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Photos By:: Adil Arora
 It also brings forth another reality- that time is ticking away-surely and not slowly. In fact, the way the last 10 years have gone by, I suspect the time is flying. We have achieved a little in the way of what we set out to do in terms of our only objective- Promotion of wine culture through education. But a lot more- a lot more than even that needs to be done. The progress in terms of wine culture growth has been disappointingly tardy, from my standpoint. I would have liked to see a 60% annual growth-given that the base has been so small.
This would have been possible only due to imports to be later substituted slowly by domestic production. But our government has had its limitations including the myopic vision about the product, its future and its immense potential to uplift the Indian agricultural economy. A lot needs to be done to create this awareness among the government. As in the case of wine drinkers, I put my faith in the future bureaucrats and politicians-as the younger people getting in those positions will definitely be more insightful.
Objectivity and neutrality
I am glad we have been able to make it the most respected and coveted eNewsletter in India.. I am particularly impressed and moved and humbled when I meet my foreign friends who take my word as the Gospel Truth. I remember once meeting an old lady at a farm in Italy who told me she was getting all the news about the wine industry from India through some newsletter. She then disappeared-only to come back and say it was ‘delWine’!
I promote wines and wine culture but I believe in telling it as it is. Though I am criticised for such stance, I brush it aside and believe it is our role to give a correct picture because I believe the future of Indian wine industry is bright dispute the government’s misgivings. I also believe there will be roadblocks and speed-breakers on the way and it is my job to warn our readers of these pitfalls.
We maintain absolute objectivity, neutrality and editorial independence. Many a time I have been asked to take down an Article or make substantive changes because it was bad for the wine business or the government may not like to read what I write, getting me in trouble with the law. My answer is that our writings are issue—based and always reflecting our vision and thoughts about a subject or an issue. That’s why we don’t go for much advertisements either (including for the special issue).
We have been growing steadily, with the number of readers going to 32,000 in 70 countries at the last count. Many more read it-not all Articles are of interest to everyone. The ones that are –are forwarded to the personal contacts sometimes in 100s. I remember doing a flash interview with one of the biggest wine producers/négociants in France. Later I learnt that the Interview had been circulated to all the senior managers because it did try to bring out the philosophy and vision of the owner in getting there.
Regarding the current issue
The 500th issue was a special one in that I had requested my specialist friends, many of them Masters of Wine, to write about a relevant subject of their choice. This was highly appreciated by you, the reader. But for the 700th issue I came up with a different idea. Each of our issues (we guarantee 48 a year to our advertisers) has normally 6 items in an issue. Though we are frankly India-centric and unabashed supporters of Indian wines, though I am a fierce supporter of a free choice of wines from all over the world because of the premise that they are different in each country, we like to focus more on the local issues.
I decided to choose one-and the best I think, Article from each vintage and making sure that all Articles during the last 11 years are relevant even today, I selected 11 articles making it 12 –exactly twice the number in each issue. I have given a short Comment against each Article selected to give you an idea why I selected it.
Let me know if you are agreeable with this or have some other ideas. Like a musician or an artist, I always like feedback-positive or even critical, and would appreciate it if you make a mental note of it and share your thoughts for this Editorial, Articles or for future issues. With blessings and encouragement from many of your well-wishers there is no stopping us-except Force Majeure!
Cheers! Jai Ho!!
Subhash Arora
delWine is a weekly eNewsletter for information to a special interest group and is normally sent out on Tuesdays/Wednesdays. 48 issues are sent out yearly.
please check below articles.
2006: Wines From UB? Yes! Kingfisher Wines? Never!
2007: DelWine salutes Maharashtra Minister
2008: Top Ten Importers of India
2009: India Must Join OIV for Vine and Wine
2010: India First Asian Nation to Join OIV
2011: Indian Wine Academy Website Awarded at Vinitaly
2012: DWC 10th Anniversary: The Mother of all Wine Dinners
2013: Arora nominated as Best International Journalist 4th Time
2014: IWSR: Indian wine market grows by over 15% in 2013
2015: Cheers to Jai Ho for Cheers!
2016: GroverZ to Launch the Most Expensive Wine in India
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