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The Vinitaly India Roadshow arrives just weeks before over 4,000 wine producers gather in Verona for the 57th edition of Vinitaly 2025, scheduled from April 6-9, at a time when India-Italy relations are at their zenith.
With wine consumption in India growing at a CAGR of over 17%, a potential reduction in import duties is anticipated to introduce greater variety and accelerate market growth.
Vinitaly, the world’s largest wine exposition and competition, was inaugurated today for the first time in India at a launch event at the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi. The Vinitaly India Roadshow arrives just weeks before over 4,000 wine producers gather in Verona for the 57th edition of Vinitaly 2025, scheduled from April 6-9, at a time when India-Italy relations are at their zenith.
“Italy is the world’s leading wine producer. But for Italy, wine is much more than just a beverage or an economic factor,” noted Antonio Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy to India. “It is an integral part of our culture. Hundreds of different types of wine bear testimony to the authenticity and diversity of our regions. Wine embodies conviviality, togetherness, good taste, and quality—values that we share with India. We are delighted to host this preview in Delhi, knowing how wine can further strengthen connections between our peoples and countries.”
The event, which celebrates the significance of “Made in Italy”, comes at a pivotal moment, with Deputy Prime Minister of Italy, Antonio Tajani, expected to lead a business delegation to New Delhi in early April.
The Indian edition of Vinitaly, in its inaugural year, features 12 distinguished Italian wine producers. From Foss Marai, a beacon of Italian wine-growing prestige known for its sparkling wines from the cherished lands of Valdobbiadene, to Vajra, a 17th-century family-owned vineyard producing Barolo’s highest crus, the roadshow offers a glimpse into Italy’s rich winemaking heritage. Notably, two key participants, Piedmont Land of Wines and the Italia del Vino Consortium, collectively represent 39 vineyards, showcasing Italy’s deep-rooted winemaking traditions. Other participants include Maria Faretra Wines, which prioritizes sustainability and biodiversity; Vinum Hadrianum, dedicated to reviving ancient winemaking traditions from Abruzzo; and UVA Italy, a network of over 11 artisanal wine growers.
The roadshow comes at an optimistic juncture, with President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi poised to sign the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, which is widely expected to reduce duties on imported European wines in India.
“Roman wine and Indian pepper were among the most traded commodities along the Golden Road between ancient Rome and India,” said Vas Shenoy, Chief Representative for Italy at the Indian Chamber of Commerce, the Indian partner for Vinitaly. “While there is immense potential for trade between Europe and India, wine has historically been a precursor to trade relations in the Indo-Mediterranean. Beyond trade, wine plays a crucial role in cultural and people-to-people diplomacy.”
Adolfo Rebughini, General Manager of Veronafiere, added, “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.”
With wine consumption in India growing at a CAGR of over 17%, a potential reduction in import duties is anticipated to introduce greater variety and accelerate market growth.
Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere SpA, remarked, “In an era of escalating trade wars, we are closely following the recently announced strategic partnership between India and the European Union. Currently, Italian wine sales in India remain marginal compared to our global exports, which surpassed $8 billion in 2024. However, we firmly believe that India has the potential to become an increasingly significant market for wine—a beverage that has always symbolized moderation in alcohol consumption. According to our Osservatorio Unione Italiana Vini-Vinitaly, wine consumption in India is projected to grow by 40% between 2024 and 2028. This outlook, supported by new bilateral agreements, could lead to even greater growth.”
