The European Union is the political and economic union of 27 countries a majority of which produce wines of good to outstanding quality. Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden are the 27 constituents of EU. Italy, France, Spain, Germany and Portugal are a few of the obvious countries for wine making but countries like Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia make excellent wines too and this participation is the beginning of the process to showcase all member states.

The FTA talks between India and EU started in 2007 but broke off in 2013. Last year there was a fresh round of talks resulting in the re-start of the negotiations and this time around, both sides hope that the treaty ought to be signed by next year (2023) making it possible for the import taxes on wine and spirits to come down substantially with effect from 2024, just as they have been planned with the Indo Australian FTA signed earlier in April this year. The current action by the European Union seems to be in consonance with the talks and the ‘Old World’ wines appear to be getting ready to get their share of the pie when the treaty is signed.

This process bodes very well for the smaller countries that used to be branded earlier as the Eastern Bloc. Countries like Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia and Slovenia and Greece have already been making waves in the global market but have not been able to make much of a dent in the Indian market. The EU has offered member states an equal opportunity to come and establish their wine credentials in India.

We are expecting wines from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Romania and Spain for display and tasting at the EU stand to also have an excellent selection of wines for the masterclass. We also hope to promote and recommend GI-wines (already available in India).

These Masterclasses-each of an hour duration, will be held every day on 1-3 December. Vinexpo Delhi proposes to have a total of up to 15 Masterclasses including the Keynote Address. Each Masterclass usually has a few wines for tasting. 5-6 wines are expected to be poured at the EU Masterclasses to be conducted by Subhash Arora.

The Show will have the additional benefit because of its co-location with SIAL India which will also have a similar Stand by European Union for food products from the member states. Last year, there were over 8,000 visitors. With doubling of the Stand area at SIAL and the participation by wine and spirits producers, the attendance is expected to cross 10,000 this year over the 3 days. Incidentally, this is currently the only Trade Show with 3-day duration in India.

Please send enquiries about EU and other stands on wine and spirits to vinexpoindia@delwine.com and request for Registration for the Masterclasses.

Subhash Arora