MUMBAI — India, known for its strong tea and whisky traditions, is giving wine a warm welcome. Recent digital reports reveal more than 2.7 million online searches for “wine shop near me” within two weeks. These numbers show a growing interest that’s hard to miss.
Following this, searches for “near wine shop” and “English wine shop” have climbed the charts, hinting at a wider curiosity. This change matches shifts in daily living, shaped by city growth, international trends, and a rising desire for taste and luxury.
Once reserved for the wealthy, wine is now winning over India’s urban middle class. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, wine is more common in homes and bars. The market is expected to grow about 10 percent each year from 2025 to 2031, driven by higher incomes and more people accepting wine as part of the dining experience.
Sonal Holland, India’s only Master of Wine, has seen wine become popular for its style and how it pairs with spicier fare.
Digital searches mirror this new interest. Searches for “wine shop near me” have become one of the most common online searches, showing not just curiosity but action. “Near wine shop” and “English wine shop” are also trending, suggesting people want quick access or are looking for a broader selection, maybe even international labels.
Large cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune lead the way, as wine bars and specialist liquor shops have become popular for social gatherings and parties.
Sula Shiraz: Leading the Way
Sula Vineyards’ Shiraz stands out as the top choice for many. It holds a strong critic’s score of 87 out of 100 on Wine-Searcher and is well-loved for its smooth character, spicy hints, smoke, and ripe berries.
Sula has been central to India’s wine story for over 25 years, with its base in Nashik and a focus on sustainable growing. Sula’s Cabernet Shiraz is one of the most popular reds, showing how domestic brands are setting the pace.
Other names like Grover Zampa, Fratelli Wines, and York Winery also offer a range to suit Indian tastes. Fratelli’s Sette, a refined blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, is a favourite for its notes of cherry and vanilla. Imported wines, mostly from Australia, are becoming more common too, with bold and juicy flavours that appeal to many.
Wine Tourism and a New Culture
This love for wine extends beyond buying bottles. The Nashik region, often compared with Napa Valley in the United States, hosts many of India’s best vineyards. Wineries like Sula, Grover Zampa, and Vallonné invite guests for tastings, tours, and special meals.
Such visits attract locals and tourists, blending beautiful scenery with premium wines. Events like the India Wine Awards and private wine dinners organized by groups such as Delhi Wine Club add to this lively scene.
Even with this excitement, challenges remain. Import taxes as high as 150 percent make foreign wines costly, so most shoppers choose homegrown brands, which account for about two-thirds of sales.
State rules and extra charges complicate things further, so nearby wine shops play an important part in delivering more variety. The jump in searches for “English wine shop” may signal a wish for shops with a wider selection or a more familiar shopping style, especially in big cities.
Wine is carving out a special place in India’s modern lifestyle. Expensive Champagnes at large weddings or Sula Shiraz at house parties show how wine now fits with celebration and style. The rush for wine shops online underlines growing demand and the need for access, as more city residents aim to enjoy good wine at home.
The market could reach 700 million dollars by 2030, so India’s wine journey is only getting started. As more people discover and enjoy wine, the shift becomes part of local culture, adding new energy to how India eats, drinks, and celebrates.
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