Indian Wines Are Finally Having Their Moment

The Indian wine story is maturing beautifully. Wine is fast becoming a staple in the modern Indian lifestyle – and the change has been brewing for a while. At the heart of this transformation lies Nashik—India’s very own wine country—where a surge of new wineries and growing expertise is putting India on the global wine map.

Today, wine is being seen as an everyday choice, not just something for special occasions. And Indian consumers are welcoming this change with open arms. Over the last two decades, Indian palates have evolved. There’s a greater awareness of wine, a growing culture of pairing it with food, and a remarkable rise in vineyard tourism even for weekend getaways. Indian wine is now found on menus of luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and even neighbourhood wine bars.

The numbers reflect this change. India’s wine market, currently valued at ₹1,400 crore, is expected to grow to ₹3,500 crore by 2028. Leading this wave is Sula Vineyards, which commands over 50% of the domestic market. Their focus is clearly on premiumisation—today, premium wines make up nearly 80% of their portfolio, a jump from 65% just four years ago. Successful launches like The Source, Rasa, and Dindori Reserve have played a big role in this upward climb.

India's wine industry is growing fast. It is currently valued at ₹1,400 crore and is expected to reach ₹3,500 crore by 2028.

To better understand the evolution of India’s wine culture and what lies ahead, The Style List caught up with Gorakh Gaikwad, Sula’s Chief Winemaker and COO.

How is Indian wine perceived globally?

Indian wine is slowly but steadily earning its place on the global wine map. While we are still a young industry, the quality of Indian wines is being recognised internationally. Sula wines have consistently performed well at prestigious global platforms, reinforcing India’s growing credibility in the wine world.

Our RĀSĀ Cabernet Sauvignon has won accolades at the Global Masters, while The Source Moscato—a charming, sweet sparkling wine—earned a Gold Medal at the 2023 India Wine Awards. Additionally, Sula Brut and Sula Tropicale Rosé were awarded Silver Medals.

More recently, Dindori Reserve Shiraz was honoured at the Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2023. There’s growing global curiosity about Indian terroir, and at Sula, we’re proud to be ambassadors of this story, crafting wines that reflect the richness and potential of Indian soil.

What sparked the rise of wine culture in India?

The rise of wine culture in India has been driven by a confluence of factors: increasing urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, global exposure through travel and media, and a growing appreciation for gourmet experiences. As India’s middle class expanded, so did its curiosity for refined beverages. Wine, with its elegance and versatility, naturally found its place at the table, and Sula played a pioneering role in this transformation. Over the years, we’ve seen wine evolve from a niche indulgence into a lifestyle choice embraced by millions, with Sula at the heart of this cultural shift.

How has Sula driven India’s wine revolution?

Sula has been at the forefront of India’s wine journey for over two decades. We were the first to introduce varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc to Indian soil. We pioneered wine tourism in the country, opened India’s first tasting room, and launched SulaFest—India’s premier wine and music festival. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation has helped shape not just a brand but an entire industry. Today, Sula is synonymous with Indian wine.

India isn’t traditionally known as a wine-drinking nation. What cultural or lifestyle shifts are driving this change today?

There’s been a significant cultural shift in how Indians approach alcohol. Wine is now increasingly seen as a sophisticated, socially acceptable, and even health-conscious choice—especially among women and younger consumers. The rise of wine tourism, curated food pairing experiences, and a broader wellness movement have all contributed to wine’s growing appeal.

At Sula, we’ve witnessed this transformation firsthand—from introducing India to its first wines to now welcoming thousands of visitors to our vineyards who come not just to taste, but to experience and celebrate wine. It’s no longer just about drinking—it’s about exploring, learning, and embracing an entire lifestyle around wine.

How have Indian consumers evolved in their wine preferences?

While sweet and fruity wines were once the starting point for many Indian consumers, we’re now witnessing a remarkable shift in taste. Today’s wine drinkers are more informed and adventurous. They’re seeking drier styles and experimenting with varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and even sparkling wines. At Sula, we’ve expanded our portfolio to include Premium and Elite category wines to meet the demands of this more refined palate.

How are you connecting with younger wine drinkers?

We understand that younger consumers value quality, convenience, and memorable experiences. That’s why we’ve introduced innovations like The Source Sparkling Moscato, India’s first wine-in-a-can, and grown our digital presence to reach wine lovers where they are. Our wine tourism offerings, SulaFest, and approachable wine tour programmes are all designed to make wine fun, inclusive, and a part of everyday celebrations.

Are there any indigenous or lesser-known grapes you see potential in for future Indian wines?

Absolutely. While India’s indigenous grape varieties—like Thompson Seedless and Bangalore Blue—have traditionally been used for table consumption, juice, or exports, there’s growing interest in experimenting with them for winemaking. Some such wines are already available in the Indian market. At Sula, we’re always exploring new paths, and while international varietals remain a core focus, we continue to watch the potential of homegrown grapes with great curiosity. These could eventually help create wines with a uniquely Indian identity.