The wine market in India in 2004-05 was 650,000 cases (US$ 54 million at retail) growing at an average 27%. Premium wines (priced at Rs. 250+ per bottle) constituted 34% of the market (growing at over 35%), while the bulk of the ‘cheap’ wines (retailing at below Rs 250/bottle) are consumed in Goa.

Of imports about 40,000 cases were French wines & others 41,000 cases; the balance are thought to be carry-back or grey. Wines from other countries have grown an est. 41%. Roughly 80,000 cases of imported wines were sold Duty Free.

However, since 2001 nearly 25 new wineries have come up in Maharashtrafollowing the new "Grape & Wine Policy 2001", and many more unitsare expected to follow.

Overall the wine market in India is expected to grow ten-fold to about 5.0 million cases in the next ten years. The key growth drivers are * Increasing disposable income levels * changing life-styles * Wider availability of better quality wines on wine lists and retail shelves.

Most wines are sold in just four key cities/markets: Bombay (Mumbai), Delhi, Bangalore and Goa.

At last count there were 47 wineries in India - of which 33 were in Maharashtra state, with the majority having started-up within the last Five years under the stimulus of the “Grape & Wine Policy 2001” announced by the Maharashtra government.