Fizz to festivities: Spirits on a high as whisky,wine sales increase

At French Wines in Wanowrie,there has been a 10-20 per cent hike in sales this festive season. “Whisky is popular and brands have seen brisk sales,” said Abhijeet Patil of French Wines.

Youngsters and elders alike organise parties and dinners on Diwali day. “We are a group of 25-30 people and are going to spend the night playing cards. The venue will be one of our homes. More than food,it’s alcohol that we’ve decided upon. Crates of beer,four bottles of whisky and wine is on our drinks menu,” said Abhishek M,an entrepreneur who resides on Tadiwala Road. Wine sales have shot up and the clients are mostly women,informed Vinod Barboza,institution head,Pause Wines,which is based in Dindori-Nashik. “Diwali is a time when alcohol sales always increase. Many people in Pune are well acquainted with wine,” said Rajesh Patil,proprietor. In October,Pause Wines has sold around 200 cases of wine. Barboza added,“We have sold 40 cases of Tempranillo varietal. Wine is a healthier drink and also,the rates of other hard drinks have shot up.”

Gopal Jeswani of Satyam Wines,Camp,however,says the sale of alcohol and wine is more during Christmas and New Year than Diwali. “The sales during Diwali is nothing special when compared to that in December,” he said.