Telangana explores wine tourism model

Telangana is exploring the possibility of developing wine tourism, with Prohibition and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao studying international winery models during a visit to the United States.

As part of the visit, the Minister toured the Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, Virginia, where he examined vineyard operations, grape cultivation, wine production techniques, fermentation, storage, ageing, bottling, quality control and marketing. He also studied how wineries are integrated with tourism through guided tours, hospitality and curated visitor experiences.

Mr. Rao said Rangareddy and Vikarabad districts have the potential to emerge as destinations for vineyard and winery-based tourism because of their proximity to Hyderabad and favourable conditions for grape cultivation. He said the government would study suitable locations, climatic conditions and investment models before taking the proposal forward.

The initiative aligns with the Telangana Tourism Policy 2025-30, which aims to diversify the State’s tourism offerings through private and public-private partnership investments.

At the recently held Telangana Tourism Conclave, the government unveiled tourism projects worth more than ₹15,000 crore, including a proposed vineyard resort featuring a winery walkthrough, where visitors can experience the wine-making process from grape harvesting to bottling, along with traditional grape-stomping activities.

Mr. Rao said Telangana would examine successful international models before developing a wine tourism ecosystem that integrates vineyards, hospitality and local cuisine while complying with the State’s regulatory framework.

Government Whip Yennam Srinivas Reddy and Tandur MLA Buyyani Manohar Reddy accompanied the Minister during the visit.