VinItaly, the world’s largest wine exposition and competition, was inaugurated today for the first time in India at a launch function at the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi. The VinItaly India Roadshow comes weeks before over 4000 wine producers are scheduled to gather in Verona for the 57th edition of VinItaly 2025, between 6-9 April in Verona, at a time when India-Italy relations are at their zenith.
“Italy is the first wine producer in the world. But for Italy, wine is much more than a beverage or an economic factor”, noted the Ambassador of Italy to India, Antonio Bartoli. “It is an integral part of the Italian culture. Hundreds of different types of wine testified to the authenticity and diversity of our territories. Wine is a driver of conviviality, togetherness, good-taste and quality. Values and traits that we share with India. We are happy to host this preview in Delhi, knowing how wine can further foster contacts and exchanges between our peoples and countries”, highlighted the Italian Head of Mission.
The event which highlights the importance of ‘Made in Italy’ comes at an opportune time, with the Deputy Prime Minister of Italy, Antonio Tajani, expected to lead a business delegation to New Delhi in early April.
The Indian edition during the inaugural year features 12 Italian Wine producers. From Foss Marai, a beacon of Italian wine-growing prestige, epitomizing the nation’s sparkling wine production from the cherished lands of Valdobbiadene to the highest cru of Barolo, a family-owned vineyard from the 17th century, Vajra, the road show aims to give a brief glimpse of Italy’s long history with wine.
Two of the participants, Piedmont Land of Wines and Italia del Vino Consortium represent 39 vineyards in all, showcasing Italy’s winemaking heritage and the essence of the Italian lifestyle, emphasizing unity and shared values. Other participants include Maria Faretra wines, which prioritises sustainability and biodiversity, Vinum Hadrianum, founded to review ancient wine growing traditions of Abruzzo and UVA Italy, a network of over 11 artisanal wine growers.
The roadshow comes at an optimistic time with President Von der Leyen and Prime Minister Modi committing to sign the EU-India Free trade agreement, which is widely expected to reduce duties on the import of European wines in India.
“Roman wine and Indian pepper were some of the most traded commodities on the Golden Road between ancient Rome and India”, said Vas Shenoy, Chief Representative for Italy of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, the Indian partner for VinItaly. “While there is much scope for trade between Europe and India, wine has historically found itself as the precursor of trade relations in the Indo-Mediterranean. Apart from trade, wine is key for cultural and people to people diplomacy”, Shenoy said.
“With Vinitaly, we represent Italian wine—Italy being the world’s leading producer in terms of diversity—and our trade show is the foremost global event dedicated to promoting Italian wine. This year, we expect to welcome 90,000 industry professionals to Verona from April 6 to 9, with more than one-third coming from 140 countries”, said Adolfo Rebughini, General Manager of Veronafiere.
Wine consumption in India is growing at a CAGR of a little over 17 percent. A potential drop in import duties is largely expected to provide more variety as well as increase the growth rate of the market.
“In a landscape of escalating trade wars”, said Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere SpA, “We are closely following the recently announced strategic partnership between India and the European Union with great interest. As of today, Italian wine sales in India remain marginal compared to the overall global business of our products, which surpassed $8 billion in exports in 2024.” However, Bricolo concluded, “We firmly believe that India has the potential to become an increasingly important market for wine—a beverage that has always been a symbol of moderation in alcohol consumption. According to our Osservatorio Unione Italiana Vini-Vinitaly, wine consumption in India is expected to grow by 40 percent between 2024 and 2028. This outlook, supported by new bilateral agreements, could lead to even greater increases.”
The Vinitaly India Roadshow will be held at the Vivanta Hotel, Dwarka on the 8th of March.
