The concept of wine tourism is yet to catch up in the State as it is not getting the push it deserves to boost it as an alternative tourism.
Despite the State having many wineries, including a few located near the State capital Bengaluru, the concept has not attracted visitors. Most wineries are privately-owned and some of them are promoting wine tour in a small way. Wineries near Channapatna on the busy Bengaluru-Mysuru highway have already introduced the concept of wine tourism. As part of it, a visitor can enjoy wine tasting, food and a tour of the winery for Rs. 500.
Wine tourism is extremely popular in Europe, especially in countries like Spain, which is considered one of the world’s biggest wine growing regions. Visitors to Spain don’t miss the opportunity to go on a wine tour with a trained guide.
Sources in the Karnataka Wine Board said that wine tourism will get a push when the wine park proposed near Vijayapura becomes a reality. As Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts attract tourists for their historical sites, wine tourism is likely to emerge as an added itinerary, the sources added.
