The India Global Wine Awards (IGWA) is a blind-judged international wine competition that assesses every wine on two parameters: quality and price point. Quality is judged by experts such as Master Sommeliers and wine specialists. Price point is judged by buyers, including restaurant buyers, importers and trade buyers, the very people who decide which wines get poured in India.
India is one of the world's most promising wine markets, yet for many global producers it remains difficult to read. Which wines will Indian diners fall in love with? At what price will importers, restaurants and retailers say yes? Too many wineries enter India on guesswork.We launched IGWA to replace guesswork with insight. Our aim is simple: to give producers an honest, expert verdict on their wines and a direct bridge to the Indian trade, all in one competition.
Master Sommeliers, wine educators and seasoned wine experts score each wine on balance, complexity, typicity and finish.
Restaurant and hotel buyers, importers, distributors and retail trade buyers taste the same wines against their price point.
While the world drinks less wine, India is drinking more. Global wine consumption fell to 208 million hectolitres in 2025, its lowest level since 1957. In 2024, the United States fell 5.8%, France 3.6% and China a dramatic 19.3%.India is moving the other way. Wine consumption here has grown by around 25% a year over the past decade, driven by young, well-travelled urban consumers who are trading up to premium labels. Demand is now spreading from Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru to fast-growing Tier II cities.
For years, high import duties made India a market that many global wineries admired from afar. That is changing. Through a series of landmark trade agreements with Australia, New Zealand and the European Union, and with talks progressing with other wine-producing nations, India is steadily lowering the barriers for international wine brands.The message is clear: India is opening its doors to the world's wines. For producers, this is the moment to build awareness, earn the trust of Indian buyers and secure a place on the country's wine lists and shelves before the market becomes crowded. Those who arrive early will help shape the tastes of a new generation of Indian wine lovers.