Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
In 2014 UNESCO declared the Bosca Cellars in Canelli, Italy to be a World Heritage Site of Humankind. The ancient wine cellars are considered ‘underground cathedrals’. The company, that has had a presence in India for almost half a century, was founded in 1831 and the business is managed by the sixth generation. The cellars are open to the public and is increasingly attracting visitors from across the world.
“In 2015, almost 10,000 people visited us. Since we are a UNESCO site, the number of visitors are increasing and this year we expect 16,000-17,000 people,” said Polina Bosca, VP – Agribusiness and Business Development, Bosca, adding that they are keen to attract more visitors from India. Most tourists so far have been visiting Bosca Cellars through word of mouth awareness.
In 2015, Bosca celebrated with UNESCO the International Year of Light with an exhibition of light and music. “We decided to renovate the lighting and partnered with UNESCO. We changed the lighting and used modern photonic lights. It is very attractive for tourists to see coloured lights in the cellars with videos telling the story of the family and the community. In Canelli town there are underground cellars of other wine companies also and it is a great destination to visit,” mentioned Bosca. Canelli in Piedmont region is a one hour 15 minute drive from Turin, and about two hours from Milan. “There are some B&Bs in Canelli, little houses in vineyards that people rent,” informed Bosca.
The Bosca Group produces about 75 million bottles every year. The company has been in India since 45 years. “We were the first wine producers of India, my grandfather was called by the Govt of India to consult them about how to use the surplus grapes produced in Baramati area,” said Bosca, who is the brainchild behind DIA Red & White, Sula Vineyards’ semi-sparkling wine targeted mainly for women.