Indian producers have been showcasing at the previous editions of Prowein where Grover was seen practically every year. Their senior management people, Ravi Viswanathan (then the Chairman), Sumedh Mandla (then CEO) and Sumit Jaiswal (COO) used to be present. A few times Sula also participated with Rajeev Samant and Cecilia Oldne representing the now Public company.. Once they even requested Grover to share part of their stands. At another time they were both neighbours at the adjoining stands. But it is the first time Wines of India as a big stand had found space at the end of Hall 6 (New World) .

In a way, spirits have been able to help wine, the distinct underdog of the alcoholic beverage industry. Spirits have more of an international presence. Indian whiskies have been giving Scotch and other whiskies a run for the money, with Indian companies like Amrut, Paul John, Radico Khaitan and Indri being very popular globally. Wines are still in infancy but of late the interest of foreign buyers and even the Indian government agencies has increased.

Wines of India (Wines of Chile) and Wines of Moldova, for instance, have been registered trademarks owned by the governments. It was timely (in fact a bit late) for the Indian government to take note of when they took part at the London Wine Show in 2022 as Wines of India and later inHong Kong which were both reasonably successful. Prowein was a logical inclusion with the big ProSpirits stand this year and several liquor producers participating.

Grover Vineyards, Fratelli and Virgin Hills were the main participants with BroCode managing to be included in wines. Sula was missing again for inexplicable reasons. Like in most other countries APEDA pays for the Stand and helps in transportation of wines in various proportions. Air tickets and hotel stays are to be arranged by the exhibitors (there was a time when this aspect was highly subsidized). But the misuse came to light early enough so the controls are tighter now but it is really a boon for genuine producers.

Grover Vineyards was the busiest Stand- The winery and in fact Sumit Jaiswal has developed personal contact over the year in the European markets. Additionally. The best portfolio today comes from Grover who have an excellent super Premium Range- Essence of Cabernet Sauvignon, Signet series, Vijay Amritraj Collection and the old workhorse La Reserve show the maturity of the processes they developed under the consultant winemaker Michel Rolland who passed away a week ago and was engaged by the founder Kanwal Grover.

Sumit was there with an almost complete range of wines from his stable. A very serious marketer, he can handle 2-3 different groups at the same time and was the busiest.

Virgin Vineyards was a bit of a surprise packet. Headed by the Director Kunal Chug and his wife, they were on toes all the time at the fair and the evenings kept them busy at various restaurants in the City, thanks to the Prowein in the City. Says Kunal Chug,’ the fair kept us very busy with not only sommeliers, restaurateurs, HORECA people but even importers, distributors and students. Most were surprised to know India could not only make wines but very quaffable. In fact, we have received even confirmed orders from Germany and Poland- though they are primarily for the restaurant industry.’ When I quizzed him about what their choice was, he said that they love the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz but ordered more variants to display better at the sales location.’ We have already decided to participate in Prowein next year as APEDA has long term plans to be here- in Prowein and in fact most of the international shows, the stands for the next year the stalls are booked even before leaving Dusseldorf.

Wines of India had already participated at Wine Paris earlier this year and will probably be there again next year but Prowein is a sure bet. This is a smart move by APEDA and whatever results have come so far are miniscule compared to the long term positive results in future if our presence is continuous without any breaks. And it will keep producers like Virgin Hills and Grover in good spirits. Producers like Fratelli which had their winemaker Giovanni Masi present on the first day and Soma Vine Village miss out the presence due to visa issues.

Let the Wine of India shine in the near future. With several FTAs to soon come into effect, the competition is going to increase and as in any other business, the quality of Indian wine will improve and with the quantity increasing many folds, the prices for the domestic market will also become more affordable.

Subhash Arora