Paladin Wines Targets 20 per cent of India's Premium Category

Paladin Wines is positioning itself as a leader in India's growing premium wine market. The brand, part of Morgan Beverages, is aiming for twenty per cent category leadership as it expands its distribution.

Founded by Rohan Nihalani, who also co-founded Cartel Bros, the company has built a reputation for importing international spirits and wines. The Paladin label, imported from Italy, is now focusing on new markets in Goa and Karnataka.

Since its introduction in 2017, Paladin has established a presence in Mumbai and Pune. The brand imports between forty-five thousand and sixty thousand bottles annually. It is also one of the country's few certified vegan wine brands. Its portfolio includes the Draggo Rosso Merlot, which sold over one thousand five hundred bottles in a recent quarter, alongside other Italian varietals.

“The demand has been remarkable, and we’re preparing to double our volumes by 30% as we expand operations into Goa and Karnataka”, said Rohan Nihalani, Founder of Morgan Beverages and Co-Founder of Cartel Bros. “Vermouth, in particular, has shown exceptional momentum. We imported around 1,500 bottles last year, but have already crossed 5,000 in off-season sales. With the festive season now underway, we anticipate even stronger uptake. The inconsistency in competitor supply has opened a clear path for us to lead this category.”

Priced from US$ 30, Paladin Wines aims to make premium European wines more accessible. The expansion into Goa and Karnataka began in October 2025, with a wider rollout across major metros planned by May 2026.