Our Story

The Beginning

Shambhavi Hingorani saw her long-held dream of a sprawling vineyard take shape on the rich, loamy soils of the Nandi Valley appellation located in the south west region of Karnataka close to the well-known garden city of Bangalore. SDU Winery was the culmination of this dream and was the first boutique winery from this appellation.

The Beginning

Shambhavi Hingorani saw her long-held dream of a sprawling vineyard take shape on the rich, loamy soils of the Nandi Valley appellation located in the south west region of Karnataka close to the well-known garden city of Bangalore. SDU Winery was the culmination of this dream and was the first boutique winery from this appellation.

Rich in History
Bounded by Tradition

Meet our Visionaries

Explore the minds shaping our extraordinary wines. Shambhavi, India’s pioneering boutique winemaker, combines global expertise with local innovation to set new standards in handcrafted quality. Andrea Valentinuzzi’s decades of experience in viticulture, spanning Italy and India, ensure each wine is a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Shambhavi Hingorani

DIRECTOR

After exploring wine regions across South Africa, Italy, France, Australia, and California, Shambhavi developed a deep mastery of wine's complexities. This expertise led her to become the first woman in India to establish a boutique winery.In 2003, she planted the inaugural vineyard in the Nandi Valley. By 2011, Shambhavi knew SDU Winery needed to start here to achieve true excellence. Her passion for fine wines, combined with her adeptness in winery operations, turned winemaking into a sensory journey. With a state-of-the-art facility in Southern Karnataka, Shambhavi is celebrated as a trailblazer in the boutique winemaking movement.

ANDREA Valentinuzzi

WINE CONSULTANT

After honing his craft for over 25 years, Andrea has mastered the art of winemaking, drawing from the rich traditions of his homeland, Friuli Venezia Giulia—one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions. Each harvest brings a new challenge, and Andrea thrives on the intricacies of problem-solving, ensuring every vintage reaches its full potential.Beyond the winery, Andrea embraces life on the road. After the bottling season, he sets off on his bike, exploring the landscapes of Mysore and Mangalore, reconnecting with old friends along the way. And before he dives into the day’s work? A chilled can of beer—a simple ritual that sparks his creativity.

Rich in History
Bounded by Tradition

Meet our Visionaries

Explore the minds shaping our extraordinary wines. Shambhavi, India’s pioneering boutique winemaker, combines global expertise with local innovation to set new standards in handcrafted quality. Andrea Valentinuzzi’s decades of experience in viticulture, spanning Italy and India, ensure each wine is a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Shambhavi Hingorani

DIRECTOR

After exploring wine regions across South Africa, Italy, France, Australia, and California, Shambhavi developed a deep mastery of wine's complexities. This expertise led her to become the first woman in India to establish a boutique winery.In 2003, she planted the inaugural vineyard in the Nandi Valley. By 2011, Shambhavi knew SDU Winery needed to start here to achieve true excellence. Her passion for fine wines, combined with her adeptness in winery operations, turned winemaking into a sensory journey. With a state-of-the-art facility in Southern Karnataka, Shambhavi is celebrated as a trailblazer in the boutique winemaking movement.

Andrea Valentinuzzi

OUR  WINEMAKER

Our winemaker Andrea Valentinuzzi has roots from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of north-east Italy, has over 35 years of experience in viticulture and winemaking with various Italian wineries (including Casa Girelli and Cantine Pallavicini). He has been working in India since 2006 and has extensive winemaking consulting experience internationally. He strives to create wines that reflect the personality of these great vineyards. Andrea is very much a “hands-on” winemaker, and has been closely and personally involved in every aspect of setting up the winery and making the wine. The final product exemplifies his skills,  vision, and passion.

Our Vineyards

TG Halli

One of the most stunning in Nandi Valley appellation spread across the east bank of Tippaganahalli Lake overlooking the Makli Hill.

Our Winery and
Machinery

The Boots on the Ground

SDU Team

Hiranya Mudoi

Area Sales Manager
Hiranya has been a vital asset to our team, tirelessly working to propel SDU towards greater success and expansion. As an Area Sales Manager, Hiranya’s daily routine is a symphony of tasks aimed at driving revenue and cultivating strong client relationships. From prioritizing goals and follow-ups to engaging in client meetings and correspondence, every action is meticulously planned to ensure maximum impact. His day starts with a thorough review of his schedule, prioritizing tasks and preparing for the day ahead. He immerses himself in industry research, staying abreast of trends and competitor positioning, while coordinating closely with the logistics team to ensure seamless supply chain operations. What truly fuels Hiranya’s passion for his job is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients and earn their trust. Seeing their success with SDU’s products and services brings him immense satisfaction, and he thrives on the daily challenges and growth opportunities his role presents.

Shilpa Nayak

Sales & Office Coordinator
From her beginnings in the front office, Shilpa now spearheads boutique management, logistics, marketing activities, and inventory management. Her day kicks off at 10 AM, filled with emails, calls, and ensuring seamless winery-depot relations. Shilpa’s favorite moments? Team meetings, colleague interactions, and the satisfaction that comes with a job well done. Beyond her professional finesse, Shilpa adds a personal touch to her role, making her an invaluable asset to the SDU family. Shilpa’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of her role is handled with precision. From managing complex logistics to orchestrating successful marketing campaigns, she ensures the smooth operation of all behind-the-scenes activities. Her commitment to excellence is evident in everything she does. Shilpa’s unwavering dedication and passion for her work reflect the core values of SDU, making her an indispensable part of our team and a driving force in our ongoing success.

Reddeppa Reddy D

Accounts Manager
His day unfolds with precision, starting with a strategic plan to tackle tasks like payments, receivables, and budget meetings. With a keen eye for detail, Reddeppa ensures that every financial aspect runs smoothly. But what truly excites him? Budget meetings, where ideas flow freely, paving the way for SDU’s continued growth. Reddeppa’s analytical skills and deep understanding of financial management have been instrumental in driving the company’s success. His dedication to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity is unmatched, making him a key player in SDU’s ongoing achievements. Reddeppa’s role extends beyond mere numbers; he is integral to shaping the financial strategies that underpin our growth. His expertise and commitment are central to SDU’s financial health and future, ensuring that our fiscal operations are not just efficient, but exemplary. Reddeppa stands as the backbone of our financial success, embodying the trust and reliability that SDU is known for.

Kokila GM

MIS EXECUTIVE
Our MIS Executive since July 12, 2021. With a rich background in the Alcobev industry, Kokila's expertise shines through her daily tasks of compiling and submitting vital MIS reports. Her mornings are focused on data, while afternoons are spent supporting the sales team with detailed reports and insights. Starting her day with a prayer and breakfast, Kokila brings a sense of calm and precision to her role. Her favorite moments? Analyzing data trends and actively participating in sales meetings.

Babu Mani Achary

Winery Manager
Our Winery Manager and a true cornerstone of SDU since its inception. With an all-encompassing role at the vineyard, Babu oversees each operational function, ensuring that everything from grape to glass flows seamlessly.Babu’s journey with SDU began in October 2011, shortly after completing the Cumbum Valley Winery project in Tamil Nadu. Looking for a new challenge, he joined SDU with a dedication to innovation in winemaking. His daily routine is a blend of strategic planning and hands-on work, addressing tasks that keep the vineyard running smoothly and efficiently.What energizes Babu the most? It’s a perfect balance between the art of winemaking and the fast-paced demands of vineyard operations. He’s the first to tackle new challenges, continually adapting to improve processes and make the journey from production to delivery as flawless as possible.

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