In a merry turn of affairs for wine enthusiasts in the state, a fresh fruit winery is being set up in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. This will not only be the first winery in UP, but also in Northern India.

While we're on the subject of wine and vineyards, did you know that it was in the 1980s that India first began manufacturing wine in an organised manner? Wineries in the country exist today majorly in Maharashtra and Bangalore and it is Nashik that is referred to as the "Wine Capital of India".

However, you do not have to plan a trip to Nashik every time you crave the red elixir, for the state will soon dispense its homegrown wine to serve all! Since Uttar Pradesh contributes some 26% to fruit production in India, with around 105.41 lakh tons of fruits produced yearly, the move will utilise this flourishing market.

Talking about the fruits produced till now, Bhoosreddy explained that this decision will utilise the leftover fruits, in the production of wine.

"40 per cent, roughly 42.16 lakh tonnes of fruits, remain unutilised. The cost of fruits left over from consumption in the state is about Rs. 4,216.40 crores," he noted.

This new facility will be set up by KD Solutions Pvt Ltd in Muzaffarnagar district, with a yearly capacity of 54,446 litres — a move that is expected to create employment opportunities for farmers and boost their economic position.

This is precisely where the wine industry can help ensure full utilisation of the farmers' labour, in turn, boosting their income, and also aiding in creating more employment opportunities in the state.

So, next time you're in between a road trip and happen to cross Muzaffarnagar, do stop and smell the roses!