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Thu, March 28, 2024

HARVESTING SUCCESS – Pataleban Vineyard Resort

B360
B360 October 17, 2016, 12:00 am
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A vineyard and a resort with beautiful mountain views and lush greenery finds hundreds of people driving to the outskirts of Kathmandu for a taste of the nectar of the grapes and deep tranquillity. Pataleban Vineyard Resort was influenced by a Japanese winery resort and founded in 2007. 
Kumar Karki, Managing Director was in Japan, then while exploring new tourism products, he came across the commercial grape farming. "I thought it would serve a dual purpose. I could develop a vineyard to produce the wine also attracting tourists both domestic and foreign," recalls Karki. He consulted with Japanese vineyard owners, hired an expert to conduct a feasibility study and in November, the same year, began the country's first vineyard project with a plantation of 75 plants, all imported from Japan. The periphery of 42 ropanis area where Nepal's first grape plants commercially grew is where Pataleban Vineyard Resort stands today welcoming tens of thousands of guests every year. 
The first plantation under trial phase began bearing fruits in 2011. Every year Karki and his team members increased the number of plants and moved towards wine making after receiving the licence from the government in 2014. "We had built a small guest house to accommodate around 10 guests and ourselves back then. With the flow of new and more people, the guest house was developed into a resort which is what today's Pataleban Vineyard Resort and came into formal operations in 2009," reminisces Karki. The project had an initial investment of Rs 250 million. 
Banyan Tree Nepal, the company which runs the resort and the vineyard has now extended its vineyard to two other locations: Kebalpur, Dhading and Kaule. "Within a few years of our journey, we have proved that the production of organic wine is possible," Uddap Thapa, Director of the Resort says adding, "We have expanded our farms to tap the market for organic wine which is growing demand every year."
The project was established with its key mission to make a mark in wine production by offering premium and quality wine for export and in the process to develop Nepal as a hub for organic wine production. "We are organically moving towards our goal. The journey thus far has given us hope that we are close to achieving our mission."
The project in Dhading began in 2009 with 8,000 plants in 150 ropanis of land while the Kebalpur project commenced last year in 200 ropanis. 
The first production saw 1,200 bottles which is increased to 3,000-4,500 bottles a year on average. Produced in three categories: red, white and rose, the Resort serves 17 varieties of wine. 
"Such has been the demand for our wine that we are yet unable to supply it in the market. Instead wine lovers and connoisseurs come here," shares Thapa pointing to the growing popularity of the Resort. 

The company plans to produce 50,000 bottles of wine in the next two years when the plant at Kebalpur vineyard bears fruit. 
The initial days were very challenging as most Nepalis had no concept of what a vineyard is or organic wine. "The company has been growing by around 15 percent a year while wine production has grown by 500 bottles per annum. 
Karki shares that the manufacturing of wine depends upon the maturity of the plant which after 8-10 years gives maximum harvesting. "Our first plantation is reaching the maturity phase and within a few years we will see another 15 percent increase in wine manufacturing," says Karki. 
The Pataleban Wine can be bought at Rs 2,100 a bottle. The focus is on quality. 
No matter what season, Badri KC, Manager of Pataleban Vineyard Resort welcomes approximately 300 guests each weekends. “Almost every guest is here for the wine as much as for the warm hospitality and the beautiful environment,” he shares.

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FEBRUARY 2024

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