Indian Wines Gain International Recognition Beyond Grapes

New Delhi: A growing segment of Indian wineries is making strides in international markets by focusing on fruit-based wines, moving beyond traditional grape varieties. Amidst slow growth in domestic sales, the country’s wine exports have surged, achieving a record value of $6.7 million in the first seven months of this financial year, more than double the amount from the previous year, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

Despite grape-based wines continuing to dominate exports, led by prominent producers like Nashik's Sula Vineyards, non-grape wines are increasingly gaining popularity abroad. Recently, a shipment of 800 cases of 'Curry Favour', a wine crafted from jamun, was dispatched from Mumbai. This consignment, produced at the Seven Peaks Winery in Nashik, marks a significant milestone as it is the first export of a jamun-based wine from India.

The jamun fruit, also known as black plum, is widely available across India, and its wine is set to be introduced in select restaurants in New York and New Jersey. Ajoy Shaw, one of the consultants involved in the project, highlighted the need for competitive pricing due to high import duties in the United States but expressed optimism about the mutually beneficial arrangement.

The demand for Indian wines has begun to gain traction in several international markets, including the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, China, France, and the United Kingdom. The sales from April to October this fiscal year have already surpassed the estimated total of $5.8 million for the entire 2024-25 year.

Other varieties of non-grape wines, such as those made from Kashmiri apples and Alphonso mangoes, have also started to penetrate overseas markets in smaller quantities. Pune-based Rhythm Winery, part of Hill Crest Foods and Beverages, exports its Alphonso mango wine to the UK, while L74 Craft Cider, made from Kashmiri apples, can be found in various locations within the British market.

Neeraj Agarwal, a viticulturist involved in the jamun wine export initiative, believes there is significant potential for growth in this sector. He stated, "Tourists are always keen to try new flavours, and the demand for Indian wines in markets such as the UAE has increased manifold." Agarwal previously worked with Reserva Jamun, a domestic brand that gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic but struggled to maintain long-term success in India.

The winemaking industry in India is relatively young, having developed over the last three decades. While the local market for wine has expanded, it has primarily been driven by imported labels rather than domestic production. According to Euromonitor International, the Indian wine market was valued at approximately ₹5,630 crore in 2025, up from ₹4,770 crore in 2023.

However, despite the upward trajectory in exports, entrepreneurs in India, particularly from the Northeast, face challenges in breaking into global markets. For instance, Naara Aaba, a kiwi wine produced in Arunachal Pradesh's Ziro Valley, was showcased in China and Greece two years ago but failed to secure sustained exports. Akash Gogoi, who produces traditional rice wine known as Xaj in Assam, also encountered difficulties when attempting to export a sample to Singapore in 2022. He noted, "Unless the government provides some form of subsidy, we simply cannot remain competitive in international markets."