And when I got to know that Zomato delivers wine, curiosity cropped in. But skepticism just crept in as a part and parcel of it all. I order food online; I’m quite a pro at it, but wine still remains something else. A million questions creeped into my mind: is it legal? How does this process work? Will my wine reach me in proper condition? Let me walk you through the process, share my experience, and answer all these questions so that you can enjoy hassle-free wine delivery from Zomato.
Is Ordering Wine from Zomato Legal?
Yes, it is. But here’s the catch—not all states in India allow online alcohol delivery. The laws vary depending on where you live, so the first thing to do is check if Zomato offers this service in your area. For instance, Kolkata and Odisha have already set the ball rolling, but others are still playing catch up. If you’re not sure, open Zomato and search for wine or alcohol delivery. If they offer it in your city, you’re good to go!
Getting Started
Here’s how I ordered my first bottle of wine through Zomato:
Download the App and Log In
If you already have a Zomato account, you are halfway there. All you need to do is make sure your app is updated to the latest version. If you are a new user to Zomato, sign up. It is as simple as inputting your phone number or email address.
Enable Location Services
Wine delivery is location-based. Make sure that your GPS is on so that Zomato can show you the nearest licensed stores.
Search for Alcohol Delivery
Use the search bar to look for “wine,” “alcohol,” or “spirits.” If your city supports alcohol delivery, you’ll see a list of options pop up.
Verify Your Age
Before you can proceed, Zomato will ask you to upload a valid ID to confirm that you are over 21 years old (or the legal drinking age in your state). I used my Aadhaar card, but you can also use a driver’s license or passport. The verification process was quick—it took less than five minutes for me.
Selecting the Correct Wine
Now that’s in, the fun begins: browsing the selection! I was shocked by how varied it was. From budget-friendly to premium labels, Zomato had everything. Here’s how I picked mine:
Set a Budget: I was not looking to splurge so filtered options to show wines under ₹1,500.
Read Descriptions: I read the descriptions of each wine, which helped me decide. If I like fruity reds, I chose a Merlot promising notes of cherry and plum.
Check Ratings: Just like with food, user ratings are your best friend. I picked a bottle with a 4.5-star rating and more than 200 reviews
Placing the Order
Adding the wine to cart was smooth. I recheck the details-quantity, price, and address for delivery before coming on the checkout page of the website. Zomato provides various payment options on it such as:
- Credit/Debit cards
- UPI
- Paytm Wallets
And UPI was my way here because it is efficient and quick. The minimum chargeable amount included is little delivery charge and applicable VAT/ GST, nothing heavy
The Waiting Game
The first thing I’d like to say is that wine delivery isn’t as quick as food delivery. It took my order approximately 90 minutes to get here, which is actually normal for alcohol. When the delivery arrived, the delivery person rang me to come out and asked me for some form of ID for verification. This was very appreciated because it shows Zomato cares about compliance.
The wine arrived in a sturdy paper bag, sealed and intact. The delivery person handled it with care, which was reassuring. If you’re worried about tampering, rest easy—Zomato partners only with licensed vendors, and every order is sealed for your safety.
My First Sip
It uncorked that bottle like it was a mini celebration. This one is exactly as described: smooth, fruity, and the perfect way to wind down after a long day. I paired it with a simple cheese platter and some crackers, and honestly, it felt like I was in a fancy wine bar-all from the comfort of my couch.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
Here are a few things I learned from my experience:
Order Early: If you’re planning to serve wine at a dinner party, place your order at least two hours in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Start Small: If you’re new to wine, don’t go for the most expensive bottle. Start with something mid-range and explore your preferences.
Pair It Right: A really good wine can enhance your food. Red wines go well with meat and cheeses, while whites pair well with seafood and pasta.
Stay Responsible: Enjoy your wine, but never overdo it. If hosting, make sure the guests go home safely.
What if Something Goes Wrong?
While my experience was smooth, I’ve heard stories of delayed deliveries or incorrect orders. If that happens to you, here’s what to do:
Contact Support: Zomato’s customer support is available 24/7. Use the chat feature in the app for quick resolutions.
Request a Refund: If the issue is unresolved, Zomato has a straightforward refund policy for damaged or incorrect orders.
Final Thoughts
It has been a game-changer for me to order wine through Zomato. It is convenient and reliable, perfect for that day when you just want to sit back and relax without stepping out. Whether you are a serious wine connoisseur or a curious newbie, you can easily explore and indulge with Zomato.
So the next time you’re in the mood to drink some wine, you should definitely try it out. It’s as easy to order as your favorite pizza. You might even end up with a new bottle that you love. Here’s to that!
