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 Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2014 was organized in Hong Kong last month from 27-29 May, 2014. Nagpur Wine Lovers Club, the first and only wine club in Central India made its maiden presence in an international wine exposition through its three members, namely Sharad Phadnis, Sunil Mankikar and Mahadeo Ikhar who visited Hong Kong with a mission to study the latest happenings around the world in wine sector.
Perhaps words would be insufficient for describing the magnitude of VINEXPO ASIA-PACIFIC 2014 which was organized by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce & Industries, France. In all there were 32 wine producing countries displaying their range of wine & spirits products in 1300 stalls on 3 levels measuring 1,60,000 Sq. Ft area. The Show was organized as usual at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai, Hong Kong.
Opening on all three days between 9.30am to 6.30pm, the admission to Vinexpo Asia-Pacific was restricted to wine & sprit trade professionals from Asia –Pacific mainly. Visitors unable to show proof of their identification were refused entry as Photo ID was made compulsory. Admission was only above age of 18 Years. Animals & Pets were not allowed. It was forbidden to bring wine or spirits from outside.
Organizers were equipped with 7 desks to provide visitors all the information required: where to find an exhibitor, The Academy programme, seminars, wine & food pairing shows etc. Organizer Service included individual wing for Head Office, Press Center and Exhibitors Reception & Vinexpo Asia-Pacific Club. Other facilities included Foot Massage, Cloakroom, Money Exchange, ATM Machines, 7 Restaurants and 2 Bars.
Vinexpo Asia-Pacific Academy:- Visitors interested in wine education were provided four different programmes which were presented by renowned experts. At the end of the programme, participants received an official Vinexpo Asia-Pacific Academy certificate. Mr. Paolo Basso, Best Sommelier of the World 2013 conducted a master class on BLIND TASTING with 8 outstanding wines for tasting. Fee 4000 INR. It was conducted on 29 May from 10.30 am to 12 noon. Jeannie Cho Lee Mw, Journalist, Wine Critic and Consultant had conducted a show on ASIAN FOOD & WINES. The Fee was 2000 INR for each show of 1 hour duration on all days.
 Italian Trade Agency through its pavilion had conducted a Seminar on the theme ‘Wine & Territory: A Unique Combination’ during all three days. Everyday there was a morning and afternoon session of one hour duration with limited number of seats. It was a free- participation event for the visitors. Speakers were Debra Meiburg MW, an author, journalist, eminent international speaker and co-chairperson of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Competition, Mr. Nelson Chow, Chairman of Hong Kong Sommelier Association and Ms. Barbara Tamburini, a consultant winemaker from Tuscany .
Exhibitor catalogue consisting of 274 pages was available on sale for 2400 INR.
VINEXPO ASIA-PACIFIC-2014 was indeed a grand international wine & spirit exhibition and the Nagpur Wine Lovers Club (NWLC) feels happy to have made their presence felt.
Sharad Phadnis
To keep the aromas and flavour of the article intact, minimal intervention has been made on the article submitted by the writer-editor
Tags: Vinexpo Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Paolo Basso, Jeannie Cho Lee Mw, Debra Meiburg MW, Nelson Chow, Nagpur Wine Lovers Club |