The second Mumbai Wine Tasting Festival was held at the Pier of The Presidency Radio Club in South Mumbai & was one of the largest wine event in India, according to the organisers who claim to have roped in over 15 Indian wineries and 30 international wineries through their Indian distributors and had lined up interesting wine related events for the connoisseurs and novices alike. Besides the top wineries Sula, Grover and Indage, all the who’s who of Indian wineries participated in the festival. Valle de Vin (Zampa), Sankalp (Vinsura), Vintage Wines (Reveilo) Chateau d’Ori, UB’s Four Seasons, Associate Wines (Ralph Craven), Good Earth Winery, Deccan Plateau, Indus Vineyards, Terroir India (Indus), Blue Star (Bluefolds), Riona Wines, Good Drop Wine Cellars (Rio), Pernod Ricard India (Seagram’s Nine Hills) and Pause Wines & Ideas had their presence, says Pratap Arora, one of the key organisers of the festival.
Besides the Indian wines, there appeared a decent line-up and support from the imported wine segment too. The Wine Park had wines from Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Austria, South Africa and USA, whereas Kiara Wines, apparently also on its comeback trail, focussed on Italy, Spain and the US. Kingfisher was present with its Bohemia label bottled in South Africa. Howling Wolves displayed their Australian portfolio while the Pernod Ricard India also showcased their wares from Australia, New Zealand & France.
Not only were the wines allowed to be sold at the venue but promotional discounts and activities were also allowed, giving wine lovers an opportunity to stock up at cheaper rates. This is in sharp contrast with the excise policy in the Capital of India, New Delhi where once the brand label is registered, no promotional activity is allowed, forget about tasting or even the display as many producers learnt to their dismay last year when they participated in a wine show in December through the Indian Grape Processing Board.
The event was supported by Terroir One (Mumbai Chapter of the Delhi Wine Club), Indian Wine Academy, Bombay Wine Club, The Wine Club, Nashik Valley Wine Producers Association, Upper Crust Magazine, The American Women\'s Club of Bombay, Australia New Zealand Business Council, and the Liquid – Magazine.