It was the sheer love for wines and passion for winemaking that fuelled a dream for master blender Uttam S Keval nearly 30 years back. Little did he realise that his sons, Sanjay and Amit would give wings to that dream in the future.
An alcohol technologist by profession, Amit’s passion for winemaking was realised when he went on to study oenology and viticulture in Bordeaux, France. Armed with a vision to bring Elevage du Vin (wine maturation) to India, Amit roped in his brother, Sanjay (and his local distribution expertise) to setup the family venture – Oakwood Vineyards in 2007.
Started as a matured / reserve bulk wine producer, Oakwood focused on providing 100% barrel-aged wines to independent brand owners in India and overseas. Within the next few years, the bulk wine production scaled considerably, having experienced immense success and recognition in India, UK, France and other markets.
Under the mentorship of Uttam Keval (Chairman, Oakwood Vineyards) and stewardship of Amit Keval (CEO, Oakwood Vineyards), Oakwood went onto launch its first indigenous brand, Bella Rouge – a medium-bodied, spicy Cabernet Shiraz – in India. Though, an instant success with the Indian consumer, it was nearly 9 years later that the Company decided to shift its efforts in handcrafting Oakwood owned wines for the local market.