Alpine Wineries, a relatively new entrant in the wine industry, plans to sell its brands in China and in the United Kingdom.
Part of Rs 600-crore SPR Group, Alpine Wineries has invested about Rs 150 crore into the venture so far. In its first full year of operations, the company plans to post a turnover of about Rs 25 crore. It has about 500 hectares of vineyard land in the Cauvery Valley, of which, around 100 hectares have been cultivated so far.
Mr T. Raghavendra Gowda, Managing Director, Alpine Wineries, said the company has sent samples to China and are awaiting their decision.
The company has three brands, Oro, Vindiva Classic and Vindiva Reserve, which are priced in the range of Rs 400-900. All three are available in both red and while wine variants, with the reds consisting of Shiraz and Cabernet Shiraz and the whites of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. The company also has plans to launch new variants by 2013-14. While declining to comment on what these wines will be, Mr Gowda said, “Some of them will a first in India and even in Asia.”
Wine consultant, Mr Alok Chandra, said Alpine Wineries has some good brands. “This is a good first effort. Vindiva Classic 2011 has excellent body and fruit, while Vindiva Reserve is full-bodied and has loads of aroma.”
Mr Chandra said he sees a lot of possibilities for wineries like Alpine, Sula and Four Seasons. “They have excellent technology and good quality. I see lots of possibilities for them, not just in China but all over the world.”