Bengaluru: This Valentine’s Day, wine lovers in Chennai can indulge in a glass of Indian brand
Sula over a romantic dinner. Nashik-based winery Sula Vineyards has become the first national wine brand to be listed with
Tasmac or The
Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation. With this the leading winemaker, which holds 60% of the market share, will sell its premium and sparkling range at wine shops across Tamil Nadu.
Despite being one of the leading
alcohol consuming states in the country, no India-made wine was permitted to sell in Tamil Nadu until now.
“We are excited to be the first and the only national wine brand to be associated with Tasmac,” said
Rajeev Samant, founder of Sula Vineyards, in a press statement. “As the most integral channel in Tamil Nadu for any alcohol brand, it will ensure that our wines are available to the entire state. It is an accomplishment for us,” he added.
As a rule, all brands of alcohol need to be first registered with state government-owned Tasmac in order to be retailed at any wine shop in Tamil Nadu. Tasmac shops have a monopoly over wholesale and retail vending of alcoholic beverages in the state. It controls the Indian Made
Foreign Liquor (IMFL) trade in the state.