Australian recently witnessed a landmark moment for Indian wines as the Indian wine buyer-seller meet unfolded at the iconic Manjit’s Wharf in Sydney. The event served as a dynamic platform to introduce the diversity and innovation of Indian wines to the Australian market.
It was organised by the Wine Growers Association of India (WineGAI) and supported by the Consulate General of India in Sydney (CGI Sydney) and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda).
The evening featured a high-energy masterclass, exclusive tastings and meaningful networking with over 50 key stakeholders from the Australian wine industry, including importers, sommeliers, retailers, hospitality professionals and media representatives.
From sparkling and red wines to meads and fruit-based expressions, guests explored a vibrant range of styles representing India’s evolving wine narrative.
The diverse representation of Indian wine excellence included products from Alurra, Good Drop Wine Cellars, Grover Zampa, Moonshine Meadery, Reveilo Wines, Sam Agri Wines, Sula Vineyards and Talisva Fruit Wines.
Each winery brought a unique expression of terroir, winemaking ethos and storytelling, sparking engaging discussions around food pairing, export potential, and brand positioning in Australia.
Ashwin Rodrigues, winemaker and Secretary of WineGAI, presented a detailed masterclass offering insights into the Indian wine landscape and opportunities for bilateral collaboration. He showcased a curated selection of Indian wines, highlighting key varietals, winemaking styles, and regional terroirs, accompanied by a guided tasting paired with food.
He emphasised: “This meet is not just about wine; it’s about building long-term bridges between India and Australia. Both countries have never been closer, and with Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) as a backdrop our ‘wine diplomacy’ is ushering in a new era of cooperation and opportunity.”
Apeda Director Tarun Bajaj delivered an insightful address and presentation highlighting initiatives to boost Indian wine exports and the role of Apeda in supporting India’s emerging wine industry on the global stage.
This was followed by an address by S. Janakiraman, the Consul General of India in Sydney, who commended the growing collaboration between the Indian and Australian wine industries and reinforced the significance of cultural and trade diplomacy through wine.
The formal segment was followed by a vibrant networking dinner, where producers and attendees engaged in deeper conversations, exploring business opportunities over a shared appreciation of Indian wines.
The event also marked the continuation of the India-Australia joint dialogue on wine, with delegates expressing optimism for mutual recognition of wine standards, collaborative marketing, and technical exchange inquiries between the two wine industries.
Guests appreciated the thoughtfully curated wine and Indian food pairing, which highlighted how Indian wines can complement global cuisine. For more information, write to Ashwin Rodrigues at secretary@winegai.org.
