LVMH Exits Indian Wine Production; Sula Vineyards Buys Chandon Winery

Global luxury group LVMH has decided to stop producing wine in India after more than a decade of making its Chandon sparkling wines locally. The move marks a shift away from the earlier strategy of global companies setting up local production to cater to India’s growing premium alcohol market.

India’s leading wine producer Sula Vineyards will acquire the Chandon winery for ₹20 crore (around $2.16 million). The facility, located in Nashik’s Dindori region, spans 19 acres and currently produces about 450,000 litres of wine, with capacity to expand further. It also includes a visitor centre and banquet facilities.

Despite the ownership change, the Chandon brand will continue to be available in India. However, once the deal is completed next year, production at the winery will gradually shift to Sula’s own labels.

Sula plans to use the acquisition to expand its wine tourism business. Founder and CEO Rajeev Samant said the company aims to develop Dindori into a major wine tourism destination, building on the success of its Nashik vineyard, which attracts over 300,000 visitors annually.

Sula Vineyards, considered a pioneer of India’s modern wine industry, has played a key role in popularising international grape varieties like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling in the country.