Pune: India has significant potential to expand wine tourism, according to Subrata Gupta, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. Speaking at the National Grape Summit organized by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gupta emphasized the need to promote wine tourism across the country.
He highlighted that India has 15 major agro-climatic zones, and research is essential to develop grape varieties suited to these regions. “Grapes are a high-value crop that can benefit small farmers and boost the rural economy,” he stated.
Gupta also shared insights on grape cultivation in different regions. “Five years ago, we started cultivating grapes in Bakura, West Bengal, which has a dry tropical climate. Farmers in the North East are also experimenting with grape varieties despite high rainfall,” he noted.
One of the major hubs for grape production in India is Nashik, which has also emerged as a center for wine tourism. In 2024, over 3.5 lakh tourists visited the region to experience vineyard tours and wine tasting. Gupta compared this growth to tea tourism, which has significantly boosted the earnings of tea growers.
However, India still lags behind in wine production compared to global standards. “Internationally, around 70% of grapes are used for wine production, whereas in India, less than 2% of grapes are processed for wine,” he pointed out.
Despite this, India remains a strong player in grape exports, with shipments worth ₹3,636 crore in FY24. The industry is poised for further growth, with increasing interest in wine tourism and expanding grape cultivation across new regions.
