Italy is making a strong push to bring its premium wines to India, despite the country’s high import tariffs. Over the weekend, Vinitaly, Italy’s renowned wine roadshow, made its first-ever stop in New Delhi, introducing luxury wines from top Italian regions like Tuscany, Veneto, Apulia, Campania, and Abruzzo.
The event aimed to connect Italian wine producers with Indian importers, distributors, and hospitality businesses. With India’s premium wine market growing, Italy sees great potential, especially in upscale hotels and tourism.
However, high import duties—up to 150%—on European wines remain a major hurdle. These tariffs are a sticking point in India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which have been stalled for years. Talks have now resumed in Brussels, with leaders hoping to finalize a deal by the end of the year.
Despite these challenges, Italy remains optimistic. The country, the world’s largest wine producer, views wine not just as a product but as a key part of its cultural identity—one that it hopes to share with India. The Italian Ambassador to India, Antonio Bartoli, emphasized that wine represents quality, togetherness, and good taste, values shared by both nations.
Beyond wine, Vinitaly is also promoting other Italian premium food products, including high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which is gaining popularity in India. Future plans include masterclasses to educate Indian professionals and enthusiasts about Italian wines.
If trade barriers ease, Italian wines could find a larger market in India, benefiting both producers and Indian consumers looking for more choices in fine wines.
