 HS Oberoi Spirits is proud to introduce Hardys, one of Australia’s most celebrated and awarded wine houses, to its growing portfolio in India. With a winemaking legacy that dates back to 1853, Hardys has become a global symbol of heritage, quality, and consistency — and is now set to strengthen its presence across premium Indian retail and horeca spaces.
Founded by Thomas Hardy in South Australia’s McLaren Vale, Hardys played a foundational role in the evolution of the Australian wine industry. From humble beginnings with just £30 and a vision to create “wines prized in the markets of the world,” the brand today boasts over 9,000 global accolades and continues to be one of the most recognised names in winemaking. While Hardys has had a presence in India in the past, this renewed launch under HS Oberoi Spirits marks a fresh chapter — with a sharper focus on availability, premium positioning, and long-term brand building. “Hardys is more than just a wine label — it’s a benchmark in global winemaking. We’re excited to bring their legacy and award-winning portfolio to Indian consumers with the commitment and scale it deserves,” said Manveer Singh Oberoi, Founder, HS Oberoi Spirits. As part of its launch, HS Oberoi Spirits will introduce a curated selection of Hardys wines across major Indian cities, catering to both loyal fans of the brand and a new generation of wine enthusiasts. ( Excerpt from a release)
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Australian wine exports to mainland China exceed $1 billion one year after removal of tariffs4/29/2025 In the 12 months ended March 2025, Australian wine exports increased by 41 per cent in value to $2.64 billion and by 6 per cent in volume to 647 million litres, according to Wine Australia’s Export Report released today. The average value of exports increased by 33 per cent to $4.09 per litre free on board (FOB), the highest average value in almost two decades. Peter Bailey, Manager, Market Insights, Wine Australia said, “the increase in average value is mainly due to the elevated level of premium wine shipments to mainland China, after tariffs on Australian bottled wine were removed at the end of March 2024. The 12 months ended March 2025 represented a full year’s worth of exports to mainland China since the tariffs were eliminated – resulting in 96 million litres of exports to the market, valued at $1.03 billion. “While the total value of shipments to mainland China is now at a similar level to the years immediately before tariffs on Australian bottled wine came into force, volume in the last 12 months is 23 per cent smaller than the 5-year average between 2016 and 2020 and 44 per cent below the peak in 2018. “Additionally, the average value of packaged wine shipped to mainland China was $23.00 per litre, much higher than any other major export market. The lower volume and high average value demonstrate that mainland China is a premium market for Australian wine and will therefore not solve oversupply issues in Australia.” Exports to the rest of the world (excluding mainland China) declined by 13 per cent in value to $1.62 billion and 9 per cent in volume to 551 million litres. This was the lowest value to the rest of the world in ten years and lowest volume in over twenty years. While the decline in value was mainly driven by Hong Kong as sales transitioned to mainland China, the volume drop was due to the declines in exports key destinations such as the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), and Canada.  e global wine market is facing considerable headwinds which are impacting on results for other markets aside from mainland China and are unlikely to be resolved in the near-term. While there has been a long-term trend of consumers drinking less alcohol due to health and wellness concerns, more recent cost-of-living pressures could continue or potentially get worse in certain markets, given the economic and political turmoil taking place globally. Escalating trade wars have the potential to increase prices, complicate supply chains, and rapidly change the competitive landscape in key wine markets in the near-term.
On 2 April 2025, US President Trump announced tariffs on all importing countries, including Australia. Australian wine is now subject to a 10 per cent tariff on arrival in the US. At the time of publication, all other nations also had a 10 per cent tariff applied, however the situation is evolving and there is still a lot of uncertainty about what the longer-term position might be. Because there are a number of factors to account for – how much of the increased cost will get passed on to consumers, the effect of a global trade war on foreign exchange rates, and whether consumers will start to switch to domestic wines – it is hard to predict how this will affect Australian wine exports to the US in the short-to-medium term. In the 12 months ended March 2025, Australian wine exports to the US declined by 17 per cent in volume to 106 million litres and 9 per cent in value to $323 million, making it Australia’s second largest market by volume and third largest market by value. Exports to the United States have been on a long-term decline, with Australian exports now at the lowest level since the early 2000s. Australian wine exports to the UK, the largest export market by volume, declined by 8 per cent in volume to 208 million litres and 3 per cent in value to $353 million. Despite this decline, the number of exporters shipping to the UK increased to 314 businesses, up by 23 from the previous 12 months. Of the top 20 exporters by value, 15 experienced a growth in export value in the past year. Exports to Canada declined by 19 per cent in volume to 60 million litres and increased by 3 per cent in value to $151 million. Average value grew by 27 per cent to $2.53 per litre, driven by an increase in packaged exports with an average value of $5 per litre and above, and a decline in unpackaged exports. The top five destinations by value were:
n the 12 months ended December 2024, Australian wine exports increased by 34 per cent in value to $2.55 billion and by 7 per cent in volume to 649 million litres, according to Wine Australia’s Export Report released today. The increase in value was a result of high levels of shipments to mainland China between April and December 2024, after tariffs on Australian bottled wine were removed at the end of March 2024. In those nine months, 83 million litres of wine, worth $902 million, have been exported to mainland China. The average value of exports to mainland China for the 12 months ended December 2024 was $10.79 per litre, contributing to a 24 per cent increase in the average value of total packaged exports to $9.35 per litre – a record value. Peter Bailey, Manager, Market Insights, Wine Australia said, “while there has been month-to-month volatility in the value of shipments to mainland China in the period since tariffs were removed, the performance is nonetheless very positive. However, Chinese wine consumption is much lower than it was before the import tariffs were imposed, so it will take more time before it becomes clear what the ‘new normal’ level of exports to mainland China will be, after this initial re-stocking period."  Outside of the unique circumstances relating to exports to mainland China, global alcohol consumption is facing numerous headwinds, and this is impacting the results to other markets. In many established wine markets consumption is declining due to health and wellness concerns and the rising cost of living. This has contributed to a global oversupply of wine and increased competition in already strained supply chains. Australian wine exports to the rest of the world declined by 13 per cent in value to $1.64 billion and 7 per cent in volume to 565 million litres during the 12 months to December 2024.
The decline in value was largely driven by Hong Kong, after a large increase in shipments to this destination at the end of 2023 likely driven by some Australian exporters anticipating the removal of import tariffs in mainland China in early 2024. A decline in unpackaged wine exports to the United States after a period of heightened exports further contributed to the volume decline. Exports to North America declined by 5 per cent to $482 million, driven by the United States, with growth in exports to Canada offsetting some of the decline. There were mixed results by destination in Europe. The value of shipments to the region declined by 4 per cent to $521 million, with exports to the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands declining. Meanwhile, exports to Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, and Poland increased in value. Outside of mainland China, most other Asian destinations declined in exports during the 12 months to December 2024, although the long-term growth rate in value for the region (excluding mainland China) was still positive at 4 per cent per year in the last 5 years. The top five destinations by value were:
(Excerpt from a release) Business France India, under the tutelage of the Embassy of France in India, will welcome a French delegation of 17 wine and spirits producers for the 8th edition of the Tastin’ France event in India. These producers will showcase their products on November 6th at the Embassy of France in Delhi, followed by a tasting in Mumbai at ProWine on November 8th and 9th in Mumbai. This year's Tastin'France India brings together renowned estates from all over France, offering Indian importers, distributors, and connoisseurs an exclusive opportunity to discover exceptional French beverages, fostering valuable business opportunities. Attendees will experience a curated selection of wines and spirits, highlighting the rich diversity and expertise of France’s renowned vineyards and distilleries. "The partnership between India and France in the wine and spirits sector continues to strengthen, driven by a mutual appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. Tastin’France serves as an important platform to deepen these ties, enabling Indian importers to discover the exceptional diversity of French products while promoting sustainable practices that resonate with today’s consumers. Together, we are building a vibrant trade relationship that celebrates our shared values and enriches both markets." — Estelle David, Trade Commissioner of France, and Head of Business France in India. Highlights of the 8th edition of Tastin’France India From the emblematic regions of Burgundy and the sparkling vineyards of Champagne to the warm hillsides of Languedoc, and from the unmissable vineyards of Bordeaux to the savoury banks of the Rhône valley, the 17 winegrowers and spirit distillers will take attendees on a sensory tour of France. The delegation encompasses a diverse range of estates, from cooperatives representing hundreds of winegrowers to exclusive private estates and traders. Attendees can look forward to a comprehensive selection featuring Vins de France, IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée), and AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée). This wide array allows for the exploration of various wine styles, including red, white, and rosé wines, as well as Champagne and spirits like Cognac, Whisky, Vodka, each reflecting the distinct terroir and traditions of its region. Amongst the participating companies, several brands are committed to environmental sustainability, with one estate on the verge of organic certification and another using artisanal methods to care for its soils and vines without the use of chemicals. BWINE, CHÂTEAU LA FRANCE & CHÂTEAU DE SEGUIN | COLLECTION TRAMIER | TUTIAC | LGI WINES | LES VIGNERONS REUNIS DE MONSEGUR | ALMA CERSIUS | VIGNOBLES VELLAS | DOMAINE ANDRE BRUNEL | LA VINTAGE COMPANY | CHAMPAGNE G.H MARTEL & CO | FRENCHIES WINES | LES PRODUCTEURS REUNIS | DISTILLERIE DES MOISANS | FIWINE BORDEAUX / FINESTWINE.COM | CHÂTEAU CHARMAIL | CHATEAU LA FLEUR DE BOÜARD | SLAUR SARDET | BOYER - DE BAR Key Statistics on Wine Production and Consumption
France In 2023, France reclaimed its title as the world's largest wine producer, overtaking Italy, and Spain with an impressive volume of hectolitres. More than half of all French wines carry the prestigious Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP), while 40% are classified as Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP), highlighting the commitment to quality and regional identity. Remarkably, although vineyards account for only 3% of France's agricultural land, viticulture remains the leading agricultural sector in terms of value, underlining its economic importance. India The Indian wine market is experiencing a remarkable transformation, reaching a value of US$ 195 million in 2023. Projections indicate that this dynamic market will soar to US$ 803 million by 2032, with an impressive compound annual growth rate of 17% anticipated between 2024 and 2032. Increasing demand for wine, particularly from younger consumers who enjoy socializing at restaurants and bars, is driving this growth. Notably, while Australia leads the way in terms of volume, France remains the top exporter in terms of value, with its wines revered for their premium quality, especially in the luxury and fine wine segments. The trend is clear: wine consumption per capita in India grew by 9% between 2022 and 2023, reinforcing the excitement around this evolving market. Tastin’ France reinforcing Indo-French business ties. Tastin’ France is a unique opportunity for wine and spirits enthusiasts, and industry professionals, to immerse themselves in the rich flavours and traditions of French viticulture and distillery. This event highlights the exceptional quality of French wines and spirits while reinforcing the strong ties between India and France. With a growing market for wine in India, the event serves as a platform for importers and distributors to explore valuable business opportunities that can benefit both countries, fostering collaboration and innovation in the wine and spirit sector. Business France invites Importers and distributors in India to join this journey of discovery and appreciation. (Excerpt from a release)  Rotweingläser mit Weintrauben © ÖWM / Carletto Photography The fact that Austria produces world-class white wines is nothing new. However, in recent years, Austrian reds have been following hot on their heels, making headlines with their top international ratings. And it is no wonder, for it has almost been one outstanding vintage after another since 2015. Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Sankt Laurent and the likes have produced juicy, ripe red wines full of fruit and with all the typical freshness of Austrian wines.
Velvety red with delicate spicinessWhen talking about Austrian red wines, there’s no getting around Zweigelt (Rotburger). Nowadays, this crossing of Blaufränkisch and Sankt Laurent is grown on around 6,000 hectares of land, in other words, almost half of the area dedicated to red wine varieties in Austria. And there is good reason for this! Zweigelt is a charmer with velvety tannins and deep fruity aromas of morello and dark cherries, combined with a confit of forest fruits. Does that sound a bit kitsch? Well it isn't, because a delicate spiciness is what gives Zweigelt its vital pizzazz. Served a little cooler, a light Zweigelt is also the perfect drink to enjoy on the patio in summer. And while the appeal of a young Zweigelt is well-known, a growing number of connoisseurs are discovering the delights of these wines when they have had a chance to mature. With ageing, the tannins become even more refined and the flavour profile is enhanced by notes of mocha and leather. A mature performance: one top vintage after the otherWhile on the subject of maturity, those who aren’t browsing the stocks of Austria’s red-winemakers right now are passing up a unique opportunity. Perfectly matured red wines from the historic 2017, 2019 and 2021 vintages are still available, for example, as well as the delicately fruity and precise 2020 and 2016 wines. Those who prefer something that packs more of a punch in the glass should consider the dense and powerful 2018 vintage. These mature reds display all the charisma that Austria has developed in this area. Their flavour components have settled into the perfect balance, while the wines have still retained their typical freshness and are as juicy as ever. Character, character, characterAnother wine that has particularly benefited from the recent good wine-growing years is Blaufränkisch – a character actor that has established Austria as one of the top red-wine producing countries, especially at the international level. As a late-ripening variety, the warm summers and mild autumns particularly suit Blaufränkisch. This enables its unmistakeable foundation, grippy tannins and vibrant freshness to ripen to perfection, allowing it to develop deep-rooted aromas of dark berries, a spicy, smoky minerality and the occasional vivid floral note. Virtually no other variety expresses the typicity of its origins in the glass quite as well as Blaufränkisch. The sophisticated grape with a sugar brakeThe third variety that plays a key role on the Austrian red-wine scene is Sankt Laurent. It is, without question, an absolute diva in the vineyard. However, it is also a grape that appears made for climate change, since it has a natural sort of “sugar brake”. This prevents the grapes from storing too much sugar, even in warm years. As a result, the wines are never too heavy, developing an incomparable elegance and sophistication instead. They are mild and fruity, almost silky on the palate, and display aromas of dark forest fruits, cherries and a hint of forest floor that is reminiscent of illustrious Pinot Noirs. (excerpt from a release)  Wine harvest 2024, key facts about Austrian wine © Austrian Chamber of Agriculture At a press conference in Vienna, the President of the Austrian Winegrowers’ Association Johannes Schmuckenschlager reported on the very early start to this year’s wine harvest, expecting a lower harvest volume than last year: “At 2.0 million hl, the volume of wine will be considerably lower than the average over the last few years.” In 2023, the volume of wine produced totalled 2.33 million hl, while the annual average for the period 2019 to 2023 was 2.41 million hl. Schmuckenschlager explained that the reason for the early harvest was the very early budding of the vines, along with sufficient precipitation in the spring and hot spells in the summer. The main harvest is now in full swing in all wine-growing regions, and we can look forward to a mature, harmonious vintage.
Very changeable weather throughout 2024 The weather conditions during 2024 are the reason for this exceptionally early harvest. In contrast to last year, there was sufficient precipitation during the winter, although from January on, the winter months were too warm for the time of year. A warm start to spring and temperatures close to those usually associated with summer at the start of April resulted in very early budding, three weeks earlier than the long-term average. “Early budding always entails a risk of damage due to late frosts, which can occur right up until around the middle of May. And indeed, in the second half of April, there were multiple late frosts throughout the whole of Austria,” Schmuckenschlager reported. While in most parts of Austria, only a few low-lying or young vineyards suffered localised frost damage, parts of the Thermenregion, the Kamptal and the Wachau region were more seriously affected. As a result of the early budding, the blossom also came out correspondingly early. In many places, this already started in the last week of May, coming to an end in the first two weeks of June. However, the rain that fell during the blossoming period meant that blossoming was delayed in some regions and also resulted in coulure damage in some cases. Keeping the vines healthy required extra special attention during this important and sensitive growing stage. The first hot spell with temperatures over 30 °C started in mid-June. This resulted in extremely rapid growth of both vegetation and berries, right through to grape closure. Due to the continued hot weather in July and August, ripening commenced very early and advanced rapidly. This was also helped by the good supply of water left over from spring, although levels of precipitation during the summer varied considerably. In some regions, there was no rain to speak of at all throughout the summer. Other regions, on the other hand, were well-supplied with water, as in the area around Krems, for example. Unfortunately, this year also saw some storms with heavy hail. Areas that were particularly affected include Neusiedl am See, Gols and Podersdorf (all around Lake Neusiedl), Güssing in southern Burgenland and a few wine-growing regions in Steiermark (Styria) such as Leibnitz, Deutschlandsberg and the Hartberg area. Just recently, there were massive storms in the Hollabrunn area (Weinviertel) and severe hail storms on Vienna’s Nussberg. In this context, it must be said that the increase in the incidence of storms is also a consequence of climate change. The early budding and blossoming, the good levels of precipitation and the hot spells that followed during the summer are the reason why the wine harvest has begun so unusually early. In Burgenland, the main harvest started at the end of August, in Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), Steiermark (Styria) and Wien (Vienna) in the first week of September. Lower harvest volumes However, Schmuckenschlager explained, “In terms of volume, we are expecting to harvest less than last year, and also compared to the average from previous years. In many vineyards, the clusters were less well formed this year, and late frosts and coulure during blossoming have also reduced the volume.” Due to the hot spells in the summer, the diameter of the grapes, and consequently the must yield, is also lower than in normal years in many places. Although the hail storms were bitter for the regions affected, the impact on Austria’s total wine harvest generally remains negligible. “According to information received from the regions, a wine harvest of around 2.0 million hl is expected this year. This leaves us around 15% lower than last year, which in itself was not a big harvest,” said Schmuckenschlager. However, thanks to the reserves held by the wineries, there is no need to fear a wine shortage. Particularly dense, ripe red wines expected “Once again, the winemakers have done their best to ensure healthy grapes. The advanced ripening as a result of the weather conditions means that such an early harvest is necessary in order to achieve a harmonious sugar-to-acid ratio,” explained Schmuckenschlager, happy with the quality of the grapes. “We can look forward to a mature, harmonious vintage that may well be a bit more dense in some cases,” he added. This year’s vintage will particularly favour the red-wine grapes. As a result of the small berry size and the very dark, concentrated grapes, we can expect dense, fully ripe red wines. (excerpt from a release)  Wine Park founder and head Vishal Kadakia launched orange wines from Radikon, an Italian winery that is a leading producer of this style. Kadakia launched three wines including two orange wines and one red which will initially be available in Maharashtra. The wines were launched in the presence of Sebastien Papin, Export Director, Asia Pacific of Champagne Billecart-Salmon over a tasting of Billecart Salmon’s Champagnes and a networking afternoon for the wine trade and media at the Koi Bar, St. Regis Mumbai.
Radikon, a family estate based in the northern Italian region of Friuli. Orange wines, interestingly are produced from white wine grapes that stay in contact with the skin for an extended period and are fermented using natural yeast and a minimal to nil use of sulphur. Orange wines, historically, were produced centuries ago in Georgia and in the past decade, have been produced in vineyards across Italy and France. Radikon is regarded as one of the world’s pioneering orange wine makers, based in Italy’s northern region of Friuli. The wines selected from the estate’s range, available in India now include the Radikon, SLATNIK Bianco 2022, a sumptuous Chardonnay blend that crackles with cherries, baked orange peel, and roses. There’s also the Radikon, SIVI Bianco 2022, a Pinot Grigio style, barrel aged and tasting of pear and citrus, finishing clean and Radikon, RS 22 Rosso 2022, a full bodied barrel aged Merlot blend. Kadakia said, “I had been looking forward to introducing orange wines to the Indian market for a long time since he first tasted these styles in Singapore and later in Paris where natural orange wines have become quite popular in recent years. “I was fascinated by the colour and palate of orange wines and the story behind how these wines are made. The fact that white wines can be produced in a style similar to red wines and bring out a unique flavour character in them. I loved these natural orange wines and believed these were ripe for launching in India.” The three new wines are presently available in retail and on premise in Maharashtra and will subsequently be launched in Karnataka. Speaking on the Champagnes, Sebastien Papin said, “Our house recently changed its recipe in keeping with changing trends. We noticed that Champagne drinkers prefer a less sweet, more concentrated and fruity style so we decided to reduce the dosage (added sweet liquid) for our standard Brut Champagne from 8.5 grams per litre to 4.5 grams per litre. To compensate for this change, we have increased the number of years we age our Champagne from 33 to 50 months which is a significant increase. (Excerpt from a release) Australian wine exports increased in value by 17 per cent to $2.2 billion in 2023–24, the highest level since the 12 months ended September 2021, and volume remained relatively steady at 619 million litres according to Wine Australia’s Export Report released today. The growth in value was due to a surge in exports to mainland China in the last three months of the financial year, as Australian wine re-stocked supply pipelines following the removal of the duties on Australian bottled wine in late March 2024. Wine Australia Manager, Market Insights, Peter Bailey said that the rise in exports to mainland China is still a small fraction of the historical peaks achieved to the market. “The surge in exports to mainland China towards the end of the financial year saw volume rise from 1 million litres to 33 million litres and value grow by $392 million to $400 million compared to last financial year,” Mr Bailey said. “While the figures are very positive, they represent the re–stocking of Australian wine in the pipeline of a major market after a long absence and do not necessarily equate to retail sales. It will take some time before there is a clearer picture of how Chinese consumers are responding to the increased availability of Australian wine in-market. “Consumption of both domestic and imported wines in mainland China is less than a third of what it was six years ago and thus it is very unlikely that Australian wine exports will return to those previous peaks in the short to medium term.”  There were 574 companies exporting to mainland China in 2023–24, up from 115 in 2022–23. Prior to the imposition of duties, there were more than 2,000 companies exporting to mainland China. In 2023–24, the top ten exporters by value to the market accounted for three-quarters of the total value and 39 per cent of the volume of exports.
Exports of wine priced at $20 or more per litre FOB, which roughly translates to 300 RMB per bottle retail, were the main driver of the value growth to mainland China, accounting for 84 per cent of the growth. “The growth in value has seen mainland China return to the top export market by value,” Mr Bailey said. “However, the volume of exports at 33 million litres, is relatively small, equating to less than five per cent of Australia’s winegrape harvest in 2024 and so is unlikely to make a significant impact on the current oversupply of red winegrapes, particularly in the big volume-producing warm inland regions.” Exports to the rest of the world (excluding mainland China) declined by 4 per cent ($68 million) to $1.8 billion and volume decreased by 5 per cent (33 million litres) to 587 million litres. This is the lowest volume exported to the rest of the world in a financial year since 2003–04. The decline in volume was most significant in unpackaged exports priced under $1.50 per litre to the United States (US) and Canada (down a combined 20 million litres). “Global trading conditions remain very challenging with wine consumption continuing to fall in many markets around the world due to moderation trends and cost of living pressures. There are also enduring problems in shipping, with a shortage of ships globally and freight and charter rates on the rise,” Mr Bailey said. Australia is not the only country negatively impacted by these factors. Wine exports have also declined from other major wine producing countries. For example, in the 12 months ended April 2024, the volume of wine exported from Spain fell by 2 per cent, France by 7 per cent, Chile by 7 per cent, South Africa by 12 per cent, Germany by 5 per cent and New Zealand by 14 per cent. Among varieties exported from Australia, still red wine was the main beneficiary of the growth in exports to mainland China, with total volume of red wine up 3 per cent to 330 million litres and value up 27 per cent to $1.5 billion compared to 2022–23. Cabernet Sauvignon grew in value by 41 per cent to $469 million and volume by 12 per cent to 70 million litres, with the US also contributing to the increase in exports of this variety. For white wine, Chardonnay remained the number one variety and while volumes declined by 6 per cent to 158 million litres, value was up marginally to $307 million. The top performer for still white wine was Pinot Gris/Grigio, up 15 per cent in volume to 51 million litres and 16 per cent in value to $101 million, a record financial year result for the variety. The US was the main driver of the growth in Pinot Gris/Grigio exports. The top five destinations by value were:
 The International Wine Challenge, the world's most influential, impartial and rigorously judged global wine competition, has announced the results of its 2024 competition, marking its 40th year. Medals were awarded to 38 winemaking countries following a blind tasting by an international panel of experts last month. While France, Australia and Spain remained top of the medal table, niche wine producing countries England, Georgia, Japan, Canada, Romania, Ukraine and India all saw an increase in the number of medals awarded.
The improving quality of wine around the globe is evident in this year’s results, with many countries gaining more medals than ever before. England has seen a rise in medals with 13 Gold, 54 Silver and 58 Bronze, having climbed up the medal table to 9th place this year from 10th last year. Canada gained 14 more medals than last year, with 3 Gold, 27 Silver and 29 Bronze. The Niagara Peninsula was the standout region winning 46 of the medals, compared to the 28 medals it won last year. Georgia also won more medals this year, in particular the Kakheti region which won 48 out of the 51 medals awarded to Georgia with most wines awarded being skin-contact white or red. Japan has won its most ever Gold medals for wine with two going to Chardonnays, both won by Takahata Winery, and one going to a Koshu wine. Other countries with significant gains were Romania with 12 more medals than last year, including 5 Silver and 13 Bronze, giving them a total of 18 medals. Ukraine saw an increase from just 1 medal last year to 8 this year, 7 Bronze and 1 Silver. India also gained an extra 3 medals with 5 Bronze medals awarded. Wines from Chandon, Sula, Fratelli and Big Banyan saw getting the Bronze and Commended medals. The full list of medal and trophy winners in the 2024 International Wine Challenge can be viewed here.  Delhi's Sidecar walked away with top honors once again at the 4th edition of 30BestBarsIndia, the country’s most prestigious bar ranking and awards platform, at a ceremony held at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage last night. Besides being ranked India’s #1 Bar for the second year in a row, it also walked away with the Best Independent Bar Award and the Best Cocktail Menu Award - for Arq, a menu inspired by quintessential Indian ingredients. Pune’s Cobbler & Crew (#2) took home 4 awards this year – Highest New Entry, Best Bar Team, Best Bartender (Aashi Bhatnagar), and Best Work in Sustainability (along with Pune’s Soy Como Soy). Notably, Pune also captured the People’s Choice Awards – with Elephant & Co. Kalyani Nagar (#47) deemed People’s Choice Best Bar and TOIT awarded People’s Choice Best Microbrewery or Taproom. Bangalore bars stepped into the spotlight as well, with ZLB 23 – The Leela Palace (#6) bagging Best Bar Design. It was also awarded the Best Hotel Bar alongside Copitas – Four Seasons Hotel (#4). The city’s favourite watering hole, TOIT (#29), was the winner of the Best Microbrewery or Taproom Award. PCO New Delhi was this year’s Highest Climber – jumping eight spots to #12. The Best Restaurant Bar went to Gurgaon’s Comorin (#11). The Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Menu was awarded to Chennai’s Pandan Club, for its innovative storytelling and presentation of Zero ABV drinks. Additionally, AD Singh, Founder & MD, Olive Group of Restaurants was honoured with the Industry Icon Award while Polo Lounge, Hyatt Regency Delhi took home the Timeless Bar Award. Vikram Achanta, Co-Founder, 30BestBarsIndia says, “The anticipation for the awards increases year-on-year, and this year, we saw noticeable jumps in the list. Eleven new bars made their way into the top 30 list, showcasing the pace at which Indian bars are innovating. As standards continue to increase in the industry and global eyes watch India’s beverage landscape evolve, bars need to continue pushing boundaries across cocktail programs, adopting new techniques, and enhancing bar talent to stay relevant.” Radhakrishna Nair, Co-Founder, 30BestBarsIndia added, “Many rankings this year were closely fought affairs, especially among the top bars in the country, with very few votes separating them. Every year, we re-evaluate our award categories to stay relevant with what’s taking place in the bar landscape, both nationally and internationally. It is in keeping with this strategy that we introduced the Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Menu award this year to recognize bars that are making strides with zero-ABV drinks.” Appended is the Top 30 List:
Chilean Concha y Toro; latin America's largest wine producer hosts a masterclass in mumbai1/10/2024  Sommelier Fazil Mohammad Renowned wine expert and Brand Ambassador of Viña Concha y Toro S.A., Mr. Fazil Mohammad, recently concluded a successful visit to India where he steered conversations around wine and conducted an exclusive Wine Masterclass in association with Aspri Spirits, Concha Y Toro's exclusive importers in India. The visit aimed to elevate India's vibrant wine scene by showcasing Concha Y Toro's legacy and expertise through a series of exclusive engagements, culminating in a captivating wine masterclass. Concha y Toro is one of the most admired wine producers and exporters with a sales presence in 130 countries and 13 distribution offices. The brand is Latin America’s largest wine producer with over 12,000 hectares of vineyards planted in Chile, Argentina, and the USA. During his visit, Mr. Fazil engaged with wine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media representatives, sharing insights and history about the brand. The Wine Masterclass, led by Mr. Fazil, provided a unique opportunity for attendees to delve into the world of Vina Concha Y Toro wines and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and craftsmanship. He also informed the audience about Concha y Toro being a part of the global community of Certified B Corporations and its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last eight years. "We are thrilled to have hosted Mr. Fazil from Vina Concha Y Toro. The masterclass conducted by him underscores our commitment to introduce global pioneers like Vina Concha Y Toro to our discerning consumers. With over 140 years of history, Vina Concha Y Toro has achieved remarkable recognition globally by being named among the “Top 100 Premium Wine and Spirits Brands of the World” at the exclusive 2023 Luxury Lifestyle Awards. The winery was also included among the “Top 100 Wineries of 2023” by the distinguished Wine & Spirits Publication, and we are thrilled to bring this forward to our Indian consumers," remarked Mr. Jackie Matai, Co-Founder of Aspri Spirits. Commenting on his first visit to India, Brand Ambassador of Concha y Toro, Fazil Mohammad, expressed enthusiasm about the company's entry into the Indian market, stating, "We are thrilled to be working with Aspri Spirits to bring the best of Chilean winemaking to India with the likes of Casillero del Diablo and Frontera. Both brands have a rich heritage and a commitment to quality that aligns perfectly with the discerning taste of Indian consumers. We believe that the premium quality of Casillero del Diablo and the vibrant charm of Frontera will resonate well with the Indian palate." (excerpt from a release)  WineGB is celebrating what they believe will be Great Britain’s largest-ever grape harvest. In the industry’s post-harvest report – ‘2023 Harvest Report – the big one’ - this 'miracle’ harvest is set to produce an estimated 20-22m bottle production. Other key statistics:
Yield data was gathered from WineGB’s members (132 vineyard owners) and represents the most comprehensive early study available. Producers and growers of all sizes, and across the wine growing regions in England and Wales, took part. The report was authored by UK viticulture consultant Stephen Skelton MW. More Facts: The highest yields were achieved in the drier and warmer regions, East Anglia, the South East, and Wessex (Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Isle of Wight). Investment in the last five years has led to a substantial increase in vine plantings. Vineyard hectarage now in full production is some 3,230ha, compared to 2,138ha in 2018 – a growth of 151%. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier and Bacchus, which account for more than 75% of the UK planted area (Wine Standards March 2023), performed exceptionally well, with the average of all vineyards almost reaching 10 tonnes per hectare, and the top quartile exceeding all estimates with an average across the four varieties reaching 15.9 tonnes/-ha (6.43 tonnes/-acre). 2023 will be remembered as a near perfect year, with very little spring frost (affecting only 6% of respondent vineyards compared to 29% in 2022), text-book flowering weather in June and despite the generally wet and often dull summer (July and August), some exceptionally warm spells in September and October. Picking started with the earlier ripening varieties on 2 September, with the major varieties in the larger regions (and where the crops were heaviest) getting underway at the beginning of October and continuing for the first three weeks of the month. Vineyards reported heavy crop and bunch weights. Whilst ripeness levels were lower than average, as were acids, winemakers are optimistic about the quality of the fruit and resulting wine. Stephen Skelton MW said: “2023 will be a vintage to remember. The excellent yields are attributed to not only the near perfect weather for grapes at key times of the growing season, but also comes on the back of more hectares than ever before coming into production, having seen nearly 75% growth in plantings in the last five years alone.” Nicola Bates, CEO WineGB said: “There was a silver lining to our miserable summer, and that is a fantastic season for wine. UK consumers are drinking more and more home produce and at the same time exports are going up especially in the Nordics and Japan. We look forward to having more wine to present to our growing consumer base. So to be on trend ensure that you are serving English and Welsh wines for Christmas and New Year. There has never been a better time to buy British.” (Excerpt from a release)  Building on a collective of sixteen winemakers from seven different nationalities located in Argentina, Brazil, California, Australia, China, and India, Chandon has thrived since its inception in 1959, on the exchange of ideas and savoir-faire. With a vision to become India’s premium homegrown wine brand, Aurva is the co-creation of a harmonious duet between Kaushal Khairnar, India’s whizz-kid head winemaker and the youngest of Chandon's chefs de caves, and Chandon Australia’s winemaking director, Dan Buckle, a master in the art of Shiraz winemaking. Together the two experts have crafted a wine that reflects the best of both worlds – a poetic expression of Shiraz that captures the essence of India's unique climate and terroir while benefiting from the shared wisdom, skill, and experience of a talented master winemaker.
The Indian winery was inaugurated in 2014. By that time, Shiraz had already established itself as a star in the Indian wine landscape. The winemakers saw the potential of Nashik’s unique soils and climate, which, while unconventional for wine, held the promise of producing colourful, aromatic, and sensual Shiraz based sparkling wines. This success of these inspired Kaushal Khairnar and Dan Buckle when they started working on the creation of a new expression for the brand, an exquisite red wine they would name Aurva -the term “Aurva” translates to ‘of the earth’ in Sanskrit- paying tribute to the land and mythic beauty of the unique terroir of Nashik, Maharashtra: ‘the ancient home of the Warli people and their sacred art and culture.’ Concentrating on one harvest per year the winemakers imposed a selective approach that allows focus on the quality, freshness and integrity of the grapes. Meticulously crafted using 100% locally sourced Shiraz grapes carefully hand harvested by the brand's partner growers in Nashik, India’s wine capital, aged in French oak barrels for ten months, Aurva offers a symphony of rich aromas, velvety smoothness, and flavors of cloves, cherry, blueberry and plum. “Moët Hennessy is globally recognized and in India, we are not only ‘Made in India’ but ‘India Proud’. Aurva is a significant step in exactly that direction. We are confident in expanding our wine portfolio while maintaining a clear focus on the authenticity and quality of our products. With the launch of Aurva, we aim to showcase Nashik's craftsmanship and encourage people to savor and explore another premium homegrown wine from the Moët Hennessy India portfolio. Aurva is a wine we are honoured to introduce to India and the world.” said Ipsita Das, Managing Director, Moët Hennessy India. CHANDON Aurva, priced at INR 4250 is currently available in Mumbai (excerpt from a release)  Moldova is set to host the prestigious Congress of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in 2025, a landmark event for the global wine community. This announcement, coinciding with the Moldova National Wine Day, underlines the significant contributions and commitment of the Republic of Moldova to the global viticulture sector
Established in 1924, the OIV plays a crucial role in harmonizing and standardizing the global wine industry, providing support and assistance through its extensive network of over 1,000 international experts from its 50 member states. As the organization marks its centenary, the year 2024 has been declared the “International Year of Vine and Wine”, celebrated under the overarching theme: “The Vine and Wine of Tomorrow”. On October 4, 2023, Luigi Moio, President of the OIV, expressed joy over the approved request from the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Moldova to organize the 46th OIV Congress in 2025. He stated, “I'm thrilled, as this Congress will be the fifth in the second century of our organization's history and it will take place in Moldova. Congratulations on the occasion of National Wine Day! This significant celebration, observed in various nations, plays a significant role in transferring the cherished tradition of winemaking to future generations.” Hosting the OIV Congress in 2025 in Moldova is not only an extraordinary honor but also an immense responsibility and an opportunity. This occasion allows us to showcase Moldova’s dedication and passion for winemaking. Moldovan Wine has tirelessly promoted quality, sustainability, and innovation over the past ten years. The OIV Congress hosted in the Republic of Moldova will be a symbolic event, showing collaboration and commitment to further strengthening Moldova’s status as a significant and respected player in the global wine landscape. This announcement caps a decade of reform and evolution for the wine industry, celebrated as part of the “10 Years of Moldovan Wine Revolution” campaign, aligning with the National Wine Day festivities held on October 7-8, 2023. (excerpt from a release) Moldova's Wine Wins Over the World, to celebrate October 7th and 8th as national wine days, 20239/25/2023 Chisinau, Moldova – September 25, 2023 – The Republic of Moldova is once again gearing up for the 22nd edition of National Wine Day, an extraordinary wine celebration event in Eastern Europe. Traditionally held on the first weekend of October each year, this year's festivities are scheduled for October 7th and 8th. Wine of Moldova is preparing to host a remarkable showcase featuring a record-breaking lineup of over 90 wineries, ranging from well-established producers to a burgeoning number of boutique wineries. "Our Wine Wins Over the World" is the chosen theme for this year's Moldova's National Wine Day, echoing the remarkable international recognition that Wine of Moldova has garnered in recent years. It encapsulates a decade of remarkable achievements and revolutionary successes in the global wine arena since the launch of Moldova's wine country brand, "Wine of Moldova. A legend alive." Over the past 10 years, Moldovan wines have made significant strides in quality, propelling us to become the most awarded country in Eastern Europe at international competitions. Moldova proudly claims the title of the "World's Best Red Wine," a testament to our dedication and craftsmanship. Moldovan wines have received record recognition at international competitions, amassing over 6,000 medals. On October 7th and 8th, the Great National Assembly Square will undergo a stunning transformation into a vibrant wine city. This gathering will unite winemakers, oenologists, wine connoisseurs, and industry professionals, alongside enthusiastic tourists from all corners of the globe. More than 90 dedicated winemakers will proudly come together under the banner of Moldova's renowned wine brand, "Wine of Moldova”, to showcase their exceptional vinous creations. The event will also feature a prestigious award ceremony recognizing outstanding figures in the wine industry, a diverse program of captivating artistic and cultural performances, the "Wine School" dedicated to educating consumers on responsible wine consumption and nurturing wine culture, as well as tailored tours and exclusive programs at Moldova's wine-rich oenotourism destinations. With National Wine Day typically attracting around 100,000 attendees, including local residents, tourists, and industry experts, this year's celebration promises to be even more remarkable as it marks the 10th anniversary of Wine of Moldova. (excerpt from a release)  Mumbai, India Notable South Australian estate Two Hands Wines and fine wines importer Wine Park hosted a tasting of Australian Shiraz, featuring the estate’s finest styles from vineyards across Barossa Valley, Mclaren Vale and more. Two Hands Wines proprietor Pierre-Henri Morel and Wine Park head Vishal Kadakia co-hosted the tasting with Mumbai’s leading restaurateurs, retailer and media in attendance. Morrel took participants through an elaborate tasting of seven wines featuring the estate’s Picture Series and the highly rewarded Bella’s Garden as well Two Hand’s top wine, Holy Grail. The Two Hands Wines tasting was held on August 28 at Four Seasons Mumbai. Pierre-Henri Morel introduced the Two Hands wines by laying an emphasis on the estate’s philosophy, saying that, “Two Hands has always focused on the highlighting the regional identity of the Shiraz grape in the Barossa Valley and across South Australia. We do this by crushing grapes from specific regions so as to capture the unique regional styles like Barossa and Mclaren Vale. We also believe in nurturing the vines and the soil with an organic approach in the vineyard.” Morrel believes that the wine is foremost made in the vineyard : The vineyard is the champion. That is where the magic happens.  The seven wines tasted were: Two Hands, Angels' Share, Shiraz 2020 Two Hands, Brave Faces, GMS 2020 Two Hands, Gnarly Dudes, Shiraz 2020 Two Hands, Sexy Beast, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Two Hands Wines Bella's Garden Shiraz 2021 Two Hands Tenacity Old Vine Shiraz 2022 Two Hands Holy Grail Shiraz, 2021 Wine Park founder and head Vishal Kadakia said on the occasion, “Our journey with Two Hands has been very rewarding, more so because I believe Wine Park has help build the local niche that enjoy premium quality Australian wines. And Two Hands is right up there with the best. I was an admirer of Two Hands wines for a long time, having tasted them back in US several years ago. I was also impressed by how Two Hands featured 13 times in the last 20 years in the Wine Spectator Top 100.” (Excerpt from a release)   Although conditions were somewhat turbulent at times, the course of the year to date has fuelled high expectations for this year’s vintage. According to estimates, the harvest volume is expected to be around 2.3 million hectolitres. The course is set for another successful year for Austrian wine. Alongside a good quality of wine, this success can also be explained by the positive export trends and the affinity that Austrians have with their country’s wines. Johannes Schmuckenschlager, President of the Austrian Winegrowers´ Association, expects a promising 2023 vintage. “Following a climatically turbulent and challenging season that was marked by severe storms, we are forecasting a wine harvest of around 2.3 million hectolitres – slightly lower than the volume of the previous year. Nevertheless, we are expecting a very good quality of wine. With this year’s growth cycle having been characterised by alternating spells of rainfall and hot weather, the perfect course has been set,” reported Schmuckenschlager at a press conference in Vienna this week. Chris Yorke, CEO of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (Austrian Wine) also responded positively to the forecast for the 2023. “With yet another excellent vintage, the course is set to continue the successful growth of Austrian wine – international markets included. Despite the difficult situation over the past few years, our vintners managed to grow export values in 2022. On the domestic market, the release of Sturm [Ed.: partially fermented grape juice from Austria] marks the start of a key sales period for the wine industry. Austrian Wine is supporting this with a focus on revenue-boosting areas, such as wine tourism, the promotion of high-quality Riedenwein (single-vineyard wine) and Reserve wine for the festive season, and the Sekt Austria concept,” Yorke said.  Very changeable weather throughout 2023 To date, the weather in 2023 has been positive. The year kicked off with a very dry winter, followed by a mix of warm and cool days in March. April was remarkably cool, yet the second half of the month brought very welcome rainfall. The rather cool weather caused relatively late budding of the vines, at the end of the month. This was very good news, however, given the threat of late frost at this time of year. Fortunately, the cooler temperatures in early May did not cause any late frost damage either – a risk that persists in the vineyard until mid-May. The warmth of the vegetation period that began in the second half of May led to strong growth of the vines. Blossoming began in mid-June in most wine-growing regions. “This late onset, compared to previous years, is viewed positively by the wine industry because a later blossom also means a later start to the ripening period – going more into autumn – when more moderate daytime temperatures and somewhat cooler nights can be expected. This generally leads to more harmonious wines with a well-balanced sugar-acid ratio,” explained Schmuckenschlager. Flowering progressed very well in most regions. Poor flowering conditions were extremely localised, unfortunately resulting in coulure. The first hot spell of the year began at the end of June and lasted until the beginning of August, with temperatures largely staying above 30 °C. “Contrary to winemakers’ fears, drought damage was fortunately kept at bay – in contrast to the previous year – due to the ground having been well-supplied with water during the preceding falls of rain. Just a few young vineyards were adversely affected by the prolonged dry period. Precipitation at the beginning of August managed to refill the drained water reserves and was particularly important considering that the ripening period was about to start,” Schmuckenschlager added. The second heatwave of the year, which similarly saw temperatures in excess of 30 °C, enabled the ripening process to advance very quickly. Further precipitation was recorded at the end of August, which is especially important for the grapes to ripen fully. Schmuckenschlager is hoping for nice, dry weather over the next few weeks to ensure that everything is in place for a very good vintage. (Excerpt from a release)  Chinese wine? Changyu brand challenges Moët & Chandon for world’s most valuable wine brand7/28/2023  Maintaining the number one spot for the third consecutive year, Moët & Chandon (brand value down 10% to USD1.3 billion) tops the ranking as the world’s most valuable wine brand. Despite a slight decline in brand value, the Champagne champion stays just ahead of the ranking’s second most valuable brand Changyu (brand value up 33% to USD1.2 billion), which climbed two positions in this year’s ranking. Changyu – little known amongst western wine connoisseurs – will be a shock challenger at the top of the wine brand rankings. However, the massive and growing size of the Chinese wine market means that the brand is extremely valuable. Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the biggest brands to the test, and publishes over 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 15 most valuable and strongest Champagne & Wine brands are included in the annual Brand Finance Champagne & Wine 15 2023 ranking. Henry Farr, Associate Director at Brand Finance said:
“Within the Wine & Champagnes sector, Wines have performed better in terms of brand value growth. High-end Champagnes have taken a hit. Difficult growing conditions, reduced availability and price hikes have steered some consumers towards lower-end sparkling wines as an alternative. For those less effected by harsher financial situations, this could be due to not wanting to appear vulgar or ostentatious by indulging in luxury products when others are struggling with the rising costs of living.” Changyu is the world’s strongest Wine & Champagne brand, rated AAA- In addition to calculating brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Compliant with ISO 20671, Brand Finance’s assessment of stakeholder equity incorporates original market research data from over 100,000 respondents in 38 countries and across 31 sectors. Changyu (up 33% to brand value USD1.2 billion) becomes the strongest Wine & Champagnes brand with a BSI score of 83.2 out of 100, earning it a AAA- rating. The China-based brand boasts three consecutive years of brand strength growth. (Excerpt from a press release) Australian wine exports declined by 10 per cent in value to $1.87 billion and 1 per cent in volume to 621 million litres in the year ended June 2023, according to Wine Australia’s latest Export Report released today.The decline in value was largely driven by a reduction in exports to the United States of America (US), as lower-priced packaged exports continued to decline. Exports to the United Kingdom (UK) also continued to decline, following the two years of elevated shipments due to pre-Brexit demand and COVID-19 related market impacts. The latest export results are partially reflective of broader global trends reported by market research firm IWSR, with all wine consumption globally declining 3 per cent in volume in 2022, but premium price segments bucking the trend with continued growth, albeit at slower rates than recent years.Wine Australia Manager, Market Insights, Peter Bailey said that more than half of the decline in Australia’s export value took place in shipments with an average value between $2.50 to $4.99 per litre free on board (FOB), which are generally wines exported in their final packaging and sold in lower priced retail segments. “Wine consumption in mature markets is in decline, driven by decreases in the commercial price segments. This is impacting Australia’s export performance, especially in the US, as Australia is very exposed to the price segments in decline,” Mr. Bailey said. In comparison to value, export volume was stable as a short-term, supply driven increase in unpackaged wine shipments, especially to Canada, was outweighed by declines in volume to many of Australia’s export destinations.“The growth in unpackaged shipments comes as the shipping challenges of the past couple years have eased, allowing Australian exporters to catch up and ease pressure on inventory,” Mr Bailey said.  The two diverging trends – the supply driven rise in unpackaged wine exports and the demand driven decline in packaged shipments as consumers in traditional markets turn away from wine in lower price segments – meant that exports with an average value below $5 per litre declined by 11 per cent in value but increased by 1 per cent in volume.
“The increase in unpackaged exports and the decline in packaged exports has resulted in the share of unpackaged exports growing by 8 percentage points to a 69 per cent volume share. This has an impact on the overall average value of exports, as unpackaged exports do not include packaging costs and are therefore inherently lower in value,” Mr Bailey said. Exports above $5 per litre declined by 14 per cent in volume and 9 per cent in value. The markets driving the decline in this segment were Singapore, the US, Canada, and the UK – while growth to Hong Kong was able to offset part of this decline. “According to IWSR, the value of global premium wine sales grew by 2 per cent in 2022, a lower growth rate compared to recent years due to economic and inflationary pressures. Globally, consumers are cutting back on alcohol spending as prices rise for food and other necessities but are choosing to drink less often rather than trade down price segments.” Australian wine was exported to 117 global destinations during the year, up from 112 in 2022. Sixty-six of these destinations recorded growth in the value of exports during the year, while 51 declined. Exports to Europe and North America both declined during the year. Europe declined by 15 per cent to $556 million, driven mostly by the UK, but 12 of the top 13 destinations in the region also declined in value. North America declined by 14 per cent to $525 million. Exports to Asia declined by 4 per cent to $637 million. There were mixed results across the Asian region, including a decline in exports to Singapore and an increase in exports to Hong Kong, two key trading hubs in the region, reflecting unpredictable market conditions at present. Key emerging markets such as Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam grew in value during the period. The top five markets by value were:
 Luc Belaire has created the World's Largest Bottle of Bubbly*, dubbed "ZEUS," after the supreme ruler of the Greek gods. At 45 liters (the equivalent of 60 standard bottles of Belaire), Belaire ZEUS is the largest bottle of bubbly currently available. Its colossal form stands at more than one meter (3.5 feet) in height and weighs 72.5kg (160 pounds when full, requiring the strength of three people to carry and pour!
Luca Belaire, the brand Luc Belaire is a premium brand produced in France with the 5th and 6th generation father-and-son winemakers overseeing production of each bottle of Belaire at their Maison in Montagny-les-Beaune, established in 1898. The line includes Belaire Gold, made in Burgundy from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, alongside Belaire's top-selling cuvée Belaire Rare Rosé, crafted from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes, Belaire Luxe, an elegant 'blanc de blancs' made exclusively from Chardonnay, and Belaire Luxe Rosé, made from a classic blend of rosé varietals with a unique dosage. Finally, Belaire's Fantôme (French for "phantom") range houses each of its cuvées in a luminescent bottle which lights up at the touch of the button. The latest addition to the portfolio is Belaire Bleu, a limited-edition bottling with a spectacular sapphire color, inspired by the beautiful blue waters of France's Côte d'Azur. The Make of the bottle: Belaire ZEUS is a masterpiece of metalworking skill and creativity. The bottle was seven years in the making, crafted by aerospace engineers using a procedure never undertaken before: a process of spin forming, machining, internal coating, powder coating and pressure testing. Its steel form both insulates and protects the wine from extreme temperature and ensures Belaire ZEUS is nearly unbreakable! Only Two bottles Extremely limited in production, only two bottles of Belaire ZEUS have been produced. One is filled with Belaire's signature Rare Rosé, a unique French sparkling wine which has become America's No.1 Rosé. The second contains Luc Belaire Luxe, our smash hit demi sec; both are vinted at our winery in the heart of Burgundy. Each bottle of Belaire ZEUS contains an extraordinary three billion bubbles! Belaire, Celebrities & Celebrations Belaire's iconic bottles have, until now, been produced up to an impressive 15-liter size, known as a Nebuchadnezzar. The brand's large format bottles have become the go-to for celebrities, influencers, recording artists and athletes across the globe to celebrate career milestones, album launches and championship wins. With its towering form, ZEUS presents an extraordinary photo-op for fans - as such, both bottles will be undertaking a global tour! The tour will start in the U.S., where celebrities, creators and select fans will be invited to lift Belaire ZEUS via a bespoke pulley system, with a prize awarded to anyone strong enough to lift the massive bottle! You can expect to see Belaire ZEUS featured at events, sporting matches and in music videos. The tour's first stop will be at the Luc Belaire office in Manhattan, New York, where friends and fans will have the opportunity to be photographed next to this titanic wine bottle.  The International Wine Challenge, a global wine competition, has announced the results of its 2023 competition. Thousands of wines from over 50 countries were entered into the competition and blind tasted by an international panel of experts last month, with awards going to over 6,000 wines from across the world. Winemaking heavyweights such as France, Australia and Spain topped the table but there were plenty of surprises too, with Netherlands claiming its first Silver medal and countries such as Egypt and Denmark getting their first taste of medal success.
8 Indian wines including 4 sparkling wines emerged winners with Sula Brut Sparkling NV and Source Sauvignon Blanc 2022 bagging bronze medals. 6 wines comprising Sula Dindori Reserve Viognier 2022, Rasa Syrah 2021, J'Noon Red 2021, Noi Sparkling NV, Chandon Brut and Rose NV sparklings won the came out as "commended" winners. Peter McCombie MW, IWC Co-Chair explained, “An International Wine Challenge medal gives consumers the confidence to be adventurous and try wines from countries that they may not have previously associated with top quality wine. It takes the risk out of buying wine from up-and-coming wine-producing nations such as India, Demark and the Netherlands, which have all been recognised with medals in this year’s challenge.” |
 
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The Happy High is a Mumbai based beverage consulting co founded in 2014 with a vision to raise the bars of the wine and dine scene in the country. Read more.
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