India has witnessed a quick evolution in its wine market. Previously seeing mostly inexpensive table wines, collectors, the luxury trade, and wine enthusiasts from other regions of the world have now begun entering the market. The world’s most expensive wines, ranging from Bordeaux's First Growths, Super Tuscan Classics, or cult Napa Valley wines, are on the shelves and cellar selections in India today.

However, India is one of the most expensive places to drink imported wine in the world for different reasons: taxes, state excise regulations, duties, and limited availability all contribute to a high price point. Depending on whether you're located in Delhi or Maharashtra, there could be a big difference in prices of the same bottle of wine!

This guide breaks down the costliest wines available in India, why they’re so expensive, and how pricing differs between states.

Why Wines Are So Expensive in India

Understanding the price tag starts with understanding India’s unique tax and retail structure.

1. State Excise Differences

Each state operates under its own guidelines or framework. In Maharashtra, the sticker MRPs are clear and visible on the products in retail stores. While in Delhi, oftentimes, one can only seem to find importers who are specialists or duty-free shops, which provide very little help to other collectors. This really does set a different tone of collection.

2. Import Duties

India charges some of the highest customs duties in the world—often over 150% on imported wines. A bottle that costs ₹30,000 in Paris might reach nearly ₹75,000 in Mumbai.

3. Limited Distribution

Ultra-premium wines such as Masseto or Château Lafite Rothschild are imported in small quantities. Retailers in India usually stock only a handful of bottles, and sometimes only on request.

4. Vintage Impact

Wine isn’t a fixed-price commodity. Older vintages, rare formats (like magnums), or highly-rated years can sell for double or triple the cost of recent releases.

Also Read: How to Pick the Right Red Wine: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

India’s Most Expensive Wines (Price List)

Here’s a look at the top costly wines in India, comparing prices between Maharashtra and Delhi.

The Stars of India’s Luxury Wine Market

1. Château Lafite Rothschild – ₹4,75,000

Perhaps the most prestigious of Bordeaux’s First Growths, Lafite is a collector’s dream. Known for its finesse and aging potential, it’s as much an investment asset as a drink.

2. Masseto – ₹4,05,000

This 100% Merlot from Tuscany has a cult following. Nicknamed the “Pétrus of Italy,” it combines silky richness with rarity, making it one of the hardest-to-find wines in India.

3. Opus One – ₹1,95,000

A unique collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Opus One balances Old World elegance with New World intensity. Scarce in India, it often appears only in duty-free shops.

4. Le Petit Cheval – ₹98,100

Produced by Château Cheval Blanc, this “second wine” offers pedigree at a relatively approachable level. Still, at nearly ₹1 lakh, it’s a serious bottle for serious drinkers.

5. Ornellaia – Solaria – ₹87,500

One of Tuscany’s finest Super Tuscans, Ornellaia blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other Bordeaux varietals. Its structured complexity ensures long life and collector value.

6. Sassicaia – ₹38,000

The pioneer of the Super Tuscan movement, Sassicaia remains one of Italy’s most celebrated wines. For many collectors, it’s an entry point into the high-end wine world.

7. Penfolds Grange – ₹32,000

Australia’s most iconic wine, Penfolds Grange combines power with elegance. It’s sought after in India for its global prestige.

8. Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage – ₹30,000–₹35,000

Luxury Champagne isn’t left out. Dom Pérignon Rosé is synonymous with celebration and extravagance.

9. Château Margaux – ₹28,000–₹30,000

Another Bordeaux First Growth, Margaux is admired for perfume-like aromatics and finesse. It’s highly collectible but harder to find in Delhi.

10. Gaja Barbaresco – ₹25,000

From Piedmont, Italy, Angelo Gaja’s Barbaresco redefined Italian fine wine. Nebbiolo-based, it offers structure and intensity, making it a prized addition to any cellar.

Why Collectors Buy Costly Wines

• Status Symbol: Possessing Lafite or Masseto reflects superior taste.
  
  
• Investment Potential: Fine wines tend to appreciate in value.
  
  
• Cultural Shift: The affluent class in India is following global trends in luxury consumption.
  
  
• Special Occasions: Lifetime events, weddings, and gifting of luxury wine.

Where to Buy: Maharashtra vs Delhi

• Maharashtra (Mumbai/Pune): Transparent MRPs in retail; easier to track prices.
  
  
• Delhi: Heavily reliant on importers and duty-free; less predictable, but sometimes more exclusive.
  

Wine Price Spectrum in India

• Entry-level Indian wines: ₹700 – ₹1,500 (Sula, Grover, Fratelli).
  
  
• Premium domestic wines: ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 (Reserve labels).
  
  
• Imported mid-range wines: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000.
  
  
• Ultra-premium wines: ₹25,000 – ₹5,00,000+.
  

Final Thoughts

In India, the most expensive wines could reach an asking price of ₹5 lakh per bottle, with most offerings in the luxury category selling north of ₹1 lakh. Collectors typically consider the wine's age, provenance, and method of purchase (retail versus duty-free) before committing to a purchase.

Whether a Bordeaux icon (Lafite, Margaux) or a Super Tuscan (Masseto, Sassicaia), or a cult Napa wine (Opus One), buyers of luxury wine in India are forging cellars that compete with cellars across Europe. For these customers, the takeaway is simple: in India, the purchase context place as much importance as the actual purchase.

FAQs

Which is the No. 1 Wine Brand in India?
Sula Vineyards leads both in production and popularity.

Which Wine Is Luxury in India?
Château Lafite, Masseto, Ornellaia, Opus One, and Penfolds are considered luxury wines.

How Much Does 750 ml of Wine Cost in India?
From ₹700 for entry-level bottles to ₹5 lakh for rare imports.

Who Is the King of Wine in India?
Sula Vineyards is often called the “king” for its market dominance.

Also Read: Best Rums and Bourbons Under ₹3,000 in India (2025): Taste, Value & Top Picks