Thrissur: Kerala is set to launch ‘Nila,’ a range of wines made from natively sourced fruits from the state.  The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has received an excise license for wine production, and the products will soon be available at premium outlets of the Beverages Corporation.

The Excise Department has approved the labels for the newly introduced varieties: Nila Cashew Apple Wine, Nila Pineapple Wine, and Nila Banana Wine. The cost of the wines will be under ₹1000 for a 750-ml bottle; these wines are expected to make a mark in the market.

The winemaking process requires seven months, with one month for fermentation and six months for ageing. The unit has a monthly production capacity of 125 litres.

  • Cashew apple wine, which has a presence of 14.5% alcohol, is made from cashew apples cultivated in Kerala’s humid tropical climate. The cashews are sourced from Mannarkkad Plantation Corporation.
  • Banana wine with 12.5% alcohol content is produced from the Palayamkodan variety, known for its acidity, aroma, and smooth texture.
  • Pineapple Wine is manufactured from the Mauritius variety, which has recently received Geographical Indication (GI) status.

Nila wine had previously been approved by Sula Vineyards and the Karnataka Government's Grape and Wine Board. The Kerala Excise Department has received four applications for wine production, with this Kerala Agricultural University’s Post-Harvest Management Department becoming the first to secure a license.

Initially, 500 bottles of wine were produced as part of an experimental batch. Currently, Kerala lacks wine production units, whereas states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have established wine policies.