There’s something magical about the Western Ghats. The soft mist that rolls over the hills, the sweet scent of grapes ripening under the sun, and the way time seems to slow down when you’re surrounded by endless green. Nestled deep within this serenity lies Hotel Irada – Luxury Wine Country Estate in Pune, Maharashtra. This new retreat is not just a luxury hotel; it’s a revival of a legend. Built on what was once Vijay Mallya’s grand 2000s estate, Hotel Irada now stands reborn as a symbol of understated elegance, sustainability, and sensory indulgence.

Every corner of this 66-acre working winery tells a story. It’s a story of passion, patience, and a deep respect for the land. With over 4,000 acres of protected forest cradling it, the estate feels like a secret world waiting to be explored. If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a place where fine wine meets wild nature, Hotel Irada might just be your next obsession.

The Essence of Hotel Irada: Where Luxury Meets Legacy

Hotel Irada isn’t your usual luxury resort. It’s built around the idea of “intentional living” — where every experience, meal, and design choice feels personal. The estate celebrates its roots while embracing the future. What once echoed with tales of high society and vintage cars now hums with the sound of vineyard workers, artists, and travelers sharing stories under the stars.

The property’s transformation is remarkable. Designed by some of India’s top architects, the estate balances old-world charm with modern aesthetics. Think rustic stone villas with contemporary interiors, outdoor showers that open to vineyard views, and infinity pools that mirror the sky. Everything feels curated yet effortless — like nature and design have found perfect harmony.

If you close your eyes, you can almost smell the oaky scent of wine barrels mingling with wild jasmine. That’s the signature aroma of Hotel Irada — raw, real, and timeless.

A Retreat Surrounded by Wilderness

Imagine waking up to birdsong instead of city noise. At Hotel Irada, mornings begin with golden sunlight streaming through your balcony as the forest breathes around you. The estate’s unique setting — surrounded by 4,000 acres of reserve forest — gives it a rare sense of seclusion.

The forest isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an active part of the experience. Guests often take guided walks through the trails, spotting exotic birds, butterflies, and sometimes even wild deer grazing at dawn. The air feels different here — cleaner, cooler, charged with life. It’s no surprise that the estate has become a favorite for travelers who crave a digital detox without giving up comfort.

The connection between the vineyard and the wilderness creates a poetic rhythm. It reminds you that true luxury is not about excess — it’s about presence. It’s about feeling the earth beneath your feet and the breeze that carries the scent of ripened grapes.

Luxury Redefined: Suites Crafted for the Soul

Every suite at Hotel Irada feels like its own little sanctuary. The design philosophy blends earthy textures with refined touches — handwoven fabrics, local wood, and soft lighting that makes evenings feel intimate. The rooms aren’t overly opulent; instead, they exude warmth and quiet confidence.

Each villa opens to panoramic views of the vineyard or forest. Private plunge pools glisten under the moonlight, while open verandas invite you to sip your morning coffee surrounded by rustling leaves. The sound of the wind here feels like music — soothing, unhurried, and deeply grounding.

There’s a sense of thoughtfulness in every corner. From handcrafted wine glasses on the bedside table to a pillow menu inspired by local botanicals, Hotel Irada ensures your comfort feels personal. It’s not about showing off luxury; it’s about living it effortlessly.

The Heartbeat of the Estate: The Working Winery

What sets Hotel Irada apart from other luxury escapes is its 66-acre working winery. This isn’t a decorative vineyard — it’s alive, productive, and buzzing with activity. Guests can join the winemakers during harvest season, crush grapes by hand, or learn the art of pairing Indian cuisine with fine wine.

Walking through the vines, you’ll notice how the air changes — it’s filled with the earthy sweetness of soil and grapes. The estate produces a variety of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds, each reflecting the land’s unique terroir.

The Wine Experience Lounge is where stories come alive. Here, sommeliers lead intimate tastings, often paired with slow-cooked regional food. The experience is immersive, but it’s also emotional — it reminds you how much care goes into every sip.

Signature Experiences at Hotel Irada’s Winery:

• Private vineyard picnics with seasonal fruits and local cheese
  
  

• Barrel tasting sessions with the head winemaker
  
  

• Grape harvest participation (Fall 2025 bookings open)
  
  

• Curated wine dinners under starlit canopies
  
  

Table: The Essence of Hotel Irada’s Experience

Dining at Hotel Irada: Where Nature Feeds the Soul

The food at Hotel Irada tells a story — one of place, tradition, and passion. Every dish is crafted from ingredients grown on or near the estate. The chefs work closely with local farmers and foragers to design menus that change with the seasons.

The farm-to-table philosophy here isn’t a marketing slogan — it’s a lifestyle. From vine leaf-wrapped fish grilled over open flame to fresh bread baked with native grains, every meal feels soulful. The chefs even infuse certain dishes with estate-made wine reductions, creating a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements each glass you sip.

Dining venues vary from rustic outdoor patios to candlelit cellar dinners. Guests often describe the experience as “culinary storytelling” — intimate, sensory, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re indulging in a seven-course wine pairing or sharing a simple picnic by the vineyard, every bite feels like a celebration of life.

Sustainability: The Soul of Irada

Hotel Irada stands for more than just comfort — it stands for conscious luxury. The estate’s design and operations reflect a strong commitment to sustainability. Solar energy powers much of the property, water is recycled through natural filtration systems, and most materials used in construction are locally sourced.

Even the vineyard follows organic farming practices, avoiding synthetic fertilizers. The result is wine that not only tastes better but feels better — both ethically and environmentally.

What’s beautiful about Irada’s approach is that sustainability doesn’t feel forced. It’s seamlessly woven into the guest experience. You won’t find plastic bottles or wasteful amenities here — instead, you’ll find bamboo straws, refillable carafes, and biodegradable packaging that looks elegant and thoughtful.

This quiet commitment gives the estate its soul. It’s luxury with purpose — indulgence that doesn’t harm the planet.

Seasons of Irada: When to Visit

While Fall 2025 marks the official booking season for guests, every season at Hotel Irada has its own charm.

• Winter (November–February): Crisp air, perfect for vineyard walks and bonfires.
  
  

• Summer (March–June): Quiet months for private retreats and forest bathing.
  
  

• Monsoon (July–September): The estate turns emerald green, with waterfalls and misty mornings.
  
  

• Fall (October–November): The grand harvest season — wine festivals, grape stomping, and open-air feasts.
  
  

If you want to witness the vineyard at its peak, book your stay for the Fall Harvest Festival 2025. It’s the time when the estate comes alive with music, food, and the joy of community.

Why Hotel Irada is the Future of Indian Luxury Travel

Hotel Irada doesn’t try to compete with flashy city hotels or over-the-top beach resorts. Instead, it redefines what luxury means in India. It invites you to slow down, to feel connected — to the land, to the people, and to yourself.

In a world chasing speed and excess, Irada feels like an antidote. It’s intimate, soulful, and deeply Indian in its spirit. The estate celebrates everything that makes Maharashtra’s countryside special — its warmth, its simplicity, its rhythm.

For travelers seeking authenticity wrapped in elegance, Hotel Irada – Luxury Wine Country Estate in Pune, Maharashtra is more than a destination. It’s a feeling — one you’ll carry long after you leave.

Conclusion: A Toast to New Beginnings

As the sun sets over the vineyards, a golden glow washes across the estate. The clinking of wine glasses mingles with laughter, and somewhere in the distance, you can hear the faint hum of crickets. This is the sound of Irada — peaceful, alive, unforgettable.

Hotel Irada is not just a place to stay. It’s a place to breathe, to reconnect, to dream again. It honors its legacy while embracing a future shaped by mindfulness, sustainability, and joy. Whether you come for the wine, the wilderness, or the quiet charm of Pune’s hills, you’ll leave with something rare — a sense of belonging.

So, when Fall 2025 arrives, and the vines are heavy with fruit, make your way to this corner of Maharashtra. Raise a glass under the stars, and whisper a toast to life, to luxury, and to the timeless beauty of Hotel Irada — India’s crown jewel of wine country living.