UB Group, the global liquor conglomerate which launched its wine business in teh country recently, is betting big on the export market with its own brands.

The company, which has been marketing imported brands, will enter major European markets with its own brands manufactured at its newly set up winery at Baramati, soon. Apart from setting up wineries, the company is exploring acquisition of wineries abroad.

The company, which is ready to commission its 300-acre winery at Baramati by January 2008, is expected to enter markets like UK, France, Australia and New Zealand. As of now, the company has hired a number of wineries in Baramati and six new varieties of wines will be produced by November this year.

The new entity, Four Seasons wines, would launch six labels, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz , Zinfandel Red, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Zinfandel Rose (Blush), by November. The exports will come under another entity, United Vinters Ltd.

Abhay Kewadkar, senior vice president & chief wine maker, United Spirits, told FE, ?As far as the wine sector is concerned, UB has its focus not only on the domestic market, but on international markets as well. We are confident that we can establish our brand name in the global wine industry by entering the major wine markets like the UK and France.? ?Within the next one year, we are planning to hold at least 15% of the total Indian wine market,? he added.

Kewadkar said the wine business is expected to contribute about 10% to the group?s total revenue.

UB?s Baramati facility will have the capacity to produce 1 million bottles per annum. By November next year, UB will start production of sparkling wines in oak barrel toasted reserve varieties at Baramati. The total cost for Baramati winery comes to about Rs 18 crore, while the company has earmarked about Rs 85 crore for further launches as well as winery expansion. Its second winery at Bangalore may start production within the next two years.

Apart from focusing on the global market by new launches, the company is also in talks with wine manufacturers in the US , South Africa and Australia for acquiring their brands as well as wineries abroad.

Last year, UB purchased French wine maker Bauvet Ladubay winery for 15 million euros.