India, a country primarily known for its diverse cuisine, vibrant culture, and ancient history, has recently emerged as a player in the global wine industry. Although the country has a relatively short history of winemaking compared to traditional wine regions like France and Italy, the Indian wine industry has experienced significant growth and development over the past few decades.
The origins of Indian winemaking can be traced back to the 1980s, when a few pioneering individuals, such as Kanwal Grover of Grover Vineyards and Rajeev Samant of Sula Vineyards, began experimenting with wine production. These early efforts faced numerous challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, limited access to quality grapes, and a population that was largely unfamiliar with wine.
Despite these obstacles, the Indian wine industry has grown steadily over the years, with the number of wineries increasing from just a handful in the 1990s to over 100 today. The majority of these wineries are located in the western state of Maharashtra, particularly in the Nashik region, which has become known as the "Wine Capital of India." Other important wine-producing regions include Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh.
One of the key factors driving the growth of the Indian wine industry has been the increasing demand for wine among the country's growing middle class. As more Indians travel abroad and are exposed to international wine culture, they have developed a taste for wine and are increasingly seeking out domestic options. Additionally, the Indian government has recognized the potential of the wine industry and has implemented policies to support its development, such as reducing import duties on winemaking equipment and providing subsidies to grape growers.
Indian winemakers have focused on producing a range of styles, from crisp and refreshing white wines to bold and complex red wines. Some of the most popular grape varieties used in Indian wine production include Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. In recent years, there has also been a growing interest in indigenous grape varieties, such as Bangalore Blue and Anabeshahi, which are being used to create unique and distinctly Indian wines.
One of the challenges faced by the Indian wine industry is the country's hot and humid climate, which can make it difficult to grow certain grape varieties and maintain consistent quality. To overcome this, many wineries have invested in modern technology, such as temperature-controlled fermentation tanks and drip irrigation systems, to ensure optimal growing conditions and maintain the integrity of their wines.
Another challenge is the limited domestic market for wine in India, where per capita wine consumption remains low compared to other countries. To address this, Indian wineries have focused on expanding their export markets, with countries like the United Kingdom, United States, and Japan emerging as important destinations for Indian wine.
In recent years, the Indian wine industry has gained increasing recognition and acclaim on the international stage. Indian wines have won numerous awards at prestigious competitions, such as the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge, showcasing the quality and potential of Indian winemaking.

On the opposite, the wine industry in Pakistan is virtually non-existent due to the country's strict Islamic laws and cultural norms. Pakistan is an Islamic republic, and the consumption, production, and sale of alcohol are strictly prohibited for the Muslim majority, which constitutes around 97% of the population.
The prohibition of alcohol in Pakistan dates back to 1977, when the government, led by then-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, introduced a nationwide ban on alcohol as part of the country's Islamization policies. This ban was further reinforced in 1979 under the presidency of General Zia-ul-Haq, who introduced strict punishments for alcohol consumption, production, and sale, including fines, imprisonment, and public lashings.
Despite the strict laws, there are some exceptions for non-Muslim minorities, such as Christians and Hindus, who are allowed to consume alcohol in limited quantities for religious purposes. However, they are required to obtain a permit from the government to purchase alcohol, and the process is often complicated and time-consuming.
There are a few licensed shops in major cities, such as Karachi and Islamabad, that sell alcohol to non-Muslim customers with valid permits. However, these shops are heavily regulated and are not allowed to sell alcohol to Muslims or display it publicly.
Given the legal and cultural restrictions, there is no significant domestic production of wine in Pakistan. The few non-Muslims who consume alcohol often rely on imported products, which are heavily taxed and expensive. Some individuals also resort to purchasing alcohol illegally through the black market, which carries significant risks and can lead to serious consequences if caught by the authorities.
In recent years, there have been some debates and discussions about the potential economic benefits of relaxing the alcohol ban in Pakistan, particularly in the context of promoting tourism and attracting foreign investment. However, these ideas have faced strong opposition from religious conservatives and have not gained significant traction.