Gradual transformation in the domestic wine industry has gone a long way in improving the quality of wine in India  The Indian wine industry is gradually expanding with the increase in wine consumption among domestic consumers, especially among the middle class as well as the youth segment due to rise in disposable income. Besides, wine was always popular among the elite class that was always aware about the different varieties of wine available in the market.The past
Way back in 1986, with the launch of Indage’s ‘Marquise de Pompadour’ sparkling wine commenced the long and often erratic march of the Indian wine industry towards capturing a wider audience. Indage launched Riviera red and white wine in 1989, followed by the better quality Chantilli varietals in 1991.
Based near Bengaluru, the second Indian winery was Grover, which kicked off in 1992 with their red, white and rose varieties. Their ‘La Reserve’ appeared only in 1996. Sula’s wine rose to popular acclaim by 1999-end, manufactures superior quality wine.
Vinsura Wines, incepted in 2001, has created a robust network of customer base spreading across the globe. It is today a leading wine manufacturing and exporting company in India. It has introduced a gamut of wine and has been cultivating grapes in this regard.
Current scenario
It has been estimated by ASSOCHAM that the domestic wine market is growing at the rate of 22% per annum and it would touch 9 million litres by this year on the back of increase in the wine consumption in India. This growth has been possible due to several initiatives undertaken by different wine growing states.
For instance, that Maharashtra Grape Processing Policy 2001 paved the way for an explosive growth in wine production. Currently, there are about 60 wineries in Maharashtra, majority situated around Nashik. Moreover, the Karnataka Grape Processing and Wine Policy 2007 has taken a step further by liberalising licence issuance for wine taverns and wine boutiques. Five wineries have already been established in the state, with another three to four likely to commence in 2011.
However, existence of different rules, regulations and duties in different states leads to variation in wine prices. This affects wine manufacturers and traders as they are unable to earn high profits in the domestic market. Therefore, the government should ensure uniformity of rules across the country in order to encourage manufacturers and traders to engage in the wine business.
Road ahead
With increase in wine consumption in India, quality is also expected to improve, and we should see more wine made from grapes other than the classic French varietals. Consumers can expect more varieties in red wine such as Malbec, Gamay and Tempranillo as well as white wine like Albarino and Pinot Grigio.
To maintain a steady growth trajectory, more wineries should come up in states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, among others suitable for cultivating wine grapes, once these states liberalise licencing. Notably, Delhi has just announced that new low-priced licences would be issued permitting restaurants to serve wine and beer; if this trend catches on in other states as well, it will lead to a boom in wine consumption.
In all this the major beneficiary would be the consumers, who will be spoilt for choice of wine coming at a price, of course.
Nitin Desai, CMD Vinsura Wineries Pvt Ltd, a premium wine manufacturer and exporter in Nashik |
