat being the dominant variety. Trials are in progress with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to see their response to the climate.

Purportedly Muscat grapes, though in appearance and taste they resemble Bangalore Blue or Black Muscat. Cumbum Valley Winery, Theni district, Tamil Nadu

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