The food and wine industry in India has taken off from a nascent stage and has definitely reached its growth phase. It is being estimated that the Indian Wine industry in 2012 will soar ahead at a rate of 35% and reach to an estimated Rs 2700 crore mark.

The food matching option, or rather the lack of them is the main factor affecting the Indian wine industry. However, this industry has managed to grow significantly and make a market for itself in India. According to wine importer and producer, Cavaliere Subash Arora, “People in India waste too much time in matching wines with food.” The remark clearly brings to the forefront the food concerns of people. An average Indian goes to the restaurant to eat first and thinks about drinks as a secondary option. Moreover places that offer good meals that go well with wine are still difficult to find in India.

As per Michele Shah, a wine critic from Italy, “There aren’t that many wines to match to the Indian food spices.” He also suggests that a rounder and fuller wine match better with Indian dishes. Shah addressed the audience and illuminated a crowd of 44 dinners who had come to the Hyatt Residency, Delhi who had gathered to acquire more tips on wines. Shah also suggested “In particular, wines that are fruit driven and have softer, velvety tannins are a better match.”

Arora also points out that wine has become a trend in India over the past four or five years; and that people have started choosing it as a drink only recently, replacing hard liquor. It could also be argued that Indians have started realizing the bad effects of hard-liquor, which is making them shift to softer options.