Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Nov 26: Wine enthusiasts from in and around the city turned out in big numbers at the first-ever wine festival in Mangaluru, which began on the premises of Kadri Park here on November 26.

District in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai inaugurated three-day wine festival, which has been organised by the Karnataka Wine Board and the department of horticulture.

Addressing the gathering, Rai said, "This is the first wine festival organised in this city. Mangaluru is one of the fastest growing cities in the state. Grape wine is good for health. I wish this three-day fest becomes a grand success."

Chief whip of the legislative council, Ivan D'Souza said, "The governmnet has formed wine board and thereby helped in creating awarenes about the benefits of wine. People have wrong notion that wine is not good for health. Anything which is consumed in excess is not good for health. Thus if consumed within limit, wine has many proven health benefits. Events like the wine festival would encourage wine grape cultivation in the state. I wish success to this maiden wine fest here in Mangaluru."

Around eleven wineries have put up stalls at the three-day festival.

The event aims to educate visitors about wine and promote wine culture, as the wine board maintains that wine has health benefits.

The stalls are offering 10 percent discount on their products.

Over 40 brands of red wine, white wine and sparkling wine are available at the stalls.

Deputy director of horticulture Yogesh H R and officials from the board and the department were present.