Oldest Wine Shop in Assam: 160-Year Legacy of BN Dey & Co that Still Pours Magic

If you think wine culture in India is a recent trend, sochiye phir se. Tucked away in the bustling streets of Pan Bazaar, Guwahati, lies an institution that’s been serving spirits long before most Indian cities even had liquor stores. Right on Cotton University Road, a small but iconic store continues to stand tall, not just as the oldest wine merchant in Assam, but also as one of the longest-running business establishments in the entire Northeast. We’re talking about BN Dey & Co, a place where history, heritage, and high-quality hooch meet under one vintage roof. But what makes this spot so special? Well, let’s uncork the story.

Story of the Oldest Wine Shop Of Assam 

Back in the year 1861, when the British Raj was still flexing its imperial muscles in India, a visionary named Gopal Chandra Bangopadhyay opened what was then a modest departmental store aimed at serving the British officials posted in the region. Situated in Guwahati’s Pan Bazaar, this establishment was not just a store—it was a lifeline for colonial officers longing for a taste of home. With time, whispers of sharaab started echoing through its wooden walls, thanks to persistent British customers demanding fine liquor. Soon, the shop was granted its first liquor licence in the very same year—marking the birth of Assam’s first wine merchant.

But how did a simple departmental store transform into a name etched permanently in Northeast India’s liquor history? Well, part of the answer lies in the fascinating tale behind its name. You see, the name "BN Dey" didn't come from the founder himself, but from a man named Gopinath Nailonkar, a Sanskrit school superintendent from Calcutta. He moved to Assam in 1810, financially supported by his dear friend BN Dey, on the condition that all property would remain under Dey’s name. A very filmi twist, isn’t it?

From British era wine barrels to modern-day glass bottles, BN Dey & Co has not only aged like fine wine—it’s evolved with time. By 1931, the store had branched out into selling newspapers, turning into "BN Dey & Co, Wine and Newspaper Merchants." Despite battling legal challenges, including a major court victory in 1982 when the Gauhati High Court stood by its liquor licence rights, the store never wavered. Today, under the gentle stewardship of Pranab Kumar Banerjee—fondly known as Khokon Da—the shop continues to stand tall. Ironically, Khokon Da himself is a teetotaller, which makes the tale even more fascinating. He began helping his father, Durga Charan Banerjee, in the business as early as 1957. Imagine selling some of the finest imported wines in India while never having tasted a drop—kya baat hai!

Nestled in its original spot on Cotton University Road, BN Dey & Co now serves a loyal clientele ranging from professors and poets to wine connoisseurs and curious tourists. Customers often rave about the quality and consistency of the products, especially their collection of imported wines that one can rarely find elsewhere in Assam. Over the years, the store has added modern management practices while keeping its old-world charm intact. Wooden shelves, vintage wall clocks, and an ambience that smells of stories—walking into BN Dey & Co is like stepping into a time capsule, only with better liquor!

Taste that Timeless 

Beyond wine, the family also manages two tea estates—Sunsali Noonmati and Tepesia—proving their taste isn’t just limited to the bottle. With branches reaching as far as Shillong, Meghalaya, BN Dey & Co is no longer just a wine store; it’s a living piece of Assamese heritage.

Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, BN Dey & Co is more than worth a visit. Next time you’re in Guwahati, swing by the shop that has served Assam with love and legacy for over 160 years. And who knows—you might just uncork a story of your own. Cheers to tradition, cheers to time!

Where: Cotton University Rd, Pan Bazaar, Guwahati, Assam 781001

Contact: +91 3612546979