Maharashtra wine output on a new high

The grape wine industry in Maharashtra has taken big strides in the last few years. In 2005, the state recorded 81.25 per cent rise in wine production compared with last year. Of this, Nashik district's share is at 32 per cent.

"As per the Maharashtra Grape Processing Industrial Policy 2001, grape wineries have been given the status of food processing industry. At present, out of a total production of 62.15 lakh litre in the country, Maharashtra accounted for 54 lakh litre of production," said Jaideep Kale, technical co-ordinator, Grape Wine Park, MIDC.

Of the 38 grape wine units in the country, 36 are in Maharashtra alone. Further, 18 units are in Nashik, the wine capital of India, while 8 units are in Sangli, 7 in Pune and 3 units in Solapur. An average of 10 units have been coming up each year since 2003. The state wineries have a total investment of Rs 110.17 crore till 2005.

"Grape wine production got a big boost with the coming into effect of Maharashtra Grape Processing Industrial Policy in 2001. In 2001, the production in the state was 15 lakh litre. In 2002, it rose to 20 lakh litre, in 2003 to 25 lakh litre, and in 2004, it went upto 30.15 lakh litre," Kale said.

"In 2005, wine production in Pune has been the maximum at 31.54 lakh litre, followed by Nashik - 16.84 lakh litre, Solapur - 3.40 lakh litre and Sangli - 2.85 lakh litre," he said.

"Red, White, Rosae and Sparkling wines are produced in the state. About 7.5 ml wine is produced from 1.5 kg of grape," he added.

Of the 54.64 lakh litre of grape wine production in the state in 2005, Red wine accounted for 25.77 lakh litre, White wine at 27.02 lakh litre, Rosae wine at 35,500 litre and Sparkling wine at 1.50 lakh litre.