UP Excise Minister inaugurates state’s first fruit winery

Uttar Pradesh Excise Minister Nitin Agarwal on Sunday inaugurated the state’s first fruit winery at Maeve Meadery, located in Lucknow’s Mal village. To mark the inauguration, a grand Mango Festival was also organised, drawing a large number of tourists from across India and abroad.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Agarwal said the initiative aims to empower farmers by encouraging them to produce wine from locally grown fruits such as mangoes and mulberries. “This plant will directly benefit local farmers and support the agricultural economy,” he noted.

The event also marked the launch of UP’s first official vintnery tour, with the facility now open to visitors on select week days. Highlighting future plans, the minister added that the state envisions promoting wine tourism akin to that in European countries, where guided tours, vineyard visits, and wine-tasting sessions attract large numbers of tourists.

Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh also visited the winery and inaugurated its administrative wing.

The Maeve Meadery winery uses only locally sourced fruits and avoids artificial colours, fragrances, or sweeteners. The alcohol is naturally derived, with no synthetic ethanol used in the process.

Marking the emotional significance of the launch, Madhvendra Deo Singh, Founder and CEO of Maeve Meadery, wrote on social media, “Today marks the recreation of my father’s and mother’s life’s biggest dream — a dream they couldn’t witness in person, but whose blessings guide every step we take.”

As part of the state’s 2025–26 excise policy, wines made from fruits cultivated within Uttar Pradesh will be exempt from excise duty for the next five years, encouraging more wineries to adopt local sourcing. Additionally, the Excise Department is facilitating alco-tourism through winery tours and visitor-friendly provisions at such facilities.