Making wines may be a fine art, but the magic lies in the lusciousness of the grape. Curious to see where all the magic takes place?
On the outskirts of Bengaluru stands an ancient Banyan tree. Legend has it that this tree has watched over the land for over 400 years. It is from this very place, and this very spirit, that Big Banyan was born. Our Chairman Mr. Paul P. John envisioned a vineyard and winery here that produced world-class wines. He brought in sapling varietals from across the globe, planted them in this soil, and invited the land to transform them. The dream took root. And the rest, as they say, is history.
For decades, Big Banyan has proven that India can make wines that hold their own. From the very beginning, we have been guided by the ambition to capture the brilliance of the Indian terroir and express it with world-class craftsmanship. What started as a vision has grown into a portfolio that speaks to every kind of wine drinker; from light fruit-forward wines, to reserve expressions that push the boundaries of Indian oenology. Along the way, the brand has cultivated a culture of wine appreciation, introducing generations of drinkers to the nuance, the ritual, and the pleasure of a truly fine glass of wine.
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Driven by founder Mr. Paul P. John’s passion for wine, the journey brought together select vineyards and expert craftsmanship, in collaboration with Italian winemaker Lucio Matricardi. The first collection - Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon - marked the beginning of our story.
Driven by founder Mr. Paul P. John’s passion for wine, the journey brought together select vineyards and expert craftsmanship, in collaboration with Italian winemaker Lucio Matricardi. The first collection - Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon - marked the beginning of our story.
Lucio Matricardi did not come to wine by study alone - he was born into it. Hailing from Italy, the heartland of the winemaking world, Lucio grew up in a family that owned a vineyard. From a very young age, he was immersed in the science of vine cultivation.
He turned a lifelong love for wines into a distinguished vocation, building a reputation as a winemaker. When Mr. Paul John sought a partner to help realise his vision of world-class Indian wines, it was Lucio he turned to.
For years now, Lucio has brought his Italian expertise, his deep reverence for terroir, and his exacting standards to bear on every vintage at Big Banyan. He has shaped our winemaking process, and guided the creation of a collection of fine Indian wines that are entirely of this land. Under his watchful eye, our wines are a testament to what Indian oenology can be.
Mahesh Awate brings a rare balance of scientific rigour and creative instinct to the cellar, expressed through a quiet pursuit of perfection in every bottle.
His journey led him to Bordeaux, where he trained under Michel Rolland, absorbing the nuances of Old World winemaking before returning to India to shape his own path. Over the years, he has worked with some of the country’s leading wine brands, refining vineyards, exploring new expressions, and guiding cellars with a steady hand.
At Big Banyan, this journey finds its fullest expression. Mahesh played a pivotal role in building the winery near Bengaluru and crafting wines that have earned recognition on both national and international stages. Named among India’s delWine Top Ten Winemakers Under 40, he remains a winemaker who lets his wines speak for themselves.
Picker’s Hand Grenache
Bronze, UK
The Global Rosé Masters 2024
Limited Cabernet Sauvignon
Gold, India
India Wines Awards 2025
Big Banyan Limited Shiraz Red Wine 2020
Bronze, UK
Decanter World Wine Awards 2023
Limited Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022
Bronze, UK
International Wine Challenge 2024