Uttarakhand's Wine Tourism Initiative | 23 Dec 2024

Why in News? 

Recently, the Uttarakhand government inaugurated its first wine production unit in Kotdwar as part of its new excise policy to promote wine tourism. 

Key Points 

• Wine Tourism Initiative: 
  • The initiative aims to offer wine enthusiasts the opportunity to tour the wine production units, learn about the history of wine, understand the production process, and taste different varieties of wine. 
  • Guest houses are being developed around wine units to enhance the tourism experience, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the region’s scenic beauty. 
• Uttarakhand’s Agricultural Resources: 
  • Uttarakhand is rich in fruits such as malta, apples, buransh flowers, pears, and galgal, which can be utilized for wine production. 
  • These local resources will help create a unique appeal for wine tourism. 
• Expansion Plans: 
  • A private wine unit in Kotdwar was established two months ago, producing wine continuously with approval from the excise department. 
  • New wine production plants are planned for Bageshwar and Champawat. 
• Economic and Employment Objectives: 
  • The government seeks to ensure the excise policy increases revenue and creates employment opportunities. 
  • Small and medium wine production units will be encouraged in hilly regions, using local fruits to create jobs and business opportunities for local populations