Karnataka Wine Board to launch tours of wineries

In a few months' time, a new travel circuit — wine tourism — will beckon tourists to Karnataka. In a bid to popularise wine culture, the Karnataka Wine Board is set to launch this initiative in association with wineries in the state.

It is for the first time that this is being conceptualised, according to the board members. The wine board would offer these tours on lower tariffs compared to those offered by private agencies and would be capped below Rs 500 a person per day. To begin with, these would be organised in the Nandi Valley.

To begin with, the wine board will have circuits where private wineries are offering the one-day wine tours to visitors. The board would tie up with six such wineries to start with.

The wine tour that private wineries offer will be streamlined into an experience that helps connoisseurs improve their knowledge about wine with the introduction of wine tourism, the board believes.

From spending a day at the winery gathering details about the varieties and its flavours or participating in activities such as stomping, there is something for everyone to look forward to.

T Somu, managing director, Karnataka Wine Board said that the tours would be organised between January and March. “That is the time grapes are harvested. We want visitors to see every aspect of winemaking from the picking of grapes. Hence we chose the period,” he said.

Those on the tour can visit the orchards, take part in the processing activities and also taste various varieties of wine during the tour. Grape stomping, winery tour, barrel room and wine tasting will be part of the tour.

The one-day tours will be organised on weekends. “We will announce the dates online and registrations can be done. Only those above 21 would be allowed. We will take the visitors to a minimum of two wineries,” said Somu.

The board expects to take enthusiasts in batches of 30 each. “We are not looking at too many numbers as it would not give everyone a chance for hands-on experience,” said Sarvesh Kumar, general manager.

The board will act as a link between enthusiasts and the wineries. Transport would be provided and itinerary would be planned by the board.