Maharashtra’s wine industry is projected to reach Rs 5,000 crore by 2026, with Nashik accounting for roughly 80% of the state’s output. Backed by strong production capacity, policy support, and wine tourism, the sector is set for rapid expansion, reinforcing Maharashtra’s dominance in India’s wine value chain.
Maharashtra continues to anchor India’s wine economy, producing nearly 90% of the country’s annual wine volume. A recent sector update indicates turnover could touch Rs 5,000 crore by 2026, with Nashik—India’s “Wine Capital”—driving close to 80% of the state’s production. Rising domestic consumption, vineyard expansion, and tourism are key growth engines.
Policy momentum is also supportive. The reintroduction of Maharashtra’s Wine Industrial Promotion Scheme for five years is expected to improve winery margins and offer better prices to grape growers, strengthening supply-side viability and competitiveness. Nashik’s established ecosystem of vineyards, wineries, and hospitality continues to attract visitors, reinforcing demand and brand-building for Indian wines.
Key highlights
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Maharashtra accounts for nearly 90% of India’s wine production; Nashik alone contributes about 80% of Maharashtra’s output, consolidating its role as India’s prime wine hub.
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Industry turnover is expected to reach Rs 5,000 crore by 2026, supported by production scale, market expansion, and wine tourism.
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India’s wineries produced around 1.4 crore litres of wine in 2022, with Nashik drawing over three lakh tourists annually, bolstering local value addition.
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The state has reinstated its Wine Industrial Promotion Scheme for five years, enabling 72 wineries to boost production and improve grape procurement economics via VAT-linked support.
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Vineyard growth, varietal diversification, and improved distribution are enhancing retail presence and consumer familiarity, positioning Maharashtra to lead premiumization in domestic wine.
Wider market context
Sectoral growth aligns with evolving consumer preferences for Indian varietals, experiential tourism, and expanding retail channels, particularly in urban centers. Nashik’s cluster advantages—skilled viticulture, processing capacity, and hospitality—support sustained scale and quality improvements, while policy incentives aim to stabilize farm-to-bottle economics.
Outlook
With demand rising and supply-chain support improving, Maharashtra’s wine industry appears set for a robust expansion trajectory through 2026. Nashik’s leadership, coupled with producer-focused incentives and tourism, should continue to anchor both volumes and value, enhancing India’s footprint in domestic and export markets.
Sources: Free Press Journal, Hindustan Times, Times Of India.