Shillong, June 22: Spirits are soaring in the Scotland of the East in anticipation of the hill getaway’s first-ever wine festival. Though the state had never before hosted a wine festival, winemaking has always been a cottage industry in these parts. Local brewers say the pronounced flavour of Mawphlang wine can enamour even connoisseurs who swear by Chardonnay or Sauvignon from the vineyards of France.
Slated for November, the Shillong Wine Festival will showcase an assortment of indigenous spirits. The festival, to be held at Crinoline Swimming Pool, is the brainchild of the Forever Young Sports Club, which is known for its unique events. The club had previously organised a “cold swim” one New Year’s eve.
Club president Michael Syiem said the idea was to promote indigenous wine as an alternative to branded varieties. “Winemaking is not new to Shillong and most parts of the East Khasi Hills. The Mawphlang variety, for instance, is counted among the best. We must develop winemaking into an industry because it has the potential to grow.”
The festival’s competition section will be open to both professionals and non-professionals. Experienced wine tasters from outside the state will judge the concoctions. As tongues twirl and glasses tinkle, a live band will croon old ditties, making the ambience perfect for the occasion.
Syiem believes the festival will encourage horticulturists to explore winemaking as an alternative source of income. “Our state has an abundance of fruits: plum, peach, pineapple and berries. And since moderate consumption of wine is good for health, we must make optimum use of our horticultural resources and winemaking skills,” he said.
Shillong resident W. Lyngdoh, who prefers home-made wine to branded stuff, expects to savour some “high-quality stuff” during the festival. “Ripeness of the fruit and fermentation determine how good or bad a wine is,” he said with the authority of a connoisseur.
A winemaker said he was looking forward to the “great opportunity” to attract buyers from outside the state.