In December 2024, the Uttarakhand government inaugurated its first wine production unit in Kotdwar, marking a significant step toward promoting wine tourism under the state’s new excise policy.
This facility has already produced 1,000 cases of wine, signaling a promising start for the region’s nascent wine industry.
The initiative aims to attract wine enthusiasts by offering comprehensive tours of the production unit, where visitors can learn about the history of wine, observe the production process, and sample various wine varieties.
To enhance the tourist experience, guesthouses are being developed around the facility, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand while indulging in wine-related activities.
This move is part of a broader strategy to boost state revenue and create employment opportunities by leveraging the region’s rich agricultural resources.
Uttarakhand’s diverse fruit production, including malta oranges, apples, buransh (rhododendron) flowers, pears, and galgal (hill lemons), provides a unique opportunity to produce a variety of fruit wines, adding a distinctive flavor to India’s wine offerings.
The success of the Kotdwar unit has prompted plans to establish additional wine production facilities in Bageshwar and Champawat, further expanding the state’s wine tourism infrastructure.
By integrating wine production with tourism, Uttarakhand aims to position itself as a notable destination for wine enthusiasts, contributing to the state’s economic development and offering a new avenue for cultural and recreational activities.
This initiative reflects a growing trend in India to explore and develop wine tourism, combining traditional agricultural practices with modern tourism strategies to create sustainable economic growth.
As the industry evolves, Uttarakhand’s commitment to promoting wine tourism is expected to attract both domestic and international visitors, eager to experience the unique blend of natural beauty and viticulture that the state offers.