Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2566 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova interviews Sanghamitra Banik in a conversation that focuses on the Indian market.
Key learning objectives:
Gain an overview of how wine importing and distribution work in India, including whether the market is centralized or state-based, how regulations differ across regions, and how import duties and taxation impact pricing and market access.
Identify who the main importers and distributors are, how they operate, and which Italian wine categories and styles are currently performing best in the Indian market and why.
Learn how Winesutra supports market entry and growth and what brand activation strategies proved to be successful.
The wine importers mentioned in the episode: Dhall Group, Hema Connoisseur, Brindco, Wine Park, Rad Elan Distributors.
Wine spots in Mumbai recommended by Sanghamitra: AER, Vetro and Enoteca, Le Cirque Signature, The Table.
More about today’s guest:
Sanghamitra Banik is a French–Indian wine and business professional with a global career spanning Banking & Finance (2005–2012) and Wine & Spirits (2013–present). Based in Bordeaux since 2012, she combines strategic expertise from finance with deep involvement in the wine industry, luxury brand management, sustainability, and purpose-driven business.
She is the founder of Winesutra, a consulting and education platform that supports French and Italian wine brands entering the Indian market through market strategy, importer selection, brand positioning, education, and activation. Winesutra also plays an active role in organizing masterclasses, trade education initiatives, and career mentorship, helping both brands and wine professionals build sustainable, long-term growth.
Today, Sanghamitra’s work focuses on Wine & Spirits, business development, brand storytelling, and building bridges between Europe and India. She is also a regular contributor to India’s leading wine publications, including Sommelier India, Liquid – Fine, and WSCI, where she writes on wine culture, sustainability, and the evolving global wine landscape.
Connect:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanghamitrawinesutra/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winesutra/
More about the host:
Roza Zharmukhambetova has a background in foreign languages and education. She discovered her passion for wine in Beijing, where she gained two years of experience in wine sales. Since returning to Kazakhstan, she has focused on studying Italian wine and exploring its regions.
Roza holds certifications as an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA), Italian Wine Scholar (WSG), Langhe Wines Ambassador (BBA), and Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP). She is also a member of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association. Since late last year, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine.
Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/
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