The company's present focus is to improve product quality and overall volumes. It is currently studying the consumer response of three varietals in its portfolio -- Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet Shiraz. The wines are available in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa and Pune. The company will also introduce the products in Hyderabad, Chennai and Pondicherry by March 2009. North Indian markets will be tapped by end 2009. The company had earlier tied up with Sankalp Winery in Nashik.

The company will also be adding the Sauvignon Blanc varietal to its portfolio by March 2009. It has introduced a private selection range to target only select institutional sales. The wines are 100 per cent Shiraz and the company has produced only 500 cases of the wine. "The private selection range aims for selective marketing. We have also received enquiries from high end fine dining restaurants in Japan and UK and will export the products there," Rao adds. Almost half the produce will be targeted for the exports.

"Since our present production is very small, we will grow in a phased manner, target key markets first rather than rushing for a pan India presence. The present focus is on establishing the brand and marketing it in the country," informs Sachin Sonavane, National Sales Director, Mandala Valley. The company will focus on its key wine consuming accounts, expanding markets and venturing into new territories in the next three years. Plans are also in progress to develop the company's own winery in Bengaluru. It has identified land and is expected to start wine production by 2010. It will initiate the facility's operations with grapes acquired through contract farming.

Hospitality Biz first reported the story on this entrepreneurial and ambitious wine producer which is being very strategic in how it grows and evolves.