The future of wine is under threat from climate change, impacting its production globally, including in India, where the wine industry is still emerging. The warming planet is causing significant disruptions in weather patterns, which is already reshaping grape harvests and threatening wine quality.

Wine has historically been a secondary option for Indian drinkers, but recent trends show that it is rapidly gaining popularity, especially among younger generations in urban areas. The Indian wine market was valued at $229 million in 2024 and is projected to grow to $892 million by 2033, fueled by rising incomes and an increasing interest in domestic wines. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are leading this growth.

Despite this promising trend, the very regions that are driving this wine boom are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate disruptions. Unpredictable weather, such as erratic rainfall and rising temperatures, poses a risk to the entire winemaking process. Unique to India’s climate, winemakers harvest before summer, which means they have a narrow window for grape ripening. Any temperature spikes or delayed monsoons can ruin the entire yield, and this risk is growing.

As global temperatures increase, the ripening cycle of grapes accelerates, leading to wines that are higher in sugar and alcohol but lacking in flavor. The already challenging conditions in India’s tropical vineyards mean that even slight warming can push grapes beyond their optimal harvest time.

One prominent wine-growing region, Nashik in Maharashtra, has been a key player in India’s wine industry thanks to its favorable climate and soil. However, it is now facing the reality of extreme drying conditions and the need to adapt to new grape varieties that can withstand heat, which could severely affect production.

Globally, wine regions are at risk – studies indicate up to 90% of traditional coastal and lowland wine areas could become unsuitable for grape growing by the century’s end. For India, the implications of climate change on its tropical wine regions are profound, necessitating urgent action to ensure the industry’s survival as the landscape of winemaking continues to evolve.