Dec 15: Partnering with Norwich-based Broadland Wineries, the former England cricket captain Sir Ian Botham is launching a range of wines in three tiers – Beefy, The Botham Series and Sir Ian Botham with entry level wines priced at £20, and since the wines will be sourced from his favourite producers in the countries he toured during his career, there could be an opportunity soon for Sula to produce wines for his labels from India, opines Subhash Arora
In the 1980s, the era of Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, Ian Botham was the finest English cricketer, popularly known as Beefy. Botham, who turned 62 years last month, had a special relationship with India. On one hand, he was a good friend of 'Little Master' Sunil Gavaskar with whom he also played in Somerset. He played some of his best cricket against the Indians.
Botham has indicated that his wines will be sourced from the countries he played in. This means Australia, New Zealand, South Africa; England will be represented by the sparkling wine it is well-known for. ‘There is not much wine in India, but certainly those three countries to begin with,’ says the Article in Drink Retailing News.
delWine has always propagated the concept of celebrate sports persons and Bollywood stars to increase wine sales preached and hoped that the passion of some cricketers like Sachin Tandulkar ought to have them make their wine under their own label to increase the wine consumption.
Of course, that has not happened so far, except Vijay Amritraj, the legendary Indian tennis star who has had two wines produced under his name by Grover Zampa Vineyards and is doing reasonably well, at least in terms of winning international Awards in blind tastings, upping the quality level of their wines.
Sir Ian Botham is a wine aficionado and has reportedly spent the last four years traveling the world and he has incredible knowledge of all the different regions and he has relationships with the buyers and winemakers etc, so he is very keen to launch his wine.
Indian connection with Sula
Although Indian wine may not be on the cards at present, but Sula can and ought to make a pitch to produce wines under his label in India. Nick Pringle, the current COO of Sula Vineyards has played with Botham in Somerset and as he has told me, is quite friendly with Sir Botham. Sula is the biggest producer with almost a million- case production under its belt. The company has already been making wine Jewels of Nashik for Marks and Spencer and winning accolades at international competitions.
The new chief executive of Broadland, Paul Schaafsma has also worked with Botham during his time at Accolade, where Botham (known as Beefy) is known did some ambassadorial work for the company. Pringle has also been the brand ambassador and Commercial Manager for Accolades and has been its CEO for China before joining Sula earlier this year.
Ian plans to launch his brand at the London Wise Show. People attending the Show will be able to meet Sir Ian and taste his wines. The idea of meeting him might be a little bit exciting.
Wines will include a Sir Ian range at the top- very premium wine. This will reportedly partnered with producers he particularly likes. A wine label or two made to his standards from a producer like Sula where Nick Pringle has a lot in common with Sir Ian Botham, would make a good story and validate what delWine has been recommending for years, with only a reasonable success. There could be a small market for these wines in India as well.
Here is to a successful venture for the iconic cricketer of yesteryear with Jai Ho! And Cheers!
For one of the earlier Articles, please visit
Nick Pringle : Cricketing Coo for Sula
Vijay Amritraj Visits Delhi Golf Club
Blog: Rajni Reserve from Tendulkar Wines!
Subhash Arora
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