June 27: After scouting around for a better venue compared to the National Exhibition Center Goregaon, Vinexpo India has decided to shift the venue for its maiden edition in Mumbai to the beautiful Hotel Leela Sahar, known for its environment and excellent F & B ops, writes Subhash Arora Advisor and Conference Chairman for one of the most cherished international wine shows which chose India as its international venue partner with the highly successful debut in Delhi last December
The Dates for the Wine, Beer and Spirits Show with over 12 Masterclasses, remain the SAME- 18, 19 and 20 August, 2022.
The change of venue became a possibility because SIAL India Food Show which was to be held along with Vinexpo India on the same dates and venue, decided to postpone it to May 2023. That Show needs a huge space, for which National Exhibition Center, Goregaon is an ideal venue. That decision gave the organisers an option, though more expensive, to shift Vinexpo India to closer in town and preferably in a 5-star Hotel. Subhash Arora who has been helping organise such shows in Delhi since 2003 was keen for the Show to be at a convenient hotel like the Leela Hotel which has an excellent connectivity with all sides in Mumbai and also for outside Mumbai travellers, being next to the airport (T2).
Despite the extra costs, the charges for the participants have not been increased but more participation is anticipated from the exhibitors as well as visitors. Though the last date for allotting Stands was initially kept at 15 July 2022, it is likely to be extended by a couple of weeks to allow for a few more international participants and wine and spirits producers and importers.
All the major producers like Fratelli, Grover, Sula, KLC Virgin Hills, Somanda Vineyards have already booked stands. Sonarys, Brindco, Aspri, Agnetta, Aristol (prev. Prestige) are some of the importers expected to be present with all the fineries. Karnataka Wine Board will represent the South. Many visitors including distributors who loved the Italian wines from Agrimenti Italia would be happy to meet and taste a wide range of Italian wines. One can find an eclectic presentation of Italian wines by Mattia Antonia Cianca, the Best Sommelier for Italy in 2019 and the Best Australian Sommelier in 2017 and the Bordeaux-based Amrita Singh.
The Masterclasses which are an important feature of the event have already been booked for the last two months. There will be an even better version by Grover Vineyards which stole the Show in Delhi last December, with a couple of additions of super-premium wines. Come Taste the Burgundy in India from Virgin Hills. The delicious dessert ARKA wines from Hill Zill Wines will seduce you. There will be sprinkling of fruit wines at the Show as well.
Come Taste the Wisdom from Sanjay Menon, the fountainhead of wine knowledge from the wine importing community. Caballo Loco from Valdivieso will steal your hearts as Agnetta showcases the best of what Chile has to offer. Brindco has a surprise that will be revealed later by Aman Dhall ,as would the Masterclass from Sonal Holland MW. Arora is really excited by a Presentation by Mattia Cianca- 5 top appellations of DOCG wines from Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Amarone, Chianti Classico and Gavi. The 
List is endless and will be published in the future editions of delWine. Similarly, a Sherry Masterclass by Sherry Educator Kunal Kaul, with 3 sherry wines from Chenab Impex would be the darling of fortified wine lovers. Come find out how Ajoy Shaw has branched out and helped many smaller producers shape up terroir-based wines.
Rod Lameyse, the head honcho of Vinexpo in Paris is thrilled-not only because the Show is a stand-alone wine and spirits show but also because of the location. He is planning to be present at the Show giving an opportunity to many professionals to meet him personally.
Rajan Sharma, CEO of InterAds Exhibitions has been burning midnight oil sending his teams to various venues in order to choose the best venue. ‘I am so glad we have been finally able to choose the Leela Hotel as the venue. We have been dealing with them in the past for so many exhibitions and I feel there could not be a better venue for Vinexpo India, Mumbai. Not only the exhibitors but the visitors from restaurants, hotels, producers and importers, sommeliers, journalists and other professionals from the wine and spirits industry will be extremely happy to visit the Show. Please mark the calendar for visiting the Show on all days to attend excellent masterclasses.
For more information, contact vinexpoindia@delwine.com
Subhash Arora
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