Wine fest kicks off

The rising popularity of wine was evident in the crowds that gathered for the festival. But despite the increase in the consumption by 20-35 per cent every year, wine connoisseurs feel there is still much to be desired. The festival, organised by the Karnataka Wine Board to introduce people to the world of wine and promote wine cultivation, is expected to change all that. The festival, along with a seminar, will be held till July 12 at Lalbagh.

Inaugurating the event, the Minister said, “Earlier, the wine grape cultivation was allotted only 600 acres land. However, since the formulation of the wine policy, it has increased to 1,800 acres," he added. Consequently, the extent of wine grapes production has increased to 20-25 lakh litres from 15-18 lakh litres per year.

Wine tasting

Another attraction of the event was the tasting session, where people were given red wine to experience and savour. While state wine producers — Grover, Naka and Kinvah — put up their stalls to inform people about their products, the wines were also being sold at discounted rates.

Besides the festival, the seminar will deal with production and cultivation of wine grape, production of wine, wine consumption and health and opportunities of people who want to set up wineries in the state.