Intl wine festival in Kadri Park from today

After receiving an overwhelming response in Karwar, the Karnataka Wine Board, in association with the Department of Horticulture, will organise 'Mangaluru International Wine Festival - 2017' at Kadri Park here from December 8 to 10.

Karnataka Wine Board General Manager Sarvesh told reporters here on Thursday that the aim of the wine festival is to create awareness on wine grape cultivation, opportunities to display different brands of wines, offer direct interaction with consumers and provide Karnataka wineries an exposure at the national and global level.

Stating that about 150 brands will be on sale during the festival, he said that 15 wineries each from the state as well as Maharashtra will take part in the festival. Wines from well-known countries like Australia, New Zealand, Chili and America will also be on sale.

Besides wine stalls, food courts to facilitate food pairing with wine, music, entertainment and cultural programmes will be added attractions.

While an entry fee of Rs 20 will be charged per person, a 10% discount will be offered on all brands of wines sold at the festival, he added.

While District-in-Charge Minister B Ramanath Rai will inaugurate the festival at 6 pm, Horticulture Minister S S Mallikharjun will inaugurate the wine stalls and MLA J R Lobo will preside over the programme.

Karnataka Wine Board Chairman Ravindra Shankar Mirje and Horticulture Department Deputy Director H R Nayak were present.