India – facts and figures

Viticulture was believed to have been introduced to India by Persian traders some 6000 years ago. Historians believe that these early plantings were used mostly for table grapes or grape juice rather than the production of an alcoholic beverage. There is some evidence of wine made from grapes between 500bc and 1000ad in an alcoholic drink called Madhu, but as Islam spread into India, alcohol production ceased. It wasn’t until Portuguese traders arrived in the region of Goa that wine returned to India. Under British rule, vineyards were encouraged as a source of wine for its subjects in India. The industry was at its peak during this period with wines gaining international attention, until Phylloxera arrived. The vineyards were completely destroyed and there was little incentive to replant due to religious pressure and public opinion. By the 1950’s, many regions had banned alcohol altogether. The turning point of the modern Indian wine industry occurred in the early 1980’s with the assistance of French winemakers. Vitis vinifera grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot blanc, Pinot noir and Ugni blanc were imported and wineries started making still and sparkling wines. Other wineries soon followed as India’s growing new middle class emerged which fuelled the growth and development of the Indian wine industry.

India is not an easy place for large-scale viticulture with latitudes ranging from 10°N to 35°N and a challenging climate with much of the country being tropical with regular monsoons. Vineyards are planted at higher altitudes along slopes and hillsides to benefit from cooler air and some protection from wind and rain. The altitude of India’s vineyards typically ranges from around 200m to 300m but there are sites planted up to 1000m in the Himalayan Mountains to the north. At normal altitudes, summertime temperature can get as hot as 45°C with winter lows down to 8°C, giving vines time to rest. During the peak growing season between June and August, rainfall averages 625-1,500mm. High yields are the main issue due to high rainfall and the warm climate. This causes diluted flavours while wine making knowledge is limited. Vines are often trellised on high pergolas to keep them away from the damp ground with large canopies allowed to grow to protect the grapes from the hot sun.