Wine is spice of life in pub city

The pub capital of India is saying cheers with gusto to wine. The tastes and choices of Bangaloreans seem to be changing with changing lifestyle.

Earlier, beer was the favoured drink in summer. Now wine is gaining popularity, as it is considered a drink of the elite, and also a fashion statement, says Aslam Gaffur, chief operating officer, Webar Grills. More youth are favouring wine to whisky, beer and vodka as it is more refreshing. Also, wine is generally preferred as an accompaniment to food, which helps absorb the 10-15% alcohol content and removes the hurdle of getting tipsy, he says.
There has been a gradual rise in demand in the city for the last five years, with women also taking a liking to it, says Abhay Kevadkar, business head and chief of wine makers, UB Group. Regular wine festivals in the city are also increasing awareness about the drink.
Store owners say they have witnessed a 30% rise in demand this year compared to last year. Also, there is an increasing preference for local wines, which are not only cheap but also of high quality.

This, they say, is a good sign as it encourages local manufacturers. Chairman of Naka Wines Private Limited, BN Nanjundaiah, says that many families are preferring rose and white wine during summers as they can be served chill. This trend is also giving farmers the required fillip and exposure.

President of the association of bars and restaurants, pubs and hotels, Bangalore Ashish Kothare says that it is easier to obtain a wine licence in the city rather than a liquor licence. An excise department official says that as a policy decision, the state government, since 1993, has not been issuing CL2 and CL9 licences to set up liquor stores which sell hard drinks. However, licences are being issued for stores selling wine which is considered a lighter drink.

Karnataka Wine Board chairman Dr B Krishna says that in 2007-08, 15.3 lakh litres of wine were sold, 17.8 lakh litres were sold in 2008-09, and from 2009 till date sales figures have nearly touched 20 lakh litres.

The recent state budget has also extended support to grape cultivation by adopting a wine policy. According to official records, quality grapes are being grown scientifically in an area of about 1,800 acres across Karnataka.