Wine tasting for many, a glass of wine is a simple pleasure, an accompaniment to a meal or a moment of relaxation. But have you ever wondered about the vast world of wines beyond the everyday bottle? Here at Rico Wine Park and Vineyards, nestled among the beautiful vineyards near Bangalore, we’re often asked about the distinction between table wine and premium wine. It’s a fascinating journey into the heart of viticulture and winemaking, and understanding it enriches every sip.

You’ll discover that the terms table wine and premium wine aren’t just about price tags; they speak to philosophy, craftsmanship, and the very essence of grapes when you join us for one of our enlightening wine tours in Bangalore.

Table Wine: The Everyday Companion – Historically, table wine referred to wines meant for everyday consumption, often served simply at the dinner table. These wines are produced in large quantities, focusing on consistency and affordability, and are generally fruit-forward and intended for young consumption. The table wines at our winery here in Rico are enjoyable and easy to drink.  Be it a silky red wine with bright fruit flavours or a crisp white wine such as Chenin Blanc. The grapes for these wines come from a wider range of our vineyards, with a focus on yield and general quality that ensures a pleasant, consistent product.

Premium Wine: The Art of Expression – Premium wines are a testament to dedication, terroir, and meticulous winemaking. Grapes are crafted to express their unique characteristics and land, often resulting in lower vineyard yields, allowing grapes to concentrate their flavours. The vines might be older, drawing deeper complexities from the soil.

For instance, a premium red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon often comes from select blocks within our vineyards, where the soil composition and sun exposure are ideal for developing rich tannins and complex aromatics. The wine tasting is more intensive, involving careful sorting of grapes, precise fermentation control, and extended ageing in oak barrels. The wine gains layers of depth as a result of the toast, spice, and vanilla notes that the barrel aging process adds.

Key Differences at a Glance:

• Grape Sourcing: Table wines often use grapes from various plots, while premium wines prioritize specific, high-quality vineyard blocks.
• Yield: Premium wines typically come from lower-yielding vines, resulting in more concentrated flavours.
• Winemaking Process: Premium wines involve more intricate techniques, including longer fermentation, selective yeast usage, and extended ageing (often in oak).
• Ageing Potential: While table wines are best enjoyed young, premium wines often have the structure and complexity to age gracefully, developing new flavours and aromas over time.
• Terroir Expression: Premium winesaim to showcase the unique terroir – the combination of soil, climate, and topography of their specific vineyard site.
• Price: Premium wines naturally command a higher price due to the intensive labour, specialized techniques, and often longer ageing.

Ultimately, both table and premium wines have their place. A good table wine is a perfect companion for everyday meals and casual gatherings, offering consistent quality and enjoyable flavors. Premium wines, however, offer a deeper, more profound experience, inviting you to explore intricate aromas, textures, and evolving complexities.

Visit for a vineyard tour at Rico Wine Park and Vineyards to truly experience this difference firsthand. Our wine tours in Bangalore offer a unique opportunity to walk through our thriving vineyards, learn about our dedication to both everyday delights and exceptional vintages, and, of course, the wine-tasting experience of the red wines or and white wines we produce.