by Subhash Arora
Sharad Pawar's family is rumoured to be considering the purchase of up to a 49% stake in UB chairman Vijay Mallya's venture in Baramati, Four Seasons, the biggest new wine initiative in India. As Pawar's family already enjoys significant clout
in Maharashtra's grape growing belts, an Alliance between the two families would add significantly to the muscle of the new company and help it achieve the leadership position that is its declared goal.
Pawars would have a three member presence on the seven member board headed by Mallya. Sharad Pawar's elder brother Pratap Rao Pawar is already involved with the project and would be on the board as well. Details of the equity participation and board representation have not yet been finalised. The law does not allow direct participation by any minister or government employee.
Abhay Kewadkar, the chief wine maker of UB will also be on the board headed by Mallya. Abhay was until recently working with the rival, Grover Vineyards in Bangalore, as a wine maker and vice president.
When completed, Four Seasons winery - with its five million litre capacity will be nestled in the middle of a 330 acre (132 hectare) vineyard. The group s total investment is estimated to be over Rs 700 million ( 13 million). While Four Seasons first premium wines are likely to hit the market in October of this year, an economy range might be launched earlier.
Sharad Pawar, as Union agriculture minister, has been pushing for the liberalisation of the domestic wine industry. His vision has led Maharashtra to a progressive wine policy, which has benefited the industry in areas like Nashik and Sangli. One grape variety even bears his name to acknowledge his contribution to the nascent grape growing industry.
