Toast to India’s booming wine & spirits scene

ProWine: toasting India’s booming scene

Deepika Shukla (Japonico, Gurugram) won the ProWine Bartender of the Year 2025 title, a cash prize, a seat at WSET’s training course, and the opportunity to take over The Haflington Bar in Hanoi (#87 Asia’s Best Bars 2025).

Glasses clinked, conversations flowed, and global connections were made as ProWine Mumbai 2025 wrapped up another spectacular edition at the Jio World Convention Centre. The 2-day international trade fair (31 October-01 November) once again proved why it is the most anticipated event for India’s wine, spirits and hospitality professionals.

This year’s ProWine Mumbai was bigger and more vibrant than ever, bringing together 213 exhibitors from across 21 countries and a whopping display of country pavilions from Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Moldova, Switzerland, the UK and US.

More than 5,400 trade visitors, including importers, distributors, retailers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, sommeliers and media personnel, poured in to explore, taste and do business.

Ajay Kumar Gulati, General Manager, Messe Düsseldorf India (the organiser) said of the success, “The 5th edition of ProWine Mumbai has been nothing short of phenomenal. The scale and diversity of world-class wines, spirits and zero-proof drinks on showcase, and the infectious energy from every corner of the exhibition floor pointed to a period of explosive growth.”

Nikhil Agarwal, Founder & CEO, All Things Nice (co-organiser of the show) said: “India’s beverage landscape is changing rapidly, and ProWine Mumbai has become the pulse of that evolution. Every year, we see more energy, more knowledge, and more curiosity; proof that India’s wine and spirits story is moving onward and upward.”

Frank Schindler, Director of ProWein, added: “Through our satellite events in Mumbai, Shanghai, Tokyo, São Paulo, Hong Kong and Singapore, we bring our international exhibitors directly to some of the world’s most dynamic growth markets. In India, we are experiencing incredible momentum and a great desire for new experiences and innovation.”

 

The award for ‘Creating a World-class Wine Programme’ went to Trippy Goat restaurant (L). The ‘Excellence in Retail’ honour went to the World of Wines.

 

Head-Turners

  • During the master classes acclaimed sommeliers and experts from around the world covered everything from terroir-driven wines and sustainable viticulture to Irish spirits to Sake and craft cocktails.
  • The panel discussions pulled in industry stalwarts from the biggest wine and spirit companies to iconic restaurant/bar owner and hoteliers chasing controversial discussions on ‘What India is drinking?’, ‘What’s right/wrong about wine programmes in India’ and the hot favourite, ‘What’s next in the cocktail revolution’.
  • The ProWine and ProSpirits Challenge: With no registration fee for participating brands, the Challenge ensured equal opportunity for all, encouraging healthy competition and fair representation. Participating brands gained invaluable insights into local consumer preferences and consumers have a ready list of winning wines and spirits to experience.
  • ProWine Bartenders’ Competition, a crowd favourite, brought out a dazzling demonstration of the craft. With an equal representation of male and female finalists, and judged by the legends Yangdup Lama and Charlie McCarthy, among others, the ProWine Bartender of the Year 2025 title was won by Deepika Shukla (Japonico, Gurgaon).
  • ProWine Zero was a new segment that focused entirely on the rapidly growing zero-proof and low-alcohol category, showcasing sophisticated alternatives for the modern, health-conscious consumer.
  • ProWine Connect was an elevated networking experience for exhibitors and trade visitors to connect in advance, explore profiles, schedule meetings and arrive at the show with a well-planned agenda.

Industry Support

ProWine Mumbai once again reinforced its position as the definitive platform for the wine and spirits industry in India, with strong backing from media, associations and key partners.

The show was supported by ABD Maestro, Casa Vinicola Constanza and Kilimanjaro & Kiwingu African craft gin. Other key partners included WSET and Veen, the natural mineral water, along with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Mr. Bartender & Crew, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, and Riedel by Dozo Services.

The Sommelier Association of India, Indian Malt Whisky Association, and the Forum of Indian Food Importers joined as supporting associations.

The next edition of ProWine Mumbai will return to the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on 18-19 November 2026, promising even more innovation, collaboration and celebration. For more information, visit www.prowine.in.