Nashik Wine Grape Viticulture of Maharashtra

Nashik district in Maharashtra is the wine capital of India, producing over 80 percent of the country wine grapes and most of its bottled wine. The Nashik plateau at 700 to 800 metres altitude has the climate and soil conditions suited to viticulture. Vineyards in Dindori, Igatpuri, and Niphad talukas grow Thompson Seedless and introduced wine grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. The local grape growing tradition was transformed in the 1980s by the Sule and Sula Vineyards, triggering a wine tourism and agritourism boom. Over 50 wineries now operate in the Nashik region. Small grape growers supply grapes to wineries through cooperatives or direct contracts. The India wine market is growing rapidly with urban middle-class consumption. Nashik wine is exported to the UK, USA, and Southeast Asia. Wine tourism brings over 300,000 visitors annually to Nashik wineries.