Dec 14: Nashik-based wine producer Soma Vineyards has bagged an export order for one full container (1050 cases) to the US, and despatched the container yesterday for Mumbai, in the presence of the Regional Commissioner Mr. Mahesh Zagade at Soma Vine Village, writes Subhash Arora who has always lauded the efforts of the owner Pradeep Pachpatil in wine tourism and believes this enviable feet has been possible thanks to his wine tourism focus
A container load of 1050 cases, with 8 labels-4 Soma-Shiraz, Chenin, Sauvignon Blanc and Soma Brut; and 4 Yoga Vino including Rose, Shiraz Cab, Chenin was despatched yesterday December 12, in the afternoon, in the presence of the Regional Commissioner Mr. Mahesh Zagade and several members of the All India Wine Producers Association. The shipment has been against 100% advance payment and took one-year to fructify.
The story of getting the order and execution is interesting and a big testimonial to our long time singing the importance of wine tourism as a basic part of doing business (when feasible). Parag Pachpatil who owns the Beyond Resort, earlier leased out to Sula Vineyards till June with 29 rooms, also has 2 3bhk and 3 7bhk villas as part of wine tourism from the day he set up his winery-besides the winery, tasting room, conference room, banquet rooms, restaurant and the adventure sports.
‘This young gentleman of barely 25 years of age came from New Jersey and stayed with us a year ago and rented our villa,’ says Pachpatil. ‘As it happened, he owns 7-8 wine and liquor stores in New Jersey, USA. While staying here, he loved my wines and showed an interest to import and represent us in the US-in both East and West Coasts. Of course, we could not give the whole area due to logistics and tax issues in the US, we agreed to give him distribution rights for the East Coast’, he adds.
The process of executing the order since the idea was conceived took a year, says Pradeep. ‘I also went to the US, to check out his operations and when I was satisfied, I undertook the project.
After the payment was received, I got the labels printed, got the bottling done etc.’
Pachpatil crushed the grapes to full 100 ton capacity-giving him around 80,000-90,000 bottles, crossing comfortably the 6,000 case mark.
The prices at which the wines have been sold are at a reasonable level, enabling the importer to retail them at $12-$15 in the East Coast market.
In the meantime, the wine tourism business is going very well for Soma, says Pradeep. ‘We have had 6 weddings this year; 4 were from Mumbai. Beyond and the Villas are doing very well-we expect an occupancy of 90% during January and February’ adds Pradeep who plans to raise the tariffs from January and wants to have Soma Vineyards as a wedding destination.
It looks like things are rolling well for the ex-VP of Sula Vineyards, Pradeep Pachpatil, owner of Soma Vineyards and Soma Vine Village and he has ensconced himself well into wine tourism, being close to Sula and York and offering great opportunity in wine tourism. Export to the US will also give him good recognition.
Subhash Arora
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