 The 'Society' began operations two years ago, with the objective of wine information and education through online and off-line programmes which include home-study wine courses, vineyard visit programme, helpline to answer wine-related queries, newsletters, and access to edited portions of Decanter magazine, restaurant partnerships, wine storage systems and supply of wine accessories.
The key objectives of The Wine Society of India are to provide information and education about wine and wine appreciation through specialised programmes, the organisation of wine tastings, and the supply of exceptional quality wines at modest prices chosen by a Board of Wine Advisors from all over the world. Wines are sold and supplied directly to home via local retailers to the members of the Four Seasons Wine Discoveries programme.
Wine events - informal wine appreciation events and more formal sit-down winemaker dinners are also important part of their objectives. They also arrange for the supply of quality wines every quarter, at modest prices to the members. Wines are home-delivered through licensed retailers through temperature-controlled conditions.
Wine cost to members of the programme varies according to the wine quality and the best price negotiated in the market place. It is guaranteed not to exceed MRP. The price range for each 6-bottle quarterly shipment will be between Rs. 5,000-10,000 including taxes and shipping charges. One may give debit instructions or give credit card details to register for this subscription programme. The interesting thing is that it gives you an exit option whereby you may cancel your annual commitment at any time and a refund/ replacement is available for all wines that do not please.
 The project is based on the successful programme developed in the US by The Wine Society of America, founded by David Banford. He enrolled members for 10 years before taking it public in 1991. Interestingly, though David has English blood in him, he was born in India and his father and grandfather lived and worked in India.
All wines are accompanied by Tasting Notes prepared by Steven Spurrier, world-renowned wine authority and Chairman of the Board of Wine Advisors, so that one can learn and taste in the comfortable setting of their own homes.
Steven Spurrier feels that India hasn't seen explosive growth in the wine sector just yet. "Till the 1970s, supermarkets in UK weren't allowed to sell wines. However when that changed it democratized wine drinking. I feel the same will happen in India now that wines are sold off the shelves. And women will drive the wine revolution in India," he says.
Also note-worthy is the fact that one can taste wines from different countries. For instance the current shipment for Karnataka comprises a Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Xanadu Shiraz Cabernet from Australia, Bouvet Ladubay Sparkling Rose from France, Azagador Crianza from Spain, Big Banyan Cab-Sauv from India and Laroche Sauv-Blanc from Chile - all wines from different countries.
A minimum of 2-6 bottle shipments are required per year in order to continue the free membership and avail the Member Benefits offered
Other goodies on offer are a vintage chart, free 7-part home study wine course, invitation to WSI Member parties together with VIPs from the wine world, a year's liquor license complimentary for Maharashtra residents, exclusive restaurant privileges, discounted pricing for Decanter Magazine, discounts on the programmes conducted by The Wine & Spirits Education Trust.
As happened in the US, the company could go public in due course, and there will be preferential allotment reserved for members in such a case.
Further, those joining the Society's membership program before October 10, will also be invited to this launch event.
More details are available on the Society's website Contact (022) 6628 2200 for further details. |