There were more and bigger individual stalls like Cellar 33, Anggel’s share. The Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce, partnering with Swiss Wine India, successfully organised the popular Swiss Pavilion. It was interesting to see one of the producers who had brought a pocket cell-stove to melt the box of Raclet that went so well with his Chasselas white wine. This Pavilion was perhaps a direct outcome of the imminent India –EU Agreement. Several EU Countries participated for the same reason.

A few Italian companies had collaborated with WineSutra to be present. In fact, this is a growing trend for participation at a lower cost, as did the UK. Moldova took the same step with a Moldova lady in Mumbai bringing in a few producers to showcase their delicious wines. Tastin’ France has been a regular participant at the Show for many years. The US chose to showcase their whiskies that are easier to sell. Germany had participated through VDP, the iconic organization with around 200 members of repute.

There were other attractions like Masterclasses, Panel Discussions, Bartending Competition and the Prowine Wine and ProSpirits Challenge. Prowine Mumbai Night has been a regular feature for many years. Also taking the idea from their parent Prowein Düsseldorf, Wine Zero and WineConnect have been the new additional features this year.

The Show was possibly helped by Vinexpo India withdrawing participation after announcing firm dates (October 3-4). In fact many participants had reportedly shipped their goods and booked their tickets for the airline and hotel. The reasons were not clearly stated. Though the organisers did not give any specific reasons, they have made things very difficult for themselves and perhaps Prowine Mumbai will become the only major Wine Show, which has been slowly adding Spirits, like most of the wine shows in the world in order to increase the reach, footfalls and the consequent business.

Indian wine companies- Sula, Grover and Fratelli and the upcoming winery Good Drop Wine Cellars were also participants including the WineGai Association in Nashik of wine producers. ProWine Mumbai, co-organized by Messe Düsseldorf India and All Things Nice, is a part of the global ProWein series of international exhibitions for the wine and spirits industry. Perhaps it is time to add Indian Spirits to their portfolio too.

Ajay Gulati, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf India, says, “The 5th edition of ProWine Mumbai has been nothing short of phenomenal, delivering on our promise to host the most exceptional show to date. The scale and the diversity of world-class wines, spirits and zero-proof drinks on showcase, and the infectious energy from every corner of the exhibition floor underscore one clear fact: The Indian wine and spirits market is in a period of explosive growth.”

Next edition of Prowine Mumbai is on 18-19 November, 2026 at the same venue- JIO Exhibition and Convention Center, Mumbai. It may be worthwhile to pencil the dates in your work schedule.

Subhash Arora