India is witnessing a significant increase in wine consumption, with 10 million Indians now regularly enjoying wine, and a 29% growth in wine consumption rate in 2022 alone. Sonal C Holland, the first Indian Master of Wine, has played a crucial role in the country’s wine industry. She is the CEO and Founder of the Sonal Holland Wine Academy, which aims to promote wine culture in India and educate consumers about wine. With over half a million followers on social media, Sonal spreads awareness about wines and makes them more approachable to Indian consumers.

Apart from the rise in consumption, the import of wine into India has also seen a surge. Reduced taxes and trade agreements with countries like Australia have made wine imports more affordable. Wine from Australia, Chile, Italy, and France are among the most popular imports. Sonal expects wines from the US to gain popularity in the future due to competitive pricing strategies and marketing efforts targeting Indian consumers.

In collaboration with the California Wine Institute, Sonal brought the Capstone California Certification Program to India. This program, launched in May 2023, has already certified more than 550 Indian professionals in California wine. The certification course provides knowledge about California wine regions, grape-growing practices, wineries, and winemakers, as well as tasting sessions.

India also has its own wine industry, centered around the city of Nashik in Maharashtra. Nashik’s altitude and climate conditions make it suitable for wine grape cultivation. Sula Vineyards, Grover Zampa Vineyards, and Fratelli Wines are significant players in the Indian wine market, with Sula Vineyards exporting wines to many other countries as well. International wineries, like Chandon-India, have also established operations in India.

The financial forecasts for India’s wine market are positive, with an expected 10% compounded annual growth rate in volumes between 2022 and 2027. Sonal is optimistic about the future of the wine industry in India, stating that wine is becoming a mainstream beverage associated with success, sophistication, and romance in the country. The increasing consumption and thirst for wine knowledge are driving the growth of the wine industry in India.