 "Karnataka wine policy boosts production, sales")
Over a period of seven years since the introduction of the Karnataka Grape Processing and Wine Policy and the establishment of the Karnataka Wine Board in 2007, wine sales and grape cultivated area have increased four-fold, from 1.31 million litres to 5.05 million litres, while the crop area has shot up from 500 acres to 2,000 acres.
In 2007, there were just two wineries while today 17 wineries are engaged in production, and a few more are in the pipeline. There are 190 taverans and 39 boutiques against none before the formation of the wine board. Three international wine festivals have been conducted and more are on the anvil.
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Addressing a press meet on Wednesday, on the eve of the three-day Mysore Wine Festival 2014 from December 26, wine board managing director B Krishna said sale of wine had taken a 30 per cent jump to an annual 194,000 litres from 143,000 litres in 2012-13 in Mysuru city.
After Bengaluru last month, wine festival is being conducted in Mysuru and wine meets' will be held in Bidar and Belagavi next month, according to board chairman Bakkappa Kote. These events are aimed at creating awareness on wine cultivation and industry with an emphasis on marketing. A proposal on marketing of wine grapes will be handed to the chief minister and the minister concerned, as grape growers were facing hardship in marketing.
"We have also discussed assisting new wineries that are likely to come up in Mysuru," said Krishna.
"The wine policy made a good impact on the industry in the state. As a result of many concessions by the government, there has been an increase in the number of wineries, boutiques and taverans. It has also given a fillip to grape cultivation," he said.
Against less than 10 wineries last year, the response for 2014 Mysuru global wine festival is 17, comprising 10 from Karnataka, two from Maharashtra, one from Goa and six from abroad, including USA, France, Australia, and Germany. They will showcase over 150 brands. Food courts will be also be set up.
As part of the festival, Krishna added a one-day heritage tour will be conducted at the Heritage Wines, Channapatna, where wine tasting will be an added attraction.