Vinitaly India Roadshow kicks off with 31 Italian wineries
The 2nd edition of the Vinitaly India Roadshow kicked off in New Delhi on Saturday, featuring over 30 Italian wineries at the Taj Palace, in a bid to boost interest in Italian wines among Indian buyers and industry professionals.
Organised by Veronafiere in partnership with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Delhi leg of the roadshow brought together more than 200 importers, distributors, and hospitality sector representatives. The event also aimed to select and invite operators and buyers to participate in Vinitaly 2026, scheduled in Verona from April 12 to 15.
“India is increasingly drawing the attention of European partners, particularly with the anticipated free trade agreement. Initiatives like this are vital to building lasting relationships, transferring value, and positioning Italian wine in a structured manner within a still-emerging market,” said Adolfo Rebughini, General Manager of Veronafiere.
He added that the initiative goes beyond promotion, aiming to develop a culture of Italian wine in India through education, training, and long-term initiatives, including wine tourism promotion through Vinitaly Tourism, which connects Italian regions, businesses, and international audiences.
According to the Uiv-Vinitaly Wine Observatory, Italian wine imports to India are valued at $30.5 million, indicating that the Indian market remains relatively small in the context of global wine trade. Estimates from IWSR suggest total wine consumption in India is just over $415 million, projected to surpass $520 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 3 per cent since 2019.
The Delhi roadshow featured a collective of eight companies under ITA, a delegation of nine companies from the Valpolicella Wine Protection Consortium, and 13 companies participating independently. The programme included B2B meetings, buyer tastings, and two thematic masterclasses conducted by Sonal C Holland: one highlighting the diversity of Italian wine from Prosecco to indigenous grape varieties, and the other focusing on Italy’s major red wine regions, exploring regional identity and stylistic evolution.
Following New Delhi, the Vinitaly India Roadshow will move to Goa on January 18, with a walk-around tasting at the Taj Cidade de Goa, continuing its mission to strengthen Italian wine presence and appreciation in India.
