I have opportunity to discuss with Mr. Ramesh Rao owner of Mandala Valley Vineyards, one of the well known and fast coming winery from Bangalore region. We have presented the Mandala Vally's wine recently in our website. He is a Golfer also running Golfline magazine and owns micro-lite plan. Let's hear what he says about his future plans.
1. Your passion on Wine. Why? and What made to enter in to the wine business.
I run an advertising and brand management company and have been frequenting Europe/Australia and US for several years now on behalf of some of my clients. I was fortunate to be introduced to good wines over the many expensive lunches and dinners during these visits. To be honest, the learning process that started then was more due to curiosity and interest rather than the passion that it is now.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity of getting involved in some real estate outside Bangalore and set up a small vineyard. Well one thing led to another and I have today the Mandala Valley wines.....
I have launched two reds, a Zinfandel and a Cabernet Shiraz, and the response has been overwhelming. We are planning launches in Goa and Maharashtra and hope to have a nationwide presence before the end of the year.
2. Your future plans on the winery industry. about the new products.
We will predominantly focus on red wines and are looking to expand out own vineyards around Bangalore. But to complete the portfolio a white wine is soon to be launched in the market. We are presently working with tie-ups with third party wineries in Maharashtra who have excess capacities for making our wines. But our Bangalore winery is likely to go on stream for next year's harvest in February. We do hope to be a significant player in India and will continue to invest in quality viticulture practices, state-of-the-art winery and a knowledge pool of wine makers and consultants.
3. Please brief me top 5 things you are considering Bangalore region is best to open the Vineyards.
Bangalore is quite honestly an option because of the fact that it is my home town. The fact that it has land suitable for viticulture and a fast growing wine culture is great .. but with real estate prices going where they are, we are really talking far out of the city! We are looking at sourcing grapes both from around Bangalore as well as from Maharashtra. Besides, we are looking at long term arrangements for bottling in other states to take advantage of the different state excise laws.
4. Your most enjoyed wine name in India or from aboard.
I have enjoyed a fair amount of wines, both expensive and value for money. Some great wines I have shared (more recently) on private visits to some wine makers in Bordeaux. I believe a great wine is to be enjoyed and savored for that moment, with good company, great company. For there will be others in future...
Venki