Ambassador Thiery Mathou (centre) flanked by the wine producers from France and Vianney Meynier of Business France in India
Laurent Moujon and Brinda Bourhis of Winevox, an organization that runs ambassador programmes for French producers has been bringing wineries to India since 2022 to understand the market, consumer trends and retail distribution. Ranjan Pal attended A Toast to French Terroir their Delhi event at the French Embassy at the end of their India tour in December 2025 and was impressed by the wines on display.
Producers from five of France’s key wine regions – Alsace, Bordeaux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Languedoc and Provence –were present, thanks to Laurent Moujon & Brinda Bourhis. Conversations with several of them revealed a cautious optimism about India’s evolving wine landscape.
David Jaeglé, CEO of Cave de Ribeauvillé in Alsace, was struck by India’s culture of eating well, which he felt naturally encouraged wine pairing. He saw particular potential for Alsace whites, noting their dry, fruit-driven profiles, versatility with Asian cuisine and accessible pricing. Among the wines he presented were a Crémant Brut Blanc de Blancs—made from 80% Pinot Blanc and 20% Auxerrois—and his personal favourite, Riesling Grand Cru Osterberg 2021, marked by citrus aromas, pronounced minerality, fine acidity and a long, elegant finish.
From Provence, Clara Hoesch, founder of Domaine Richeaume, observed a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour. “While the Indian market has traditionally been very price-sensitive, we are beginning to see a new audience—young professionals, cosmopolitan travellers and curious wine lovers—who are interested not just in the bottle, but in the story behind it,” she said. She believes this is where French wines hold a competitive edge: through meaningful experiences that create emotional connections and justify premium pricing. Her selection reflected this duality—a vibrant Grenache designed to be approachable and expressive, alongside the flagship cuvée Columelle, which showcases the estate’s craftsmanship and terroir.
Guillaume Gonnet of Châteauneuf-du-Pape felt the timing was right for French wines in India, as a growing segment of consumers seeks finer experiences. He also highlighted the natural affinity between Rhône wines and Indian cuisine. Gonnet presented two emblematic bottlings: Bel Ami Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2023 and Belle Amie Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2024, both sourced from old vines aged between 60 and 100 years.
For Jan Thienpont, representing Bordeaux, this was a return visit. He expressed pleasant surprise at the depth of knowledge among Indian wine consumers and felt that proposed reductions in import duties could unlock real opportunities for French wines in a fast-growing market. His lineup spanned the breadth of his production, led by Château Robin, a Castillon Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, followed by Château Clos Fontaine “La Source” and La Marotte, both 100% Merlot.
Jean-Bernard Tison, Export Director at Château Puech-Haut from Languedoc, was also making a second visit to India. While acknowledging that the market remains concentrated in the major cities, he noted rapid growth in wine education and awareness. As purchasing power increases, he believes Indian consumers will seek greater diversity, creating space for French vineyards. His selection—Argali Rosé 2024, Les Béliers d’Oc Rouge 2024 and Tête de Bélier Rouge 2022—was deliberately curated for different occasions, from festive gatherings and casual drinking to refined fine-dining settings.
Dining and Cooking