Horticulture to hold ‘Mangaluru Wine Festival – 2016’
“Wine is the most healthful and hygienic of all beverages, A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world.” – Louis Pasteur
Mangaluru: “The Department of Horticulture and Karnataka Wine Board Bengaluru will be organising a three-day ‘Mangaluru Wine Fest-2016’ from November 26 to 28, at Kadri Park”, said the Chairman of Karnataka Wine board Ravindra Shankar Mirje, in a press meet held at the press club, Urwa, here on November 25.
Addressing the media persons, Ravindra said, “This is the first time the wine fest will be held in Mangaluru. This festival has received an excellent response. Over 10 to 12 wineries will be participating in the fest and will showcase more than 150 brands at the wine festival. Besides the wineries, food courts will be put up to facilitate food pairing with wine, music, entertainment, cultural programmes and other added attractions. This festival will also include technical sessions on wine grape cultivation, wine education to train and encourage moderate wine consumption, an opportunity for the stakeholders to foster trade-business, as well as a conference on Wine Education, Appreciation and Tasting (WEAT).”
He further added, “The purpose of organising these festivals is to create awareness about grape cultivation, and to support the farmers by providing exposure to Karnataka wineries at the state and national level.”
Speaking to the media persons, Director of Horticulture, Z P Mangaluru, Yogesh H R said, “We can see the impact of Karnataka Grape Processing and Wine Policy-2007, on the wineries and its sales. Before the establishment of the wine board, there were only two wineries in the state, which has now increased to 17. Also, the income generated through the sale of wine sale to the State Government has increased from Rs 60 Crore to Rs 193 Crore in the past nine years after the establishment of the Wine Board.
Also Addressing the media persons, Managing Director, Karnataka Wine Board, T Somu said, “Wine is not only an alcoholic product. It proves to be very beneficial to our health. It prevents certain types of cancer, dementia, coronary heart diseases and has anti-aging properties. After Bengaluru, Mangaluru is the second highest wine consuming city in the state.”
He also said, “The special features of the fest include, 10 wineries from Karnataka, 3 wineries from Maharashtra, Sale and Exhibition of different kinds of good quality wine, knowledge about food pairing with different wines, 10% Concession on wine sale and musical-cultural programme.
“Mangaluru Wine Fest-2016” will be inaugurated on November 26 at 5pm by Ramanath Rai, Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment and Mangaluru District Incharge Minister. Wine stalls will be inaugurated by S S Mallikarjun, Minister of Horticulture and Agricultural Marketing. The programme will be presided over by J R Lobo, MLA, Mangaluru South constituency.
Karnataka Wine Board invites the General Public in large numbers for the wine festival.
by Caroline Dsouza