It is always exciting to travel and learn about wines and meet new people. It is even more special when it happens to be on foreign shores. Hong Kong Trade Development Council along with leading wine and spirits companies organised the second Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2009 in well, Hong Kong. It was a grand affair with organisers, buyers and visitors coming from various backgrounds and over 34 countries. The fair had several luminaries from the wine world. There were plenty of workshops, master classes, tastings, seminars and talks. All this really helped with the footfall. There was much to do, and even more to taste.
The wine fair was organised on the third floor of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The hall was divided in to colourful pavilions dedicated to different countries. One that captured the attention of most and many was the Indian pavilion. It was for the first time that India had its own pavilion at an international wine fair outside the country. This was an initiative taken by the Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB) involving ten leading wineries of the country. IGBP was born on 2nd January 2009 in Delhi when the Union Cabinet approved its establishment in Pune. Then, on 25th February 2009, the board was launched by Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai with a team of 15 directors.
To help mark its presence, the first tasting-cum-talk session was conducted by the IGBP at the Wine Gallery. It was a section set in the middle of the hall’s tasting area, hence another aid in catching the eye. Ms. Vinod Kotwal, Director of Ministry of Food Processing Industries and CEO of IGPB headed the session with nine wineries showcasing their star produce. The presenters and wines tasted were as follows:
Mr. Sanjay Roy – Four Seasons Viognier
Mr. Ajoy Shaw – Sula Sauvignon Blanc
Ms. Karishma Grover – Grovers Vineyards Rosѐ
Mr. T.S. Panori – Renaissance Merlot
Mr. Sumeet Rajani – Tiger Hill Shiraz
Mr. Yatin Patil – Reveilo Cabernet Sauvignon
Mr. Girish Kamble – Deccan Plateau Trivalli Shiraz Cabernet Merlot
Dr. D.P. Nerkar – Empire Wines Shiraz
Mr. Kailash Dhuru – Chateau D’Ori Cabernet Merlot
The presentation was appreciated and applauded by all as also were the wines. With the government and wineries coming together, this may mark the start of Indian wines making a global entry. Next time in HK, don’t be surprised if you see some Indian wines on the local shelves there.
