June 29: Subhash Arora, Editor of delWine and President of Indian Wine Academy was presented “Mérite de l’OIV” - Medal of Merit, by the Paris-based International Organization of Vine and Wine, at its 34th World Conference on Vine and Wine held in Porto as recognition for his outstanding service within the international vine and wine sector, according to a report by IANS, Lisbon.

He is the only Indian to be given such recognition by the Paris-based OIV which has its roots going back to 1924 and has 44 member states, including practically all wine producing nations such France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile and Argentina. The award was presented during the 9th General Assembly of the OIV that ran concurrently with the World Conference that was attended by 800 participants from June 20-24, says the report carried by several online media including Economic Times.

The award was presented during the 9th General Assembly of the OIV held after the conclusion of the World Conference attended by 800 participants. President Yves Benard congratulated the recipients of the award that included Marie-Christine Tarby-Maire (France), H.E. František Lipka (Slovakia), M. Fernando Bianchi de Aguiar (Portugal) and Tony Spawton (Australia) who could not attend as he had a heart attack a few days earlier. Every year 4-5 wine experts are given this prestigious Award globally.

After going through all the details and the basic procedure, India applied for membership on January 12 this year. According to the rules, a majority of the member states must agree to accept the potential member nation. Any member may object within 6 months of application. Federico Castellucci, Director General of OIV said that he expected no opposition to India being welcome as a full member unanimously.

In his informal acceptance speech, Arora said he was honoured by the recognition which was truly for India and that he was just doing his job as a wine journalist. India would benefit a lot from the membership and he hoped the acceptance would be unanimous. He also added in zest that though an infant in the world of wine, India would be a force to reckon with in twenty years when an Indian might even stake claim to be the Director General, a 5-year mandate through vote by the membership, which Castellucci holds for the second term through 2013.

Earlier, while releasing the annual statistics on the state of vine and wine industry from 2002-10 at the inauguration of the Conference on June 20, Castellucci observed that India was the ninth biggest producer of grapes including the edible varieties. This is a key sector in which India is also expected to benefit significantly from the scientific information available.

OIV is globally recognized for its competence for work concerning vines, wine, wine-based beverages, table grapes and raisins. The scientific and technical information in these areas is freely shared with all the members. India, with no wine laws in place will be able to leapfrog and have access to a lot of relevant information and the experience of member nations.

Arora was knighted by the Italian Government in 2009 for his meritorious work in promoting wine culture in India, especially with respect to Italy and awarded the title of ‘Cavaliere’. He has been nominated twice for the ‘Best International Wine Journalist Award’ by Comitato Grandi Cru d’Italia, an association of quality Italian wine producers. Although he did not win the Award, www.indianwineacademy.com was voted the Best Website by the members of the Association in March this year during Vinitaly.

AWARDS MEDIA REPORTS

Comments:

Vijay Malik Says:
Congratulations
Posted @ July 20, 2015 14:16

Subhash Arora Says:
I didn't know I had a 'clone'. I hope you like my style of writing. It is originally my style only, I can assure you. Cheers, Subhash Arora
Posted @ November 11, 2011 16:52

greg.ham@gmail.com Says:
f8lHMF Last a few years has been to Ibiza, so met a person there whose style of presentation is very similar to yours. But, unfortunately, that person is too far from the Internet!....
Posted @ November 11, 2011 16:50

Suresh KC Says:
Greetings from Kathmandu Nepal. On behalf of HM’s Food & Wine Magazine, would like to congratulate to you for being awarded the prestigious OIV Merit Award at the 34th International conference on Vines & Wines in Porto appreciating your outstanding services to vine & wine industry globally. It is my immense pleasure to write to you this letter. Referring to the subject, we would like to share the information that we have been publishing Food & Wine Magazine in Nepal for last five years and we are approaching our 50th Issue publication. We are proud to be one to start to talk about wine culture in Nepal, spread knowledge about wine with whatever limited resources we have. Kind Regards. Suresh KC. Chief Executive Officer Hospitality Media P Ltd
Posted @ August 03, 2011 10:25

Federico Castellucci Says:
Dear Subhash,I really enjoyed delivering you the award ;I am convinced it is greatly deserved :anyway the best has yet to come with India as a new Member of our Organisation ! Federico Castellucci DG OIV
Posted @ July 14, 2011 16:50

Rajesh Jadhav Says:
Dear Subhashji Arora, Its nice to meet you in Delhi. All India Wine Producers Association heartly congrates you, the pride OIV award, it is your hounour for your lifetime dedication to promote wines in India and abroad. Regards, Rajesh Jadhav Secretary ALL India Wine Producers Association.
Posted @ July 11, 2011 11:48

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks a lot. Subhash
Posted @ July 04, 2011 16:21

Marina Says:
Congratulations Subhash!
Posted @ July 04, 2011 16:07

Pariwesh Kumar Says:
Congratulations Subhash Sir, its like a mile stone for Indian wine society and Industry as well..Indian grapes are shining and wines are concocting in world map through your achievement and world-recognition.
Posted @ July 01, 2011 15:45

VP Rajesh Says:
Congrats, Subhash! good to know that an Indian is given this prestigious award even before India is confirmed as a member. Leaders lead, countries follow! Cheers, VP
Posted @ July 01, 2011 10:50

Maria Cabral Says:
My sincere congratulations Subhash, I'm glad that you've arrived on time to the Assembly! You can always count on us whenever you decide to come back to Porto and Douro.
Posted @ July 01, 2011 10:45

Radvine Says:
Greetings Subhash, It was great to see your recent acknowledgement of Medal of Merit by OIV Nav and I are doing well and keeping very busy with our wine projects. We look forward to hearing from you kind regards, Louise Radman. Radvine
Posted @ July 01, 2011 10:30

David Furer Says:
Subhash, Congrats on your well-deserved OIV award. David
Posted @ June 30, 2011 17:38

Subhash Arora Says:
thanks Rajeev, I really appreciate it. Subhash
Posted @ June 30, 2011 16:46

Rajeev S Says:
Congrats Subhash! Richly deserved. Cheers Rajeev
Posted @ June 30, 2011 16:45

ArunVarma Says:
Dear Subhash, Many congratulations on the excellent award and a very prestigious one too, from International Organiasion of Vine and Wine,Paris.You have worked tirelessly for the promotion of wine within and outside India,and I am sure,this recognition was long overdue. Regards, Arun Varma Allways Marketing & Travel Services
Posted @ June 30, 2011 15:27

Miss Yegas Naidoo Says:
Another feather in you Cap, Subhash. You make us very proud, well done, well deserved and well earned.
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:50

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks Rati. Of course, I remember you- and that was the second time we met. Subhash
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:39

Rati Says:
Dear Mr Subhash Arora, Congratulations, we are all very happy for you. You remember me, Indian gentleman from London – owner of Belloni Wine We were in same hotel – Vinitaly this year, Best regards Rati
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:38

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks Chetan.
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:30

Chetan Shah Says:
Congratulations Mr.Arora,You Truly Deserve This Honour. Regards, Cadwish Vinyards, Chetan.
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:23

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks Nandita. All eez well!! Subhash
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:18

SIROHI Nandita Says:
Congratulations once again on being awarded the medal of merit! I hope eveything is well at your end.
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:13

Subhash Arora Says:
thanks Ruben
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:10

Ruben Pinto Says:
Congratulations!! Mr. Arora. It is a matter of great pride for the Indian wine scenario
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:08

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks Kapil. It is true that this is the greatest recognition one can get, coming from an institution of the stature of OIV- a United Nations of Wine. But you are wrong when you say I get rewards almost on a weekly basis. I get encouragement and recognition from friends like you on a daily basis, appreciating what I am doing for the wine industry and promoting wine culture. That’s what keeps the juices flowing. Cheers. Subhash
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:05

Kapil Says:
Dear Subhashji, Delighted to hear the news of you receiving the Medal of Merit from OIV.Our warmest congratulations on this award – you seem to get an award almost on a weekly basis!You fully deserve the wonderful recognition you are being given by the Wine Industry Internationally. Keep up the great work and with warm regards, Kapil
Posted @ June 30, 2011 14:00

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks for your kind words. Subhash Arora
Posted @ June 30, 2011 12:36

Dr. D. P. Nerkar Says:
Del Wine is the best magazine in India giving all the information on wines and wineries. Prospects and problems of the Industry is well covered and no doubt therefore Mr. Subhash Arora got the award from the OIV.
Posted @ June 30, 2011 12:30

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks, Bahadur. I came back a couple of days ago from Portugal and should be in India for a few weeks at least. Subhash
Posted @ June 30, 2011 12:26

R B KHARE Says:
Congratulations Subhash. Would like to honour you personally tell me when you are back/available. Bahadur
Posted @ June 30, 2011 12:20

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks a lot, Antoine. I know it is a huge recognition from the number one international institution in wine in the world. But to me, the words of appreciation from people like you is more than the reward, that keeps me going. Subhash
Posted @ June 30, 2011 12:02

PFISTER,Antoine Says:
Hello Subhash, I hope this mail finds you well. I just wanted to send you all our congratulations for the reward you received from OIV in Porto. You deserve this reward and we thank you for all the work you do for the promotion of wine. With warm regards, Antoine PFISTER, Trade Advisor Agrofood Department for India. French Trade Commission,New Delhi Office. Embassy of France in India
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:59

Subhash Arora Says:
Thank you. Subhash
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:57

kskarnic Says:
Congatulations Mr.Subashji. We are proud of You sir,
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:55

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks, Robin. Glad you remembered. And obviously you are reading delWine! Any luck with your Italians in India? Subhash
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:52

Robin Woodhouse Says:
Félicitations Subhash!!!
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:50

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks, Daniel. Now you know why I could not be at Vinexpo. There was a complete clash of dates. Glad I could be of help. Any time, you are welcome. Subhash
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:46

DANIEL J. BERGER Says:
Congratulations Subhash! Award fully deserved. And thank you for your your remote help with Rojita Tawari at Vinexpo. Hope to see you soon. Best.
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:40

Subhash Arora Says:
Thanks Doc. Couldn't you find me a good looking French Assistant who could be my interpreter too!! Subhash
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:34

Ariff Jamal Says:
Subhash – Congratulations! All you now need is a good looking French assistant and the command of the French language and you are in tune to rock n roll with the frenchies. Well done. Doc.
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:30

Harish Seth Says:
Wah bhi Wah!!! Majah aa gaya dekh ke!!!! Mubarakaan
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:30

Mario Sequeira Says:
Congratulations Cav. Shubash. We are all proud to be your friends!! You are truly a great Indian!! Keep up the good work. Warm regards Mario A I da Sequeira
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:25

Ruben PintoSays:
Congratulations!! Mr. Arora. It is a matter of great pride for the Indian wine scenario
Posted @ June 30, 2011 11:20


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