The fifth edition of ProWine Mumbai unfolded with a sense of maturity that was hard to miss. What began years ago as a platform to introduce India to the world of wines and spirits has now become a serious annual meeting point for the global alcobev trade. In 2025, the shift was unmistakable: India is no longer being analysed from a distance. It is being engaged with — actively, consistently, and with a long-term view.
Over two full days at the Jio World Convention Centre, the show welcomed 213 exhibitors from 21 countries and more than 5,485 trade visitors. The crowd reflected a modern alcobev ecosystem: importers and distributors, luxury hotels and restaurant groups, bar owners, brand builders, craft producers, sommeliers, educators and an increasingly aware consumer base.
ProWine Mumbai 2025 From Showcase To Marketplace
The atmosphere felt intentional. People weren’t browsing — they were benchmarking, negotiating, and shaping real business conversations. “Being part of ProWine 2025 was a rewarding experience — a perfect blend of collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange within the global alco-bev industry. We’re proud to have represented Swiss winemakers on such a vibrant international stage. ProWine 2025 was an outstanding platform to connect, collaborate, and showcase the excellence of Swiss winemaking. The event offered valuable industry insights and meaningful exchanges, making it a truly enriching experience for all participants.” Vikram Bhatnagar – Director, SWINTRA Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
A Showcase Redefined by New Consumer Behaviour
India’s evolving drinking habits found a clear expression in the show’s new additions this year.
ProWine Zero, a dedicated showcase for low- and no-alcohol beverages, consistently drew some of the biggest footfall. The space reflected the rise of mindful consumption in metro cities, with visitors showing interest in alcohol-free spirits, botanical blends, ferments, and functional beverages. This wasn’t a curiosity corner — it was a commercially relevant category being assessed by retailers and HoReCa buyers alike.
Besides it, ProSpirits created a strong presence for premium spirits portfolios — from global whisky houses and craft gin distilleries to agave-led expressions and new-age liqueurs. Together, these zones painted a telling picture of a market that is expanding both in range and sophistication.
To streamline business interactions, ProWine Connect allowed exhibitors and trade visitors to pre-schedule meetings. First-time participants, especially international brands entering India, described it as essential. It turned what could have been a busy, scattered fair into a structured two-day roadmap of purposeful conversations.
Masterclasses: A Growing Appetite for Knowledge
Education continues to form the backbone of ProWine Mumbai’s identity. This year’s masterclasses, led by sommeliers, distillers, winemakers, and category specialists, stayed full from opening to close.
The topics ranged widely: Spirits of Ireland, Switzerland, Japan, UK Craft Wines, Australian wines, Italian wines, a detailed discussion about water, etc. What stood out was the audience, not just enthusiasts, but beverage directors, bar teams, wine program managers, importers, media, and F&B educators taking notes with true intent.
The industry has moved definitively past “introduction” learning. It is now in the phase of depth and nuance.
Conversations in the Heart of the Show floor
The panel discussion tackled real-world topics: what Indian consumers are gravitating toward, how wine programs can be re-energised, and the future direction of cocktail culture. The dialogue felt grounded, and importantly, shared by professionals who deal with these issues daily. It anchored the show with a sense of authenticity that resonated with both domestic and international participants.
ProWine & ProSpirits Challenge 2025
The Challenge once again served as an important quality marker for the Indian market. With no entry fee, it encouraged participation from small craft labels and large portfolios alike.
The jury evaluated wines and spirits across categories, resulting in a medal list that now serves as a ready reference for trade buyers planning their portfolios for 2025-26.
Later, these medal winners were showcased at the Infinity Tasting Bar during ProWine Mumbai Night, a highlight that allowed the industry to experience the best of the best in one thoughtfully curated tasting.
Celebrating Indian Talent: The ProWine Bartenders’ Competition
The ProWine Bartenders’ Competition once again proved to be a crowd-puller. Six finalists showcased impressive technique and creativity, crafting cocktails that reflected both global styles and Indian sensibilities.
The jury — a respected mix of industry leaders, including Yangdup Lama, Charlie McCarthy, Fay Barretto, and others — evaluated entries with the rigour expected of an international stage.
Deepika Shukla (Japonico, Gurgaon) won the title of Bartender of the Year 2025, earning a takeover at The Haflington, Hanoi (#87 on Asia’s Best Bars 2025), along with a cash prize and a seat at the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits scholarship. Her win reflects the rising talent emerging across India’s cocktail culture.
ProWine Mumbai Night: A Curated Celebration of Excellence
One of the most anticipated moments of the fair, ProWine Mumbai Night, brought together the industry’s key stakeholders, from importers and HoReCa heads to international producers and domestic brand owners.
The evening combined high-quality networking with thoughtful experiences: a gala dinner, and two standout beverage showcases, the VDP Bar pouring exceptional German wines from one of the world’s oldest wine associations, and the Infinity Tasting Bar featuring the year’s Challenge medal winners, along with a general bar serving premium wines, spirits, and beer from across the globe.
The “Honoring Excellence” felicitation added a formal, celebratory touch, acknowledging individuals and organisations whose work continues to shape India’s beverage culture.
A Clear Signal for 2026
Perhaps the most telling detail came at the very end of the show, when many exhibitors rebooked their booth spaces for 2026 before leaving the venue. Several new international brands also initiated enquiries before the final closing announcement.
It’s a clear sign of confidence. The Indian market is no longer an exploratory territory; it is a committed business destination. And ProWine Mumbai has firmly positioned itself as the platform where this journey begins.
The fair returns on 18–19 November 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre.
For booth bookings, partnerships, collaborations, or to share your experience, visit www.prowine.in.
With its fifth edition, ProWine Mumbai has reinforced its role not just as a trade event, but as a cultural and commercial anchor point for India’s fast-evolving wine and spirits landscape. The momentum built in 2025 suggests that the country’s next chapter will be one of scale, diversity, and sustained global engagement.
