Wine Society Of India

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And Bangalore has been having more than its share of red letter days of late. Mid-February saw not just one, but three wine dinners happening over a two-day period. And judging by the sold-out responses at all, Bangalore is clearly developing a new fascination for classic wine and food paired dinners.

The first was a dinner hosted at Toscano, the fine dining restaurant run by Chefs Jean Michel and Gautham, by the Wine Society of India. David Banford, director, WSI, and Myles Myall, wine educator, introduced the charming Victor Urrutia Ybarra, 5th generation winemaker from Rioja, Spain and his excellent CVNE Rioja Reserva 2006 at a four-course dinner which included specialities like slow-braised lamb shanks with caramelized shallots, turned carrots and pesto and grilled Canadian John Dory with fennel flavoured vegetables.

The second wine dinner had a distinctly Australian flavour. Ista Hotel, Bangalore, played host to Howard Duncan of Peter Lehmann wines and a group of wine lovers. The evening saw five paired courses which showcased wines from the Peter Lehmann range including the Peter Lehmann Barossa Riesling 2008 (paired with fresh water prawns served with garlic cream and warm blinis), pan-seared Basa/tomato and basil risotto with the Peter Lehmann Weighbridge Chardonnay 2008. Also served: the Peter Lehmann Barossa Clancy's Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2007, the Barossa Shiraz 2008, and the most-appreciated Futures Shiraz 2007.

Full Story: Bangalore raises a toast to wine dinners - Sommelier India (blog)

The Competition is chaired jointly by world acclaimed wine critic, Steven Spurrier, who will guide the tasting, and Reva K Singh, pioneering publisher of India's first wine magazine, Sommelier India .

Said Steven Spurrier, "I have been chairing Wine Competitions in Britain and Japan for the past decade, and am convinced that the blind tasting route with qualified wine judges is the best way for quality to be recognised. Consumers can rely on the results of this tried and tested formula.

"The SIWC is of equal value to the producer/importer and to the consumer. With so many wine brands in the market, Indian consumers are looking for a voice that can guide them with their purchases." Reva Singh added, "The tremendous response from wine producers and importers for the inaugural Sommelier India Wine Competition is very encouraging and gratifying. By their participation in SIWC, members of the wine trade have shown their commitment to and faith in the Indian market and their serious intent in serving the consumer. And, as the first truly Indian wine competition, wine consumers in India are eagerly looking forward to the results." Discover the results of the competition and taste the Award winning wines at a Gala Dinner on November 20, 2009.

Full Story: Prestigious panel to choose best wines for Indian consumers - India PRwire (press release)

With this in mind, the SIWC panel of judges is predominantly Indian with international wine experts based in India. Representing importers, producers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, journalists and wine consultants, the judges comprise experienced wine professionals from across the country: Rahul Akerkar (Indigo Restaurant), Gautam Anand (ITC, Delhi), David Banford (The Wine Society of India), Alok Chandra (Business Standard), Kavita Faiella (The Aman New Delhi), Nitesh Gandhi (Oberoi and Trident Hotels), Sonal Holland (Independent Wine Educator), Abhay Kewadkar (UB Group), Sanjay Menon (Sonary's), Alejandro Ortiz (Aman Resorts), Mukund Padmanabhan (The Hindu), Vir Sanghvi (Hindustan Times), Harshal Shah (Independent Wine Consultant and Sommelier India), Aman Sharma (Taj Hotels), Ajoy Shaw (Sula Vineyards), Magandeep Singh (IWBS) and Craig W. Wedge (FineWinesnMore).

The wines will be judged 'blind', ie, the label will not be visible, ensuring that the judging is fair and honest. Renowned wine expert and living legend, Steven Spurrier is the Chairman of the competition. He is also the Chairman of The Wine Society of India. Reva K Singh, the Publisher & Editor of Sommelier India, India's first wine magazine is Co-chairman.

Said Steven Spurrier, "The SIWC is of equal value to the producer/importer and to the consumer. The medals recompense quality and they provide the consumer with information. With so many wine brands flooding the market, the Indian consumer is looking for a voice that can guide them with their purchases." Reva K Singh added, "By participating in the Sommelier India Wine Competition wine producers and importers have shown their commitment to the Indian wine industry and their serious intent in serving the consumer. As the first truly Indian wine competition, the ever-increasing number of wine consumers in India is eagerly awaiting the results." Heralded as an India organized world-class wine competition and a transparent platform to advise and guide the Indian consumer and trade on wine choices, Sponsors of the Sommelier India Wine Competition include Autohanger (Dealer for Mercedes Benz in India), Cadbury Bourneville, Grape to Glass (Riedel), Kingfisher Airlines and Vacu Vin.

Full Story: Sommelier India Wine Competition to judge 400 wines - Sommelier India (blog)