Overview: Indian wine industry which is set to hit record high production in 2016
Indian wine is set for record production levels of some 18 million litres in 2016, but it is the domestic rather than export market that is really driving sales.
Here are some top line details about India's burgeoning wine scene:
* India's domestic sales rose by 20% in 2015.
* In India the three major wine producing regions are Maharashtra, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh
* The Nashik district in Maharashtra region dominates Indian wine production, accounting for 80% of its output, thanks to a favourable climate, fertile soils and a long grape-growing history.
* Other areas of Maharashtra that produce grapes include Satara, Sangli, Ahmed Nagar, Pune and Osmanabad.
* Somant Soma wines is by far the country's biggest producer with a 25% share in 2014 (Euromonitor). Its most successful brand is Sula which can be found in a lot of export markets.
* The country is dominated by five major producers that account for 90% of all wine produced. Other major players include Grover Zampa and VallonA, Krsma
* There are now around 70 producers in India.
* Much of the domestic wine suits the sweeter Indian palate and to date has not been suitable for exports.
. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cinsault and Pinotage are the main red wine grape varieties.
* Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Chardonnay, Clairette and Riesling are the major white wine varieties.
* Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are the main varieities to be exported.
* Indian wine exports are now worth over $7m and expected to top $8m in 2016 with over 2 million litres of wine now being exported.
* Exports grew by over 40% in 2014.
* The industry is being buoyed by strong government and Treasury support and steps to harmonise regulations and ensure tax and 100% excise breaks to maximise the sector's growth.
* India's key export markets are: Malaysia, UAE, Bhutan, Germany, UK, Sri Lanka, Maldives and New Zealand.
* France, Italy and Australia are the three biggest import countries.
* India has a massive untapped opportunity for grape production. Due to the high costs involved in managing vineyards only around 1% of the 123,000 acres of vineyards are actually dedicated to wine production.