Indian Wines Win at Decanter World Wine Awards

Silver and Bronze medals for Maharashtra wines signal global progress and growing consistency

India’s wine industry reached a new milestone at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), with 23 wines from the Maharashtra region earning international recognition. The results mark a significant step forward for Indian wine on the global stage, with multiple entries awarded Silver (90–94 points) and Bronze (86–89 points) medals. This builds on the success that Indian wines had at last year’s awards.

Strong Scores Reflect Maturing Industry

The Indian entries recorded scores ranging from 86 to 94, with an average of 88.26, indicating a notable consistency in quality across producers and varietals. These results reflect a maturing domestic industry capable of meeting international standards, particularly in white and sparkling wines.

Top Performers and Medal-Winning Wines

Among the standout entries were several high-scoring wines that earned Silver medals, placing them among the best in their respective categories:

• Sula Vineyards – The Source Reserve Chenin Blanc (2024): 94 points (Silver)

• Chandon India – Brut NV: 94 points (Silver)

• Chandon India – Délice Semi Dry NV: 92 points (Silver)

• Sula Vineyards – The Source Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (2024): 90 points (Silver)

• Sula Vineyards – Dindori Reserve Viognier (2024): 90 points (Silver)

These results affirm the technical strength and stylistic range of Indian producers, especially in premium white and sparkling wines—categories that continue to gain traction in both domestic and export markets.

Leading Producers: Scale and Precision

Sula Vineyards, India’s largest wine producer, submitted the most wines (11) and achieved a strong average score of 88.36. The winery’s consistent medal wins underscore its role in shaping the country’s wine narrative over the past two decades.

Chandon India, with only three wines entered, stood out with an exceptional average score of 90.00. Its emphasis on méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines is proving successful, as reflected in its two Silver medal-winning NV blends.

Nashik at the Forefront

Geographically, Nashik dominated representation, with 16 wines and an average score of 88.31, reinforcing its role as India’s primary wine-producing region. However, wines from lesser-specified sub-regions labeled “Not Applicable” recorded an even higher average score of 90.00, suggesting that new microclimates within Maharashtra could hold significant potential for future development.

White Wines Take Center Stage

From a varietal and stylistic standpoint, white wines led the Indian entries, with 13 submissions and the highest average score of 89.62. Red wines, with 7 entries, trailed at 86.29, while rosés (3 entries) averaged 87.00. The results align with global trends favoring crisp, aromatic whites and indicate a strong match between India’s growing conditions and white wine production.

Global Recognition for Indian Wine

India’s performance at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards underscores the country’s growing relevance in the global wine industry. The combination of multiple Silver and Bronze medals, consistent scoring, and standout individual bottles demonstrates that Indian wineries—particularly from Maharashtra—are evolving beyond novelty into producers of globally respected wines.

As international recognition grows, these results not only validate the work of leading producers like Sula and Chandon India but also highlight the broader potential of Indian terroir. The message is clear: Indian wine has arrived—and the world is taking notice.