Forget Bordeaux or Napa—some of the most exciting wines on international shelves right now are proudly Made in India. In a stunning turn of events, Indian wine exports have doubled compared to last year, with unconventional fruit-based varieties like jamun, Alphonso mango, and even apple leading a quiet revolution abroad. While grape wines still dominate in volume, it’s the quirky, indigenous flavors that are generating buzz—and orders—from markets as far as the US, UK, and the Middle East.
What’s even more surprising? This export boom is happening despite low domestic consumption. Indians may not be drinking much wine at home, but the world is suddenly thirsty for India’s vinous creativity.
Table of Contents
- The Export Surge: By the Numbers
- Beyond Grapes: Jamun, Mango, and India’s Wine Identity
- Indian Wine Exports: Where Are They Going?
- Challenges on the Vine: Why Growth Isn’t Guaranteed
- What This Means for Indian Wine Makers
- Future Outlook: Can India Become a Global Wine Player?
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Export Surge: By the Numbers
According to recent trade data, India’s wine shipments have seen a dramatic 100% year-on-year increase in 2025 . While the overall export volume is still modest compared to giants like France or Australia, the growth rate is among the highest globally for emerging wine nations.
Traditional grape wines—particularly those from Nashik, Maharashtra’s unofficial “Wine Capital of India”—still account for over 70% of exports. Brands like Sula, Fratelli, and Grover Zampa continue to build India’s reputation with international sommeliers. But the real headline-grabbers are the non-grape wines.
Beyond Grapes: Jamun, Mango, and India’s Wine Identity
In a landmark move, a jamun wine producer from Karnataka recently shipped its first commercial consignment to the United States—believed to be the first of its kind . Made from the deep purple Indian black plum, jamun wine offers a tart, earthy profile unlike anything in mainstream viticulture.
Similarly, Alphonso mango wine—crafted from the “king of mangoes” grown in Konkan—has found fans in the Gulf, where its tropical sweetness pairs well with local cuisines. Apple wines from Himachal Pradesh and lychee infusions from Bihar are also being tested in niche European markets.
“We’re not trying to copy Europe,” says Anjali Mehta, founder of a boutique fruit winery in Pune. “We’re showcasing India’s biodiversity through fermentation. The world is ready for something new.”
[INTERNAL_LINK:indian-artisanal-wines] explores how small producers are redefining India’s beverage landscape.
Indian wine exports: Where Are They Going?
The primary destinations for Indian wines include:
- United Kingdom – Home to a large South Asian diaspora, UK buyers are increasingly curious about indigenous Indian flavors.
- United Arab Emirates – A luxury-focused market with high demand for unique gifting options.
- United States – Especially cities like New York and Los Angeles, where experimental mixologists and wine bars feature “global natural wines.”
- Canada & Australia – Growing interest from Indian communities and sustainability-focused importers.
Notably, these markets aren’t just buying wine—they’re buying a story: of local fruits, sustainable farming, and cultural fusion.
Challenges on the Vine: Why Growth Isn’t Guaranteed
Despite the excitement, the road ahead is thorny. Producers face several hurdles:
- Cost Competitiveness: Indian wines are often priced higher than mass-market alternatives due to smaller batch sizes and import tariffs in destination countries.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Each country has different alcohol labeling and certification rules—especially tricky for fruit wines that don’t fit traditional EU or US wine categories.
- Sustained Demand: Will international buyers treat these as novelties or develop long-term loyalty? That remains uncertain.
- Domestic Policy: High excise duties and state-level alcohol bans in India stifle R&D and scale-up potential.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) wine sector reports, emerging wine regions must combine quality control with storytelling to gain lasting market share—something Indian producers are only beginning to master.
What This Means for Indian Wine Makers
This export surge offers a lifeline. With domestic wine consumption stagnating at less than 1% of total alcohol intake in India , international markets are no longer optional—they’re essential for survival.
Forward-thinking wineries are now investing in:
- Cold-chain logistics for delicate fruit wines
- Organic and low-sulfite certifications
- Partnerships with Indian restaurants abroad to create “wine pairing” menus
For small farmers, it’s also an opportunity. Jamun and mango growers—who often see price crashes during harvest—can now sell surplus fruit to wineries at a premium.
Future Outlook: Can India Become a Global Wine Player?
India won’t overtake Italy anytime soon. But it doesn’t need to. By carving out a niche as a producer of distinctive, terroir-driven fruit wines, India could become the “New Zealand of alternative wines”—small, innovative, and impossible to ignore.
With climate change making traditional grape-growing harder in some regions, the world may soon look to India not just for spices and textiles—but for its next favorite bottle of wine.
Conclusion
The doubling of Indian wine exports isn’t just a trade headline—it’s a cultural moment. From jamun to Alphonso, Indian winemakers are turning local abundance into global appeal. While challenges around pricing, regulation, and consistency remain, the momentum is undeniable. For a country better known for whiskey and beer, this vinous renaissance could be the start of something truly intoxicating.