Telangana Explores Wine Tourism in Rangareddy, Vikarabad After U.S. Study Tour

Hyderabad: Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao has identified Rangareddy and Vikarabad districts as ideal locations for vineyard and winery-based tourism after visiting Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, Virginia, where he studied wine production and experiences.

Rao spoke to winery representatives about grape cultivation, varieties suited for winemaking, fermentation, storage, ageing, bottling, quality control and marketing. He also examined how guided tours, hospitality and experiences are built around vineyards.

The minister said the two districts could suit such projects because of their proximity to Hyderabad and prospects for grape cultivation. The government would study locations, climatic conditions and investment models.

“Wine tourism can offer a distinctive visitor experience while supporting grape growers, attracting private investment and generating local employment,” Rao said.

The proposal forms part of the state tourism policy which seeks to widen tourism offerings through private and public-private partnership investments.

Projects worth more than Rs 15,000 crore were unveiled at the Telangana Tourism Conclave, including a vineyard resort with a winery walkthrough. The proposed project would take visitors through the wine-making process, from grape harvesting to bottling, and include traditional grape stomping.