Grape shortage threatens India’s wine industry as prices surge following unseasonal rain in Maharashtra

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: Wine prices in India are set to rise by 25-30% from levels in January after Maharashtra’s grape crop suffered its worst damage in recent years, sharply increasing input costs and reducing production.

Unseasonal and persistent rainfall from May through October devastated vineyards across Nashik, Sangli and Solapur—regions that account for almost 90% of Maharashtra’s grape area of 119,358 hectares and about 80% of the country’s grape output of 3 million tonnes, said five people, including an expert and a Maharashtra government official who requested anonymity. Winemakers said the extensive damage to the crop will leave them with significantly less fruit for crushing this season, pushing up the retail prices of popular wines.

Prices are likely to “shoot up" due to the crop loss, Advait Pai, managing director of Vallonné Vineyards, said in response to a query from Mint. “There is indeed a loss of crop this year, especially in our estate vineyards from where we get grapes for our most premium wines," Pai said.

“The November rains, which came at the time of berry setting, have reduced the expected yield greatly. But we are hoping that all the measures that we have taken in our vineyards throughout the year, and the early onset of winter will ensure a good quality crop, although in smaller quantities," said Pai.

Berry setting refers to the stage in fruit crops when flowers have been pollinated and begin developing into small, newly formed berries. According to experts, bottles priced at ₹400- ₹800—typically entry-level brands—are expected to register the sharpest rise, while prices of mid-range bottles in the ₹900- ₹1,500 category may also increase, depending on the winery’s stock