Wine sale registers 41 per cent growth in Delhi

NEW DELHI: More and more Delhiites seem to be opting for wine as its sale in the city in the past six months has shown a growth of 41 per cent than what it was during the same period last year.

In the past six months, 25,064 cases of wine were sold as against 17,722 cases in the corresponding period last year, registering 41.43 per cent rise. A case of wine contains 12 bottles.

Currently, wine lovers have 64 brands including imported ones to choose from in the city's restaurants and shops. There are about 450 restaurants, 356 government-controlled liquor shops and 89 private shops where wine is available for sale.

India is the ninth biggest producer of grapes worldwide and is seen as one of the growing wine markets, though the capital does not have any wine distillery.

In September, 5274 wine cases were sold as against 4763 last year while 2396 cases were sold up to October 13 as against 1028 cases last year in the city, according to the Excise Department data.

With a healthy growth in wine sale, Union Cabinet is expected to ratify the agreement for India becoming a member of the Paris based International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). This will give India access to all scientific information available with the international group.