Indian Wine News and Messages

ASPRI brings Italy's Bacci wines to India - Hospitality Biz

2010-03-19T05:58:00Z

ASPRI Spirits, Mumbai-based importer and distributor of world wines and spirits, has added the first wine estate from Tuscan region in Italy to its portfolio.

ASPRI has introduced nine wines from the portfolio of Italian wine estates Bacci Group. Bacci Group produces its wines organically.

Internationally, Bacci wines are distributed only to the institutional segment and the Italian firm plans to adopt the same strategy for the Indian market.

In India, Aspri will distribute nine wines from Bacci’s portfolio namely Chianti Classico DOCG, Berardo – Chianti Classico Reserva DOCG, Girolamo IGT Toscano and Corbaia IGT Toascano from the Castelli di Bossi estate and Regina di Renieri Syrah IGT Toscano, Re Di Renieri IGT Toscano, Renieri Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG and Renieri Rosso di Montalcino DOC from the Renieri estate and Piano Piano IGT Toscano label from the Terre di Talamo estate.

More: Hospitality Biz

Thailand's wine industry aspires for government support like the Indian wine industry - Cnngo.com

2010-03-19T05:53:00Z

India’s wine industry started out much later than Thailand’s but because it is heavily supported by the Indian government they are on the verge of overtaking the Thai Wine industry in terms of both quality and quantity. They have research centers and information sharing, sponsored by the government and local universities. In Thailand you simply don't see any of that.

“In Thailand the wine industry remains a business of individuals and pioneers,” says Kim. With political instability and changing governments things look set to continue that way for some time

The Thai government does not support Thai wines. The local companies are taxed regularly and heavily (as high as 200%) as part of the authorities’ crackdown on ‘immorality.’ Because of the stringent regulations placed by the Thai government on everything alcohol related the local industry also suffers when the government fails to protect it against unfair treaties like the ASEAN trade agreement.

More: Cnngo.com

Wine and Spirits Asia 2010 Wine Challenge at Singapore - Yahoo News

2010-03-18T07:16:00Z

The WSA Wine Challenge under the Wine & Spirits Asia 2010 will be part of the Food & Hotel Asia 2010 exhibition in Singapore, to be held on April 20-23, 2010. Last year, the festival was attended by 52,900 people.

The Indian wine industry is eyeing the event with anticipation.

"Despite a marginal drop in the Indian wine business of 10-15 per cent last year because of the downturn, we expect to recover with a 25-30 per cent projected growth rate this year," Shubhas Arora, president of the Indian Wine Academy, said.

Indian wine has a niche market in Asia, he said. "The Indian dry wines are popular in Singapore and in the rest of south-east Asia because the region has a large Indian population," Arora, who is on the panel of judges at the WSA Wine Challenge, said.

According to the Tourism Satellite Accounting (TSA) Research Report (2009), India is projected to become the fifth largest growing business destination from 2010-2019 with an estimated 7.6 per cent share.

More: Yahoo News

Soon uniform tax and duty on wine in all states of India - Indian Express

2010-03-18T06:30:00Z

A policy is currently being framed for the wine sector in India. The food processing ministry is working on a comprehensive policy to give a boost to wine making and its consumption in the country.

The steps being considered include putting in place a uniform tax and duty regime for wines across all states, allowing its sale in department stores and setting up wine parks with common infrastructural facilities.

More: Indian Express

International Food & Drink Expo India announces 2010 dates

2010-03-05T21:09:00Z

The organisers of the International Food & Drink Expo are pleased to announce the 2nd edition of 2010 show will take place 2-4th December, 2010 at the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India. The growth of the Indian food and drink industry is expanding at a rapid pace, with rising disposable incomes and increased urbanisation driving consumer demand for a worldwide menu of high quality products. In India the consumer spend on food in 2010 will reach US $240million and the food market in India is worth more than US $182 billion which accounts for two thirds of the total Indian retail market. Together with an 8% economic growth in 2010, this makes the India food and drink industry a real market of opportunity.

The launch show in December 2009 was a great success with exhibitors and visitors being overwhelmingly impressed with the quality of the show and the many features that took place over the 3 days. Countries from all over the globe exhibited at the show, including USA, Australia, China, France, Italy, Spain and Thailand as well as many more. Anandi Seth from The SCS Group commented, “We made good contacts and it was a great experience”. The International Food & Drink Expo India truly brought worldwide flavours together, and expanded the palates of the Indian consumer; as well as providing the ideal business platform for companies to showcase their products to importers, wholesalers, distributors, hotels, restaurants, and retailers. Some of key attendees in 2009 included representatives from Air India, Reliance, Dominos, Café Coffee Day, Ikea, M&S, and Carrefour

At the 2010 expo there will be a host of exhibition features, including new to 2010, Chef Essentials, where a dedicated part of the exhibition hall will display the kitchen equipment from leading suppliers to the imported sector. Cooking demonstrations will take place, where the latest food products can be seen in action and a food industry forum will enable food industry experts to discuss and debate the topics and issues of the food industry in India. The Indian Sommelier Championship is an extremely popular feature where the best sommeliers in India are put through their paces to test their knowledge by a panel of wine experts in front of a live audience. International exhibitors will also have the opportunity to participate in one to one meetings with a wide range of importers, distributors, and retailers who get the chance to fully appreciate the products available. Wine Wonders of the World, will be lead by Magandeep Singh and his team who will conduct numerous tastings of the wine available at the exhibition.

The International Food & Drink Expo India looks forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors alike to the expo and the event has already received support from a number of leading international government bodies and trade promotion organizations.

For more information on the show, please visit our website: http://www.indiafooddrinkexpo.com/

Piper Heidsieck from Rémy Cointreau partners with The Wine Society of India - adding extravaganza to elegant celebrations

2010-03-05T20:57:00Z

New Delhi, January 7, 2010: Piper Heidsieck, world-renowned crisp and radiant champagne that has been the heart and soul of parties for generations is ready to bring an extra sparkle to the most exclusive gatherings in India. Making it a vibrant start for 2010, Piper Heidsieck Champagne, a part of Rémy Cointreau Group has announced a year-long partnership with The Wine Society of India.

Piper-Heidsieck extravaganza has transcended generations while upholding its reputation as a reference amongst classic champagnes. The audacious, contemporary, elegant and playful Piper-Heidsieck completes the magic in every gathering. With the very first sip, Piper- Heidsieck mesmerizes its audience into a passionate and intriguing fantasy. This extravaganza reinvents the way one relishes champagne.

Piper Heidsieck, the champagne for perfect celebration, will be the highlight of various events at The Wine Society of India in the year 2010. Following with this, Piper Heidsieck will be featured in other events.

•     A series of 8 wine tastings and 1 winemaker dinners in 5 star hotels across India for Visa's best customers (Visa Signature or Infinite cards) in the sub-continent. Piper Heidsieck will be the welcome champagne poured for this group of VIP's and opinion formers.
•     Piper Heidsieck to be featured in the 12th Four Seasons Wine Discoveries shipment as a Connoisseur selection at a special offer of 10% below MRP
•     Piper Heidsieck as a champagne of choice to be tasted in the Riedel champagne flutes
•     A special feature booklet on champagne to be sponsored by Piper Heidsieck for all members of The Wine Society

Talking about Piper Heidsieck's association with The Wine Society of India, Rukn Luthra, Managing Director -Indian Sub-Continent, Rémy Cointreau said, "Piper Heidsieck is a unique brand in our portfolio that is all about celebrating life with gusto. Our association with The Wine Society of India provides the perfect platform for our brand.”

"Piper Heidsieck represents the pinnacle of quality as far as champagne is concerned; poise, elegance, breeding and wonderful balance - everything you need a glass for a 'celebration'!", said David Banford, Director, The Wine Society of India

Adding more to this, Steven Spurrier, Chairman, The Wine Society of India said, "The Piper-Heidsieck Champagnes are regular Trophy Winners at the Decanter World Wine Awards and for me, as Chairman, these Trophies are well-deserved. We are excited and hopeful to build a long term association with Piper Heidsieck in India.”

About Piper Heidsieck Champagne
Acclaimed for over 220 years of heritage and passion, Piper-Heidsieck is a celebration of life’s fervour and bold spirit. Its founder, Florens Louis Heidsieck produced its first cuvee in 1785.

Taking reign within the House of Piper-Heidsieck is its chief winemaker Régis Camus, who has constantly raised the bar of consistency to bring prominence to the range of trophy and medal-winning Piper-Heidsieck champagnes. Régis Camus and his team refer to a guideline of “House criteria”, established over time enriched with their own experiences. Régis was awarded “Winemaker of the Year” Trophy award in 2004, 2007 and 2008 at the International Wine Challenge and under his purview, Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut was bestowed the “nv Champagne of the Year Trophy” in 2006, further reinforcing creed to the stable.

In 1988, Piper-Heidsieck became part of the Rémy Cointreau Group. Infused with technology to help the oenological teams to preserve the excellence of Piper-Heidsieck champagnes, the company has further developed the brand’s personality and guarantee of consistency. Ever since, it has gained a growing following that has made it renowned asone of the top three Champagne brands in the world.

About The Wine Society of India
The Wine Society of India has aims and mission objectives which fall into 3 separate but inter-related categories.

Firstly, to inform and educate those in this country about the wonderful world of wine! WSI provides this through a developing range of online and offline programmes, including home-study wine courses, a helpline to answer wine-related queries, newsletters, access to edited portions of Decanter Magazine, a global vineyard visit programme, restaurant partnerships, wine storage systems and supply of wine accessories.

Secondly, wine events - both informal wine appreciation events and more formal sit-down winemaker dinners. And finally, through the Four Seasons Wine Discoveries programme. Four times a year, the Board of Wine Advisors, Steven Spurrier, Chairman, taste hundreds of wines throughout the vineyards of the world, including India, to discover the best possible quality wines at the lowest possible price.These wines are then offered for sale to members through partner retailers and shipped for home delivery in temperature-controlled conditions.

Aspri Spirits toasts the fortitude of Mumbai

2010-03-03T04:10:00Z

Mumbai - A city of Dreams, a dramatic platform for fame, fortune…eternal hope. Exuberant, warm and alive. The epicenter of powerful vibrations of India! These are the qualities that prompted Terroir India Wineries – Indus Wines, one of the leading companies in the agriculture and processed food industry, to pay tribute to the relentless spirit of the common man, with the launch of ‘Mumbaai Dreamz’ – a range of wines in the city today to be marketed exclusively by Aspri Spirits Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai Dreamz is the first of the series acknowledging the spirit of the ordinary citizen.

Abhijit Vasantrao Kabir, Director, Terrior India Wineries - Indus Wines on the occasion of the launch of Mumbaai Dreamz said, “Indus Vineyards’ vision has been to promote Brand India and always catered to the palate of the Indian wine enthusiast, Mumbaai Dreamz is no different. Mumbaai D raises a toast to the vivacious and resilient spirit of the common man. I look forward to you all enjoying this new range reveling in the diversity of a city that we so proudly represent.”

The “Mumbaai D” has been specially designed to strike an instant rapport with the common man, an average Indian. The wine, right from the name to the colour of the bottle to the design of the labels reflects the everyday life of the common man, the Mumbaikar, and his contribution in shaping the character of this wonderful city that we live in and love.

The launch of Mumbaai Dreamz was particularly unique with the presence of artist Nikhil J Purohit creating live artwork reflecting the essence of the city of Mumbai. Using large coloured strokes, the artist created a painting on canvas reflecting his own Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sumedh Singh Mandla, CEO, Aspri said, “We are delighted to be associated with Mumbaai Dreamz, and celebrate the essence of the people of our country. Our partnership with Indus Wines has been fulfilling and this new range to be marketed in India will definitely enhance the wine drinking culture that is becoming so distinct today. We look forward to the average Indian enjoying this new wine experience”.

Added, Mr. Jackie Matai, Director Aspri Spirits Pvt Ltd. “This is a unique experience for Aspri Spirits and we are very excited about this new offering. Till now wine was considered a drink for the rich and the famous. With the launch of Mumbaai Dreamz, we are confident of breaking price barrier and reaching to wine lovers across all classes. Aspri Spirits will take Mumbaai Dreamz to other cities in an endeavour to spread the exuberance through the country”.

Mumbaai Dreamz will be available in three variants, Mumbaai Dreamz Red, White and Rosé. Priced at Rs 295/- MRP for 750 ml, “Mumbaai Dreamz” achieves the super symmetry between quality and affordability and will be marketed exclusively by ‘Aspri Spirits’. It will be available at all leading Hotels, restaurants and select retail outlets across the country.

Curtsy: http://www.ambrosiaindia.com

Four Seasons is ready for Wine Tourism at Baramati - Business Standard

2010-03-01T12:37:00Z

Four Seasons, the wine subsidiary of Vijay Mallya-owned United Spirits Ltd (USL), plans to foray into the wine tourism space by April-end, by setting up a hotel at its winery in Baramati, Maharashtra. The hotel will have 14 rooms, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, retail rooms where wine and other goods will be sold.

Abay Kewadkar, Director, Four Seasons Wines, says there is room for expansion of the facility based on initial consumer feedback to the initiative.

As a concept, wine tourism is not new in India, with players such as Sula, for instance, having boarding and lodging facilities at its winery in Nasik.

More: Business Standard

Sula to Raise Equity to Expand

2010-02-28T17:51:00Z

Building on its booming sales, Sula is planning to expand its capacity further by entering the tier II cities and for this purpose it is planning to raise funds through private equity, according to media reports.

Nashik Vintners Pvt. Ltd., owner of the Sula wines will raise the private equity capital through the issue of new shares, says Rajeev Samant the founder CEO.

“Talks are on and a decision will be taken soon,” said Rajeev Samant, managing director. The equity divested will amount to a minority stake, he said according to Live Mint.

The company currently owns about 20% of the market share with the last year’s revenue of Rs.560 million. The total Indian wine market is estimated at Rs 2.5-4 billion. Its Sula brand is priced at Rs 450 and above, with the super premium wine Dindori selling as high as Rs.800 a bottled. The low end Samara brand does not use the Sula name on the label starts at only Rs 150 a bottle.

The strategy propped up the top line from Rs. 507 million in 2007-08 to Rs. 540 million last year but the profits before taxes dropped from Rs 90 million to Rs.18.5 million in 2008-09.

After a flat year 2009-2010 in which the volume sales growth was only around 10%, the company is expecting a growth of 45% this year with the target of 280,000 cases well within the reach of the company. Sula also plans to expand through acquisitions which ‘will be on the cards two years from now,’ according to Rajeev.

Whereas the sale of its premium brands was rather flat last fiscal year, the low end Samara introduced over a year ago helped the company increase the volumes and became the largest producer last year, overtaking the erstwhile leader Indage Vintners.

“We now plan to penetrate tier II cities with Samara,” said Samant who, indulging in some rhetoric, reportedly plans to open around 700 wine-tasting clubs across the country in places such as Punjab, Bihar and Assam. “These are places where people have no access to our wines.” delWine Could not reach Rajeev for his confirmation.

Curtesuy: http://www.indianwineacademy.com

SULAFEST 2010 - Post Event

2010-02-28T17:45:00Z

Nashik, 20^th February, 2010: Sula Vineyards marked its tenth anniversary with SULAFEST 2010, a daylong celebration of music, food and wine at Sula’s own estate vineyards.

From noon till midnight on February 20th, Sulafest partygoers enjoyed a carnival atmosphere of music, food, wine and fleamarket shopping in the chilled environs of the winery’s beautiful open-air, Greek-style amphitheater.

Sulafest 2010 as promised was bigger and better than ever before, with an awesome band line-up that featured headlining act Jalebee Cartel - India’s most successful live electronic dance music act. Also featured this year was Shkabang, fronted by Anushka Manchanda – a talented bunch of like-minded musicians that belted out an eclectic blend of electronica, rock and pop. Something Relevant, the highly energetic and original band known for making their live act unpredictable and loads of fun, Ankur Tewari, whose music is embedded with an acoustic sound and feel and has a legion of followers for his live performances and Teddy Boy Kill, a band from Delhi, known for music that touches on diverse styles within the electronic genre, were the other bands that performed.

Spicing up this great musical line-up were eclectic food stalls, that included kebabs, pastas & pizzas freshly made at Sula’s very own vineyard restaurants, washed down with a wide array of local and imported wines.

SULAFEST 2010 also featured the ‘Sulafest Bazaar’ - art and craft shops, clothing, eco-friendly gifts, and other food stalls. Tanmay Bhat along with Kunal Rao, Rohan Joshi, Ashish Shakya kept the audience in splits with their brilliant stand- up comedy act! Other activities on-site included a live acoustic act, Tarot card reader, relaxing foot massages at a beautiful lounge set up by BBC Good Homes, jewellery stalls, tattoo and nail artists, a caricature artist and hair braiders!

The occasion was also graced by Mrs. Ashita and Mr.Henry Tham, RJ Tarana, Mr.Himanshu Roy (Joint Commissioner of Police- Mumbai), Tara Kaushal (Editor, BBC Good Homes), Anupama Bhalla- Publisher WWM Pvt. Ltd and model Svetlana Casper amongst others.

SULAFEST 2010 was quite simply one of the best days out that one could imagine – great music, food, wine and loads of fun, all in the enchanting setting of India’s finest vineyard!

IndianWine.com in a chat with Michael Carter, Trade Commissioner, Australian Trade Commission, New Delhi...

2010-02-19T02:38:00Z

Australian Wine Buzz
Australian Trade Commission continues to be active in promoting Australian wines in India. The Commision has been, "Introducing Australian wines in to the Indian Market by participating major wine tasting shows, and sending wine tasting teams to various top end hotels. The focus is on all major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc." shares Michael Carter (On picture)

Up is the way to go
And why not, when India has a great potential market... Carter feels, "Currently India imports very small amount of wine (1/2 million cases last year). Out of that only 24% are Australian wines." He feels strongly that a major growth is on the horizon.

The imported wine market in India is expected to reach 225,000 cases in 2009-10, up from 180,000 cases in 2008-09. This represents an increase of 25% in volume of imported wines consumed.

The food service sector, comprising of hotels and restaurants, is worth approx. US$5 billion and accounts for around 70% of wine sales in India The balance of wine sales occurs through the burgeoning organised modern retail formats stocking wines and spirits which will grow the imported wines and spirits sector significantly.

Australia already has established itself as the no. 2 player in the Indian market with a 24% marketshare.
The Australian Trade commission is work across around 50 Australian wine labels to support their business growth across India particularly in the major wine markets of New Delhi & Mumbai where the commission has been executing Australian wine regional tastings to increase reach and awareness with the wine trade & hospitality sector

Success demystified
Australian wines already have a 24% share in the Indian market for imported wines. And going by the Australian Trade Commission's vision it is going to get even better. What is the strength behind Australia's success in the Indian wine market?

Carter is quick to explain this one:

1. Austalia is very big country with different climate conditions and isolation. This gives competitve advantage to the wineries, and it is possible to produce different kinds of wines.

2. Also, the Austalian market is small so wineries are exploring outside markets aggressively. India being a huge market, the efforts are showing results.

For more details on availability and importing Australian wines to India, please contact: UTSAV-AustraliaIndia@austrade.gov.au

For more details about Australian wines please visit http://www.wineaustralia.com/australia/

for indianwine.com Venki

DELHI WINE CLUB INITIAT ES TERROIR ONE IN MUMBAI

2010-02-17T02:06:00Z

The Delhi Wine Club has recently launched its Mumbai Chapter called Terroir One. This marks the trend of clubs being run by wine connoisseurs not linked to a winery or a commercial interest in Mumbai. The event was held at J W Marriott hotel with mouth watering barbeques and best of wines from FineWinesnMore portfolio.

In his welcome speech, Subhash Arora, Chairman of Terroir One and the founder of the Delhi Wine Club stated that he had already helped and would be happy to see many more similar clubs set up in India to get like-minded people interested in wine and good lifestyle together. He also stated that this club would primarily target and run by women as they have been the propellants of wine culture throughout the world. Being focused, sincere and creating awareness while having fun drinking wine was his objective while setting up the Delhi Wine Club in the early 2002 and would continue in Mumbai.

Wine clubs have been growing in India over the past few years and the normal question asked is whether it is worth joining a club. Asked about the competitive advantage of Terroir One, Bindu Malhotra, the President of the new club said ‘Our objective is to fuse together the rich and wonderful world of wine with relaxing and fun events. We believe it is a lifestyle product that goes well with food, art, spas and music and we promote learning at your own pace while enjoying the experience’.

Curtsey: http://www.ambrosiaindia.com

Franco-India talks to settle wine dispute

2010-02-14T19:56:00Z

France is keen to settle the dispute with India over import duty on wines and spirits which could be sorted out through discussions without approaching the WTO. Speaking at a CII function, the visiting Foreign Trade Minister of France Anne Marie Idrac said, “We hope very much that the discussions under process will go on and that solutions can be found without having to (approach) the WTO.”

The European Union (EU) had recently threatened to drag India to the WTO if taxes on wines and spirits imported from Europe are not slashed. “We are sure that arrangements can be found between Indian producers and Europeans, especially French producers,” she said. In 2007 India had slashed the additional customs duty it charged on imported spirits, up to 150per cent of value of imports in some cases, but simultaneously hiked the basic customs duties to 150per cent from 100per cent. Prior to this, the European Commission had dragged India to WTO in 2007 seeking redress of its grievances which included what it called denial of ‘national treatment’ to liquor imported from Europe.

Under the national treatment rules, imported products have to be treated on par with domestic items. The WTO consultation process on the issue was suspended following New Delhi action on duty front in 2007. EU is not completely satisfied because of the increase in basic duty. Moreover, major consuming states of imported wines such as Goa, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra also impose special fee on these items. In 2007 EU exports of spirits to India amounted to about 57 million Euros, while EU exports of wine totalled about 11 million Euros.

Replying on a question about the conclusion of India-EU free trade agreement, Ms Idrac said the ongoing discussions are “hard”. “I must say that this time the discussions are a little hard...France is pushing very much but it seems to be difficult to obtain a good level of reciprocity,” she added.

Curtsey: http://www.ambrosiaindia.com

SULAFEST 2010

2010-02-12T05:50:00Z

Sula Vineyards is marking its tenth anniversary with SULAFEST 2010, a daylong celebration of music, food and wine at Sula’s own estate vineyards.

From noon till midnight on February 20th, Sulafest partygoers can enjoy a carnival atmosphere of music, food, wine and fleamarket shopping in the chilled environs of the winery’s beautiful open-air, Greek-style amphitheater.

Sulafest 2010 promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with an awesome band line-up featuring headlining act Jalebee Cartel - India’s most successful live electronic dance music act. Catch them at Sulafest 2010 before they leave for an extensive tour of Europe this summer!

Also featured this year is Shkabang, fronted by Anushka Manchanda – a talented bunch of like-minded musicians belting out an eclectic blend of electronica, rock and pop. Something Relevant, the highly energetic and original band known for making their live act unpredictable and loads of fun, Ankur Tewari, whose music is embedded with an acoustic sound and feel and has a legion of followers for his live performances and Teddy Boy Kill, a band from Delhi, known for music that touches on diverse styles within the electronic genre, are the other bands performing at the fest this year.

Spicing up this great musical line-up will be eclectic food stalls, including kebabs and pastas & pizzas freshly made at Sula’s very own vineyard restaurants, to be washed down with a wide array of local and imported wines.

SULAFEST 2010 will also feature the ‘Sulafest Bazaar’ - art and craft shops, clothing, eco-friendly gifts, and other food stalls. Other activities on-site will include a live acoustic act, Tarot card reader, relaxing foot massages, jewellery stalls, tattoo and nail artists, a caricature artist, hair braiders, stand-up comedian, and more!

SULAFEST 2010 is quite simply one of the best days out that you could imagine – great music, food, wine and loads of fun, all in the enchanting setting of India’s finest vineyard!

Tickets available from 28^th Jan 2010 at:

www.bookmyshow.com

Mumbai : Sante, Rhythm House, Little Italy (Juhu), Godrej Nature’s Basket, The Bagel Shop (Bandra), Haiko Supermarket (Powai)

Pune : Little Italy

Nashik : Sula Vineyards, Café Express, Foodmart, Planet M

For more info dial :+91 9004608547/ 022 67211900 or log onto www.sulawines.com

Bangalore celebrates grape harvest with Hopcom's grape mela till 31st March 2010 - Times of India

2010-02-11T10:13:00Z

Indulge in grapes and wine at Hopcom’s grape mela which offers over ten varieties of grapes. The mela, on till March 31, has varieties like Sharath, Thomson seedless, Bangalore Blue, Tasa Ganesh, Sonaka, Krishna Sharath, Sharath seedless, Plain, Crimson, Indian Black Globe and Indian Red Globe. The grapes are from parts of North Karnataka, Kolar and in and around Bangalore.

The mela is on at 237 outlets across the city, 39 special counters and 15 mobile counters. Mango and grape juices are also available at most of these places.

At the Hudson Circle counter, five locally grown wines will be on display till February 20.

According to MD Hopcoms V Krishna, Karnataka is the country’s second-largest producer of grapes after Maharashtra. Worldwide, India ranks 11, with Italy at numero uno position.

More: The Times of India