UB Group plans new model to retail wine

Mumbai: The UB Group is all set to launch a new initiative to retail its wines, by launching wine bars and lounges in Maharashtra. The company's new wine division, USL Wines, is reported to be evaluating various wine retailing models, in addition to partnering with existing bar owners in the state.

The state already has wine bars in cities like Nashik, which is a network that the UB group is reported to be evaluating as a leverage. Other possible retailing models could include franchisees who run the company's bars and lounges by appointment, or partners in the form of existing wine bar owners, with or without support to help their operations.

Maharashtra and Karnataka are considered to be relatively ''wine-friendly'', and hence it would be only logical for the retail models would be tested or soft launched here prior to their national rollout.  International brands that could soon find their way to Indian shores courtesy the  UB Group include Hunters and Astro Labe from New Zealand, in addition to French labels subsequent to the group's acquisition of French winery Bouvet Ladubey. USL Wines existing brands include Golconda and Zinzi.