An expensive venture

Krsma Syrah Hampi Hills 2016 has lush and opulent flavours of ripe blackberries, dried black currant, and mocha on the palate, with a characteristic lingering black pepper spice note

I am often asked why wines are so costly in India as compared to the West: In Europe one can get a decent glass of wine in a bar for as little as 2-3 euros (Rs 150-200) — and they often throw in a free snack — whereas here the minimum price for even an ordinary Indian wine is anywhere from Rs 350 upwards. (Free snacks? Forget it.)

The simple answer is that the cost of doing business (for a restaurant or hotel) here is several times higher than overseas — both above and below the table.

States and the Centre have