The imported wine segment, which is currently dominated by wine importers and distributors like Brindco and Sonarys, has now caught the fancy of local industry players like Champagne Indage, Sula and United Breweries (UB) who are keen on expanding their portfolios to cater to the Indian consumers across various price points.

Champagne Indage plans to introduce its Australian range of wines from its acquired companies Thachi Wines Company and VineCrest under the newly formed brand.

United Vintners Ltd (UB) besides introducing wines from Bouvet Ladubay, a premium French winery is now looking at expanding its portfolio to represent wines from different countries and regions here. Over the last six months, the company has introduced the Gossips label from Australia and is currently introducing the 10 Chapters range of wines from South Africa. In the pipeline are wines from Burgandy, France known as Bouchard Laine Fils, from Portugal the Pink Elephant series and wines from New zealand. "We will bring in over 35 labels from countries like France, South Africa, Portugal and New Zealand in the coming months,” says Sanjay Roy, head (marketing), UB.

The market has global contenders like Moet-Henessey, known more for its champagne and cognac, which also has high-end wines available and Diageo, which is one of the world’s largest producers of beers, spirits and wines with a strong presence here.

More: Business Standard