Grapes are one of India’s most valuable fruit crops. They are eaten fresh, dried into raisins, processed into juice, used in wineries and exported to many international markets. Unlike many seasonal fruits, grapes need careful pruning, canopy management, irrigation, pest control and skilled labour. That is why grape farming is considered a high-investment but high-return horticulture crop.
India’s grape production is highly concentrated in a few states, especially in western and southern India. Maharashtra clearly dominates the country, while Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the next strong players. For this 2026 list, the ranking is based on production strength, grape-growing area, export role, raisin and wine industry, major grape belts and recent field updates.
Now let’s check out the top 5 grapes producing states in India in 2026.
1. Maharashtra
Maharashtra is the largest grapes producing state in India in 2026.
The state is the real heart of India’s grape industry. Nashik is known as the Grape Capital of India, while Sangli, Pune, Solapur, Ahmednagar and Satara are also major grape-growing regions. Nashik is especially famous for export-quality table grapes, while Sangli is famous for raisins.
Maharashtra’s dominance is very strong. The state contributes around 80% of India’s grape output and normally produces nearly 30 lakh tonnes of grapes annually. Nashik alone is one of the biggest grape-export centres in the country.
The state is also India’s wine capital. Nashik and nearby regions have several wineries, and Maharashtra contributes more than 90% of India’s grape wine exports. Nashik alone accounts for nearly 75% of the state’s wine export volume.
However, the 2026 grape season has been difficult for Maharashtra. Prolonged and unseasonal rainfall affected vineyards in Nashik, Sangli, Pune and Solapur, causing a sharp fall in output in many pockets. Still, Maharashtra remains far ahead of every other state because of its huge area, export network, cold-chain system, raisin industry and experienced grape farmers.
2. Karnataka
Karnataka ranks second among the top grapes producing states in India.
The state has a strong grape belt in Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Koppal, Ballari, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts. Northern Karnataka is especially important for raisin production, while the Bengaluru-Nandi Hills belt is known for wine grapes and vineyards.
Karnataka may produce less grapes than Maharashtra, but it has a very strong raisin economy. In fact, Karnataka converts a much higher share of grapes into raisins than Maharashtra. A recent report mentioned that Karnataka converts nearly 90% of its grapes into raisins, while Maharashtra converts only around 14%. It also noted that Maharashtra harvested 24 lakh tonnes of grapes in 2021–22, compared with Karnataka’s 7.8 lakh tonnes.
Vijayapura is one of the most important grape and raisin centres in Karnataka. The state is also getting new infrastructure support, including a ₹40 crore NABARD-backed storage and processing project to improve raisin handling and market supply.
Karnataka deserves second position because it has a strong grape-growing belt, large raisin industry, good processing potential and growing wine tourism around Nandi Hills and Bengaluru.
3. Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu stands third among India’s largest grapes producing states.
The main grape-growing districts are Theni, Dindigul, Coimbatore, Tiruppur and parts of Madurai. The Cumbum Valley and Theni belt are especially famous for grapes. Tamil Nadu grows varieties such as Muscat Hamburg, which is used for table grapes, juice and wine-making potential.
Tamil Nadu is considered the third-largest grape producer in India. The state has strong agricultural conditions in selected pockets, especially where farmers use irrigation and proper vineyard management.
The state’s grape industry is also connected with local winery possibilities. Theni, Dindigul and Coimbatore grapes have been discussed for value-added products such as wine and juice. This can help farmers earn more than only selling fresh grapes in local markets.
However, some old grape belts are shrinking. Coimbatore’s grape cultivation has fallen sharply because of high input costs, labour shortage and pest problems. Even then, Tamil Nadu remains in the top three because of its strong traditional grape pockets, good quality fruit and potential for processing.
4. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh ranks fourth among the major grapes producing states in India.
The state grows grapes mainly in Anantapur, Chittoor, Kurnool, Kadapa and some parts of the Rayalaseema region. Grapes are also grown in smaller pockets where irrigation, dry climate and suitable soil conditions support vineyard farming.
Andhra Pradesh has a strong horticulture base, and grapes form part of its commercial fruit basket. The state is already a leader in many fruit and horticulture crops, and its 2026–27 budget focused strongly on horticulture expansion, micro-irrigation and commercial crop diversification.
The warm climate of Andhra Pradesh can support grape farming with proper pruning and irrigation. In warmer southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, grapevines can even produce more than one crop cycle in a year under suitable management.
Andhra Pradesh deserves fourth position because of its suitable dry belts, horticulture strength, irrigation potential and growing interest in high-value fruit cultivation.
5. Mizoram
Mizoram completes the list of the top five grapes producing states in India in 2026.
This may surprise many readers because Mizoram is not usually seen as a large fruit-producing state like Maharashtra or Karnataka. But the state has important grape-growing pockets, especially in Champhai district. Hnahlan and nearby areas are known for vineyards and grape-based local products.
Mizoram’s climate is different from western India. Its elevated hills, mild weather and good rainfall support several horticulture crops, including grapes. Mizoram’s economy is closely linked with agriculture, and fruits have become one of the important crop categories after rice.
Champhai is one of Mizoram’s most important agricultural areas. Hnahlan is known for vineyards, and the region has also been connected with grape wine production. Mizoram even amended wine rules earlier to allow wine made from local grapes and guava, helping reduce fruit waste and encouraging commercialisation.
Mizoram’s total grape production is much smaller than Maharashtra or Karnataka, but it deserves fifth position because it has a recognised grape belt, unique hill-based cultivation and growing value-added grape products.
Final Words
The top five grapes producing states in India in 2026 are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Mizoram. Maharashtra is the clear leader, while Karnataka is especially strong in raisins and Tamil Nadu has a strong southern grape belt.
Grape farming can give excellent income, but it needs climate protection, disease control, export support, cold storage, processing units and fair market prices. Better value addition through raisins, juice and wine can make India’s grape industry even stronger.
