Fest brings cheer to State's Wine Board

A case of wine (with 12 bottles) costs about Rs 4,800. The total earnings from the festival has been more than Rs 38.40 lakh.

The festival was held at Lalbagh from July 10 to 12, and was organised by the Karnataka Wine Board. The main idea behind organising the festival was to promote cultivation of grape, and offer an opportunity for members of the public to taste different varieties of wine. According to the board, more than one lakh people visited the festival, and there were 400 enquiries about setting up wine-yards, taverns and boutiques. The three native brands - Grover, Naka and Kinvah had set up stalls in the festival.

Wine Board Managing Director Dr Krishna said the board did not expect such a huge turnout. “Many showed interest in setting up taverns and boutiques, and enquired about grape cultivation. This exercise will definitely boost the  industry in the State,” he said.