India’s Wine Market Set to Top $520 Million by 2028 as Italian Exports Surge 14%

Vinitaly, the international wine and spirits exhibition organized by Veronafiere, has launched its Vinitaly India Roadshow this week in New Delhi. The event, held on January 15 and 16, brings together more than 30 Italian wine producers, including companies represented by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella, and several direct participants. The initiative aims to strengthen the presence of Italian wines in the Indian market, which is drawing increasing attention from European exporters.

The roadshow’s program includes visits to local wine shops, business-to-business meetings, guided tastings, and two masterclasses focused on Italian wine production and the country’s renowned red wine regions. These educational sessions are led by Sonal C Holland, India’s first and only Master of Wine. The event in New Delhi concludes with a gala dinner at the Italian Embassy, attended by Ambassador Antonio Bartoli and key figures from both the Italian and Indian wine industries.

Following New Delhi, the Vinitaly India Roadshow moves to Goa on January 18. In Goa, participants will take part in a walk-around tasting event that also involves local institutions. The goal is to connect Italian producers with more than 200 Indian importers, distributors, and professionals from the hotel, restaurant, and catering sectors. Organizers also plan to select buyers to invite to the next edition of Vinitaly in Verona.

According to data from the Uiv-Vinitaly Wine Observatory, India imported $30.5 million worth of wine in 2023. While still a small market compared to others in Asia, India’s wine imports are growing at a compound annual rate of 12 percent. Italy is currently the fourth-largest supplier of wine to India and has seen its exports grow by 14 percent over the past year—outpacing the average growth rate for other countries.

Industry analysts at IWSR estimate that wine consumption in India was valued at over $415 million last year and could exceed $520 million by 2028 if current trends continue. This growth is driven by a rising middle class and increasing interest in international food and beverage culture among urban consumers.

After its stops in India, Veronafiere’s international calendar for 2026 will continue with Vinitaly Preview events in Norway and Poland. The organization will then return to Asia for Vinitaly China Chengdu before hosting the 58th edition of Vinitaly in Verona from April 12 to 15, 2026. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to expand Italian wine exports into emerging markets while maintaining strong ties with established partners worldwide.