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| Master Class by Stephen and Prue Henschke |
The start might have been slightly slow but the mood was clearly upbeat, as the stands opened in the morning in Suntec City, the new venue which is more central and convenient for the visitors and exhibiters alike, said Malcolm Tham, Programme Director of the Show. This time the practice of inaugural speeches was also discontinued so that people could get on with the job right away, explained Malcolm.
'The show has Italy, Argentina and Austria taking part as a country, for the first time indicating their confidence in the growing Singapore market,' said Tham. Italy, the biggest participant has declared its intention to take on the wine world and increase its market share, if one were to go by the Italian Trade Commissioner Dr. Massimiliano Sponzilli. About 40 Italian exhibitors are taking part.
A highlight of the show has been the seminars that included a Master Class by Stephen and Prue Henschke, owners of the iconic South Australian winery, which was attended by an enthusiastic full house of over 60 people. Tasting of Malbec from Argentina and the First Growth wineries of Germany were the other heavily attended sessions.
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| Wines of Burgundy by Jacques Dioque |
This year was no different with about 24 wineries represented. Burgundy tasting was another popular session conducted by Jacques Dioque, General Manager and Brand Ambassador of Bouchard Aine & Fils, the well known Burgundy House represented in India by the UB group. On being asked about his impression of the show, he said with guarded optimism,' we have had some good meetings with a few restaurateurs. But we hope to see better response during the next 2 days'. The show will continue till October 18.
Wine shows like WFA provide a B2B platform with no guarantees. Naresh Uttamchandani, owner of Sovereign Impex, one of the importers in the 15-member buyers' delegation organised by the Indian Wine Academy 3 years ago had been able to spot Babich from New Zealand. Today, they provide him with excellent business.
During his visit this year, he has not been so lucky so far. 'I am looking for an Australian winery. I would have loved to have Henschke on my portfolio but I believe they are already in India. I hope I am able to spot the right winery to work with; I have not found anyone meeting our requirements, so far.'
Magma is a well known German wine shop and bistro in Chinatown. The owner, Leonardo Noto has a well-located stand at the show. Said Leonardo,' the morning was slow for us but we had good number of visitors in the afternoon.'
The fair expects to draw about 4000 visitors according to Tham.' According to my reckoning about 1500 visited today.'
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| Mr. Dominique Girard |
One of the surprise visitors in the evening networking reception was Dominique Girard. A familiar p3 personality in Delhi, as the previous French Ambassador to India, he has been recently elected as the Executive Director of the newly formed Asia-Europe Foundation and has moved into Singapore. A group of 43 Asian and European countries, that include recently introduced India, he is looking forward to his visit to India in a couple of months. A great wine enthusiast and promoter of French wines in India, he asked me to give his best regards to all the people known to him through delWine.
To those of you have fond memories of Ambassador Girard, here is, 'a Votre Sante' from him.
Subhash Arora
October 17, 2008 |