During my visit to Karnata state, I was really surprised to see so many wine shops in Kodagu district. Initially, I neglected as I do not consume alcohol but further could not stop myself to visit one wine shop when I noticed these are homemade wines. I was just curious to know why there are so many wine shops in Coorg? I thought probably it is like Goa where liquor is available freely, but I was wrong. Inside the shop, I found various types of fruit flavored wines just like we get choice of different fruit juices in any grocery store or juice shop.
When I was just watching these wines with curiosity shopkeeper offered me to taste one wine but I told him I do not consume alcohol, he was smiling and said sir, it does not contain alcohol, it is a homemade and healthy drink. I said, wine without alcohol? Yes. papa, our teacher said wine is not necessarily an alcoholic drink, my daughter jumped into the conversation.
I didn't believe when shopkeeper told that these wines do not contain alcohol but when I went into deep I found that these wines are not mature and only 3-4 months old so alcohol contains is negligible. As it gets mature alcohol percentage increases. At this young age, these wines are bottled but they are not filtered, so small portions of yeast are left in the bottle. Thus the aging process continues even after the wines are bottled. Price of wines increases with its age. I bought 3 flavored grapes, chikoo and pineapple.
These wines are totally fruit based with some amazing flavors like banana, Beetle leave, Ginger, Pineapple, and the usual grape.
In shops, these wines are kept right alongside spices, locally-made vinegar and honey, filter coffee and homemade chocolates.
After I purchased these wines I came to know that Kodagu is not only known for its natural beauty, salubrious climate, oranges, coffee, spices and honey but also for amazing wines!