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According to the Report by Pioneer, the festival is being organized at Nehru Park in the diplomatic area of the city, known as Chanakyapuri (earlier Diplomatic Enclave) by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) from November 25-30. The gala fest is being organized by the civic agency ostensibly to promote the historic Lutyens zone that falls majorly in its area of control. The one- of- its- kind fest will see even embassies setting up stalls presenting dishes and beverages representing their country.
The biggest plus point would be that, according to the Report, premium wines and only premium wines shall be served as the alcoholic drinks. If that happens in reality, this would truly become a historical and defining moment for the wine culture in Delhi. So far, the excise department has been wary of allowing such wine events in public places where wine can be tasted or sold-unless in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore where they have already wisely loosened the grip a few years ago.
The Report does not clarify whether the license has been already procured. One hopes that the government which is progressively loosening the controls, though rather slowly, would issue the license. The new government’s stance to help the business and not become a hindrance and the fact that a responsible civic body is organizing the event may help. One hopes and presumes this would have had a positive reaction from the excise department.
Till now, the French, Spanish and Australian embassies have reportedly shown their interest for the event. Though these embassies have a lot to offer in terms of food products, they are known to be more aggressive in marketing wine in India and would perhaps want to be assured of the license before consenting to participate. Some of the embassies including the German embassy do have a festive day or two in their compounds where public is allowed to come and buy wines at reasonable price.
Each area of ‘Palate Delhi’ will be themed. It will re-create a total immersive experience and will include a perfect ambience with soothing music and lighting. People would have to shell out Rs100 to Rs700 only for the global tasting trail,” said OP Mishra, Director (Project), NDMC. Though the Report is quiet about it, the price won’t be applicable on wine which would be sold presumably by the glass. A minimum of 60 to 100 stalls are expected to be up for the six day event. Besides, there will also be a live orchestra at the event, according to the report.
The agency has presumably roped in hotels like Oberoi, JW Marriott, Radisson and Leela already and Hyatt, Taj, Imperial and ITC are in the pipeline with more possibly joining in as the momentum picks up. Even the celebrity chef Marut Sikka has been signed for the project- making it all the more important to allow wine to be served so that the public can learn match the gourmet food with wine.
Who says the Delhi Government is not as progressive as its counterparts in other States? We shall soon have the answer and hopefully a befitting reply with the qualification- Better late, than never!
Subhash Arora
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