The company was revived through an intricate legal structure change involving Edelweiss, Oniv (read as reverse of Vino) and perhaps Ranjit Chougule’s family in the background. The winery was made operational under a scheme with High Court’s blessing in which a newly formed enterprise, Oniv Beverages was allowed to start the operations of the winery under the leadership of Dhananjay Datar, a known wine personality in Maharashtra, without affecting the rights of the creditors.

The company was later sold to Integra Essentia as reported by delWine. Oniv Beverages was a part of the contract, says Dhananjay Data who left the company after bringing up the winery to a level where the equipment was made operational and starting the production.   

Now according to a PR report, it appears that Chateau Indage is the new name adopted. The new logo purportedly highlights the dawn of a new era with the rejuvenated symbol combining the brand’s rich legacy with a revitalized spirit. It serves as a visual testament to commitment towards innovation of Chateau Indage while staying deeply rooted in its heritage. 

The vibrant orange hue of the logo symbolizes the company’s roots and unwavering commitment to winemaking. The emblem carries deeper meaning, incorporating the strength and regality of elephants, symbolizing the brand’s bold challenge to wine stereotypes and its distinctive impact in the industry. It also maintains that Chateau Indage Estate Vineyards was established in 1982.

Also Read : Integra Essentia: A Public-owned company buys Indage Vintner Winery Assets

The shield in the logo symbolizes the brand’s dedication to conserving heritage and culture, bringing the legacy of the past into the present and preserving the essence of its roots. Chateau Indage takes pride in being a homegrown brand. Introducing the art of winemaking to a new generation, the brand embarks on an innovative journey, blending it with elements of enjoyment and excitement.

The introduction of the new logo extends an invitation to revel in the brand’s heritage and ride into the next phase. Gazing into the future, it basks in its legacy, recognizing that this marks only the commencement of an exhilarating new expedition for Chateau Indage in the sphere of wine.

Sharing his thoughts on the brand’s next chapter, Ajinkya Bidkar, Chief Designer Officer of Bidkar, says “As we chart an exhilarating new path, the unveiling of the new logo stands as a resounding testament to our commitment to heritage conservation, fearless innovation, and our profound connection to roots. We whole-heartedly invite everyone to embark on this thrilling journey where tradition merges seamlessly with innovation as we share our passion for wine with the world.”

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Under the leadership of Asawari Pande, Marketing and Brand Manager at Oniv Beverages, Chateau Indage claims to have embraced innovation. It aims to demystify and simplify the fine art of wine drinking-that was initiated in all earnest by the pioneering entrepreneur late Sham Chougule who founded the company and introduced the modern phase of winemaking in India with the introduction of the popular bubbly, Marquis de Pompadour in 1985, later also exported as Omar Khayyam.

The naysayers may pooh-poo the idea of the throne given back just because someone has manipulated the situation deftly to get out of the jaws of the law. But Datar says the winery is capable of producing quality wine. The equipment was high class (some of it was imported from the popular manufacturers in Europe) and after making the plant fully operational, it has evidenced that good quality can be produced.’

But he also advises caution. ‘They are counting heavily on the popularity of the old labels. But these were the brands of the previous generation. None of the modern drinkers would remember Riviera or Chantilly. The owners will have to work very hard to market the labels which ruled supreme in the Nineties.’ Indage had maintained a leadership position till the global meltdown in 2008 when they were hard hit with the eventual sinking of the ship.

Integra’s share has been ruling steady at Rs. 7:30, more or less the same price as it was when delWine had reported the takeover in February, 2023.

Subhash Arora