By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 12: The festival spirit lingers in Meghalaya where the celebration is brimming with a blend of music, delectable food, engaging games, and an indispensable element – the local wine stores. This Christmas season, a heartwarming family dinner is deemed incomplete without the accompaniment of a carefully selected glass of wine, sourced locally.
The scenes that unfold in front of the shops in the festivals, primarily managed by young entrepreneurs, weave a narrative of their own. Sohiong, wild apple, tamarind, Sohphie, Ginger – name a fruit, and there’s a corresponding wine, each boasting a distinctive taste and catering to its own unique audience.
These wines, having found favor among locals, are now winning the hearts of tourists who keep coming back for more.
“Who would have imagined a fruit wine to be so good?” remarked Nishikant Saikia, who got to taste the local wine during the literary fest at Ward’s Lake. “The price is affordable, you get so many options and best part is, most of them are fermented,” he added.
Saikia, who is from Guwahati, asserted that he makes sure that every time he comes to Shillong, he packs at least 7-8 bottles for his family.
Similarly, a visitor from Mumbai, after savouring three local wine bottles, declared it as their chosen poison for the rest of their stay. He even compared it to pricey local wines from across the country, emphasising that the Sohiong wine he tasted at the State Central Library was the best.
Festival-goers flock to these stalls, discovering diverse local wine brands and choosing from a plethora of options.
Biolinda Marbaniang, owner of Khasi Wines, shared that festivals help them reach a broad audience, serving as a platform for marketing and promoting their brand. Sending around 100 cases to local wine stores monthly, Marbaniang highlighted the power of word of mouth in promoting their brand.
Festivals also serve as feedback forums, enabling wine makers to incorporate consumer insights into flavors and other aspects.
Meghalaya’s local wines are a growing sensation, enticing both locals and tourists with their rich flavours, affordability, and unique varieties.