Brand Finance, the world's leading brand valuation co published its annual report 2021 on  alcoholic drinks, wines, beers, spirits and some highlights are as below:

• World’s top 50 beer brands lose 16% of cumulative brand value due to COVID-19 pandemic
• Despite unfortunate name association, Corona is once again world’s most valuable beer brand, brand value US$5.8 billion
• Mexico’s Victoria is strongest beer brand, AAA brand strength rating
• Chinese baijiu brands dominate spirits sector: Moutai, Wuliangye, Yanghe, Luzhou Laojiao and Gujing Gong Jiu make up top 5
• Don Julio is strongest spirits brand with AAA brand strength rating
• Moët et Chandon is most valuable and strongest wine & champagne brand
• Dom Pérignon only brand in wine & champagne sector to increase brand value, up 2%

World’s top beer brands lose 16% of total brand value
The total value of the world’s top 50 most valuable beer brands has declined by 16%, from US$94.9 billion in 2020 to US$80.2 billion in 2021. Most brands in the Brand Finance Beers 50 2021 ranking have been negotiating the effects of social distancing measures brought about by the widespread global lockdowns over the last year, which severely diminished demand for beers and wider alcoholic drinks.
​Corona has retained the title of the world’s most valuable beer brand, despite recording a 28% drop in brand value to US$5.8 billion. As the bestselling imported drink in the United States, with an additional presence in over 120 countries, the Mexican brand has also recently become one of the fastest growing grocery products in the United Kingdom.

Moët et Chandon fizzes in first place
The total value of the world’s top 10 most valuable champagne and wine brands has declined by 10%, decreasing from US$7.4 billion in 2020 to US$6.7 billion in 2021. This is a natural consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, where restrictions on socialising and the shutdown of the hospitality sector limited opportunities for wine and champagne brands.
Despite recording an 11% drop in brand value to US$1.2 billion, Moët et Chandon has retained the title of the world’s most valuable champagne and wine brand for the 2nd consecutive year. While the brand continues to negotiate the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, Moët et Chandon remains one of the most renowned and prestigious luxury items in the world, aided by its numerous celebrity partnerships and association with high calibre events such as the Golden Globes and Royal Ascot.
Dom Pérignon is the only brand in the Brand Finance Champagne & Wine 10 2021 ranking to record a growth in brand value this year, following a 2% increase to US$820 million. Owned by the champagne house of Moët et Chandon, the prestigious vintage champagne has remained in the public eye over the last year, most recently through a campaign with Lady Gaga and Nicola Formichetti, where proceeds from sales of the limited-edition Dom Pérignon Rosé 2005 will be donated to charity.
​Chilean wine brand, Concha y Toro, is a new entrant to the list entering the ranking in 10th position with a brand value of US$293 million. With distribution in 135 countries, Concha y Toro is the largest wine producer and exporter in Latin America. Over the last year, the brand has benefited from a sizeable uptick in sales, particularly in the United Kingdom and Nordic countries. With plans to focus on its premium brands portfolio and further expand its Casillero del Diablo range, Concha y Toro is showing no signs of slowing down in the coming year.
(Excerpt from a release)

The Asia's 50 best bars in a virtual ceremony announced the 50 best bars of Asia 2021 and Sidecar was the only Indian bar to be in the top 50. It not did come in the top 50 again but went up the ranking from 40 to number 16.  The rest of the list is as follows

1. COA, Hong Kong, China 
2. Jigger & Pony, Singapore 
3. The SG Club, Tokyo, Japan 
4. Indulge Experimental Bistro, Taipei
5. Sober Company, Shanghai, China
6. Manhattan, Singapore,
7. Atlas, Singapore
8. No Sleep Club, Singapore 
9. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo, Japan
10. Caprice, Hong Kong, China 
11. The Bamboo Bar, Bangkok, Thailand 
12. Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 
13. Charles. H Seoul, South Korea 
14. Native, Singapore
15. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou, China
16. Sidecar, New Delhi, India 
17. Bar Mood, Taipei, Taiwan
18. Bee's Knees, Kyoto, Japan
19. Room By Le Kief, Taipei, Taiwan
20. The Diplomat, Hong Kong, China (
21. 28 HongKong Street, Singapore
22. Tropic City, Bangkok, Thailand
23. Tell Camellia, Hong Kong 
24. AHA Saloon, Taipei, Taiwan
25. Quinary, Hong Kong, China 
26. The Pontiac, Hong Kong, China
27. High Five, Tokyo, Japan
28. The Wise King, Hong Kong, China
29. Barbary Coast, Singapore 
30. Penicillin, Hong Kong, China 
31. Union Trading Co, Shanghai, China 
32. Speak Low, Shanghai, China
33. Union Brasserie, Bakery and Bar, Jakarta, Indonesia 
34. Bar Cham, Seoul, South Korea
35. Backstage, Bangkok, Thailand
36. Tippling Club, Singapore
37. JungleBird, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
38. The Curator, Manila, Philippines 
39. D.Bespoke, Singapore
40. Darkside, Hong Kong, China
41. Alice, Seoul, South Korea
42. The Old Man, Singapore
43. Bar Trench, Tokyo, Japan
44. Le Chamber, Seoul
45. MO Bar, Singapore
46. Vesper Bangkok, Thailand
47. Three X Co, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 
48. Teens of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand 
49. Sago House, Singapore
50. ​Star Bar, Tokyo, Japan 

Mumbai, India
Are you looking for a cheap hotel management course in Mumbai or  anywhere in India? Then it time you stop looking for cheap courses! Cheap often comes at the expense of quality and hence you lose on valuable 3 years and money also. So it is better to look for hotel management alternatives than to do a hotel management degree for the sake of it. 
What should you look for in a hotel management college?
- Faculty & Curriculum. Speak to someone experienced and take opinions for the same. 
- Alumni connect. You can speak to alumni from that institution to get a first hand perspective. 
- Infrastructure. Does the college have proper labs for practical learning? Some college may be located in large campuses with mediocre facilities, so don't be fooled by the façade. 
- Location. Better to be close to metro cities for better industry connect unless if these colleges in non-metros are exceptional. Do not consider a college because it is close to you. 
Try to aim for the best as this will be your foundation, the learnings, the friends that you will make for life and the proud alumni status that you will treasure. 

What if you cannot afford hotel management fees ?
No problem, you can still achieve the same like a hotel management by starting off with a vocational course in kitchen, bakery, bartending  etc. 

Bartending course versus a hotel management degree?
Pros:
- Broadly one will start at a similar salary like a hotel management graduate
- One can start working post HSC or 12th  or graduation in any other stream after taking a bartending course
- A Bartending course gives one exactly those skills that most hotel management students lack
- One can start working and earning early at a young age.
- A lot of bartenders with a bartending course background follow the same career as hotel management graduates.
Cons:
- One will have to complete a bachelor's degree for future growth or getting into certain hotel chains.  One can do a degree by distance learning whilst working.
- A non hospitality graduate lacks knowledge about food and other departments of the hotel  and hence will need more effort to put whilst working. 



The Happy High Bartending Academy, Mumbai offers a 4 week full time program for 12th pass candidates or graduates with good level of conversational English.  The courses are designed by industry professionals for the industry. You can find more about the bartending institute in Ghatkopar, Mumbai here 

Mumbai, India
The Happy High is happy to announce virtual whisky workshops this festive season starting Rs 3000 + GST per head for a minimum group of 30 people. The workshops will include gyaan sessions on the category replete with degustation of different malts. These workshops can be facilitated in Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Pune, Bengaluru only. 
These workshops work well well for employee and client engagement or as a refreshing plug in between long virtual off-site and team meetings. Friday evenings can also be made more memorable with this experience. 
Kindly write to contact@thehappyhigh.com for more details

Mumbai, India
The Happy High Bartending institute in Ghatkopar, Mumbai has now announced a part time course in bartending for current hotel management students. The course will be conducted in the evening two times a week over a period of 2 months. 
" Most hospitality curricula in the country isn't focussed on bartending and hence the need for a bartending course for hotel management students. Our course focusses on elements that will help students to stand confidently behind a bar. Our pedagogy includes go-to-market assignments and hence fosters holistic learning" said the academy's founder Ajit Balgi
The admission for the current batch is still open, candidate from 2nd and 3rd year of hospitality schools with good conversational English are welcome to apply. You can find more about the course here.We have had students from from ITM IHM Nerul Bharati Vidyapeeth and Anjuman I Islam hotel management colleges. 

Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, announced that a staggering £240,000 was raised at auction for local causes that support the Speyside community. Having attracted over 13,000 bidders from 55 countries, the limited-edition bottles of Glenfiddich 2007 (Cask No. 25427) Spirit of Speyside Distillery Edition 2020 was a not to be missed opportunity for whisky lovers. Glenfiddich released only 450 bottles of this exceptional whisky, to celebrate the Spirit of Speyside festival, cancelled this year in light of Covid-19. The Glenfiddich Spirit of Speyside Distillery Edition 2020, which has spent 13 years maturing in the darkness of Glenfiddich’s Warehouse 26, was originally handpicked by Master Distiller Brian Kinsman to honour the annual Spirit of Speyside Festival

The auction drew international interest, sparking competitive bidding online from the moment the auction went live to the all-important last hour rush, resulting in 13,000 bids overall.
 “We are thrilled with the success of this auction. The money raised will help so many people in the Speyside community, a community that is as important to us today as it was to William Grant over 130 years ago when the distillery first opened". Comments Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich Global Brand Director.
 
On average each lot sold for approximately £480. The most sought after bottle numbers include 1 of 450 and 2 of 450 which in turn sold for £6,800 and £3,200 respectively. The final amount raised of £240,000 will go directly to support local Speyside causes most affected by the Covid-19 crisis; and will be split between NHS Grampian, Moray Food Plus and Keirans Legacy. 

Mumbai, India
Diageo India today announced ‘Raising the Bar’, a 75-crore programme committed to support bars, pubs and restaurants serving alcohol to welcome customers back and recover following the COVID-19 pandemic. “Raising the Bar” will be a two year programme to support the revival and recovery of qualifying bars, pubs and restaurants serving alcohol across New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. ​

Diageo designed the “Raising the Bar” programme following a global survey of bar owners to identify key priorities to support reopening. Their top priorities included hygiene measures, digital support and practical equipment and training to transform how their outlets will work when they reopen. The programme will provide targeted non-cash support including physical equipment needed for outlets to re-open like ‘hygiene kits’ with high-quality permanent sanitizer dispensers, medical grade hand sanitiser and a range of personal protection equipment (such as masks and gloves); help to bars, pubs and restaurants serving alcohol to establish partnerships with online reservations and cashless systems; mobile bars and outdoor equipment.
​
 Following resumption of business operations and the sale of alcohol in bars, pubs and restaurants, outlets will be able to register their interest for the “Raising the Bar” programme via www.diageobaracademy.com. Bar owners will receive regular updates on best practice training and resources and be able to participate in global surveys to share insights, as they build back their businesses.

“The Indian Hospitality and F&B industry has witnessed unprecedented loss of revenues. This has impacted many start-ups and MSMEs as well as the livelihood of millions of people. Pubs, Bars and Restaurants are an integral part of our communities, bringing people together to socialise and celebrate - something we have all missed during the lockdown. Diageo has always had strong linkages with the Hospitality and F&B industry, jointly curating unique experiences for consumers. The revival of this sector is vital to the economy and to the success of our business. ‘’Raising the Bar’’ is our commitment to qualifying Pubs, Bars & Restaurants that serve alcohol. This support extends to providing enhanced safety measures when they resume operations so that their business and employment can revive, enabling our consumers to feel confident once again to socialise and lead normal lives.’’ Said Anand Kripalu, MD & CEO Diageo India
(Excerpt from a release)

 

 

Mumbai, India
COVID19 and the lock down has changed the way people are consuming bytes to watch their favourite series or lap up online courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Upgrad etc. The Happy High Bartending Academy, Mumbai has risen to the occasion to provide online sessions for Indian bartenders and beverage professionals as much as it is curating sessions for home bartenders or the drink enthusiast. 
For Indian Bartenders and hotel management students is the "8 Spirited Days" a series of 8 online sessions covering different spirits everyday including history, drinking rituals etc. Much of the knowledge shared is not part of curriculum in hotel institutes. Participants for the sessions came from hospitality organizations like the Leela, Oberoi, ITC, Royal Caribbean, Roseate etc. and also from Duty Frees of Muscat and Hyderabad.  Hotel Management students from IHM Mumbai, IHM Aurangabad, Rizvi Mumbai, ITM Mumbai, Don Bosco Mumbai etc. have given it a thumbs up too. It is priced at Rs 2499 + GST and it includes a certificate for the participants. 

Mumbai, India
A career in bartending may not be be the first career choice for many but it can certainly open a range of opportunities for 12th pass candidates. In this article we look at why bartending can be a career in India and what is the eligibility to be bartender in India.

Who is the bartending career after 12th in India for?
- For students who don't want to study further
- For students  who do not have the financial ability to do hotel management
- For students looking to start earning early and do their graduation through correspondence 
- For students of HSC Science, HSC Commerce and also HSC Arts
- For BCom, Bsc, BA graduates looking for a job oriented course in Mumbai

What is the eligibility to be a Bartender in India in good bars?
- Good command of conversational English to get placed in good bars
- A bartending courses to cover core basics of the profession including customers service

Scope for Indian Bartenders in India and abroad?
- Start with a salary of 12000-20000 Rs in India and grow gradually
- With 2-5 years of experience start earning RS 80000 upwards in locations like Dubai, Maldives etc
- One can become a liquor brand ambassador after around 5 years of experience and earn 50-80000 Rs in India
- Bartenders can choose to be entrepreneurs and start their Bar Consultancy

The Happy High sees potential in job focused bartending courses and hence launched their own bartending institute in Mumbai in early 2020. The Happy High Bartending academy in Mumbai will endeavor to become the best bartending institute in Mumbai but focusing on skills that are relevant and help candidates find the best jobs all in a span of 4 weeks.  Leave us a line on contact@thehappyhigh.com for more details on the bar school and counselling.

If you are someone who is thrilled by all things whisky, the fact that The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards is coming to India is something that is sure to leave you all excited.  Yes, a precursor to The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards scheduled to be held in April 2020 in Speyside, this event will be held on 15th February, 2020 at the Park Juhu in Mumbai. 
An initiative of The Dram Club, Mumbai,this interesting event packs a punch with several activities for whisky connoisseurs, whisky aficionados and just anyone who loves and drinks whisky. The eclectic mix of activities planned during the event on 15th February include:

Opening Lunch: 4 course Glenlivet Paired lunch with Sarita Pereira
Time: 12:30pm to 2:00pm
No. of Guests: 40 
Price of the Ticket: Rs. 5,000/- per head.

Blind Tasting & Voting for Speyside Whisky Awards:
No of Guests : 60
The Blind Tasting Sessions will be where the votes for the Speyside Festival will be recorded in batch of 20
people. The schedule of the tasting sessions is as follows:
1. 3:00pm to 3:45pm
2. 4:00pm to 4:45pm
3. 5:00pm to 5:45pm
 
Glenfiddich Masterclass with Angad Singh Gandhi- Brand Ambassador India, Glenfiddich
2:15PM to 3:15PM
No. of Guests: 25
Ticket Price: Rs. 2,500/-
Glenfiddich India Brand Ambassador, Angad Singjh Gandhi will be hosting a Speyside Special Masterclass for
the guests. Glenfiddich is one of the most known whisky distilleries from Speyside. Angad will take teh guests
through the history and philosophy of whisky making with a selection of some of the finest malts from this
Speyside Distillery.

Amrut Masterclass
3:30PM to 4:30PM
No. of Guests: 25
Ticket Price: Rs. 2,000/-
Amrut brand team will be hosting its first ever Masterclass with their range in Mumbai as a part of the
Speyside Whisky Festival. They will bring some of the exclusive range of expressions for the event.

GlenGrant Whisky with Dessert Pairing
4:45PM to 5:45PM
No. of Guests: 25
Ticket Price: Rs. 2,250/-
GlenGrant Brand Manager- Suchana Sharma will be conducting a Masterclass of Glengrant 10 & 18 for the
guests and the experience will be curated as a Whisky & Dessert for the guests. The dessert will be curated
keeping in mind the taste profile of the whiskies and will suit and complement the flavors.

Paul John Masterclass with Michael D’Souza (Master Distiller at Paul John Distilleries)
6:00PM to 7:00PM
No. of Guests: 25
Ticket Price: Rs. 2,000/-
Paul John is the Indian single Malt which has been making news across the world and winning some of the
most Prestigious awards at various international whisky awards. Their Master Distiller Mr. Michael D’Souza will
be curating an exclusive tasting for 25 guests of which 5 will be invitees and rest who have bought the tickets.
The line-up will have some of the newer expressions which are recently launched.
​
 About Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards
A unique award show that honours some of Speyside’s finest single malt whiskies, this award is truly one of its kind in the sense that, it is the only one that is judged by actual whisky consumers from all over the world.  The eight finalists this year are spread into four categories and the two whiskies in each category will be judged by consumers spread all across including countries like Canada, India as well destinations in the UK and Europe.  The winners are expected to be unveiled at the opening of the 2020 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in April 2020.
The Finalists for the Festival Awards 2020 are:
 • 12 Years Old and Under: Aberlour 10 Year Old and Cardhu 12 Year Old
• 13 to 20 Years Old: Benromach 15YO and Glenallachie 15YO
• 21 Years Old and Over: Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23YO and Glenfarclas 25YO
• Non Age Statement: Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Edition and Cardhu Amber Rock
(Excerpt from a press release)

Mumbai,India
The Copitas team of Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru showcased a first ever preview of their cocktails in Mumbai during the festive season. Ahead of the momentous opening of this chic destination bar in Bengaluru, this very special takeover was a preview of this stylish new addition to Garden City’s nightlife.
 
From their base at AER, one of Mumbai’s most celebrated bars, located in Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, the core team of 5 from Copitas  showcased their prized cocktails as a never seen before, must-try experience.  Copitas is the soon-to-be-unveiled, atmospheric bar at Level 21 at the newest luxury hotel in Bengaluru. Slated to become an address for those who wish to be seen unwinding in style, this high energy address will serve cocktails with a Bengaluru flair.

Mumbai, India
​Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single-malt whisky continues to push boundaries of experimentation with the never seen before single-malt curation- ‘Glenfiddich Experiments’. The ground-breaking initiative is a result of collaboration between Glenfiddich and Malabar Secrets, a niche state-of-the-art natural spice flora extracts brand.  Glenfiddich has reinvented the norm and redefined the single malt serve in India with Glenfiddich Experiments. 
 
The event was hosted at Mumbai’s first members’ only workspace and social club, The A. Romil Ratra, CEO at The A and a leading hospitality veteran co-hosted the evening with Angad Singh Gandhi, India Brand Ambassador, Glenfiddich. Building on the experimentative spirit of Glenfiddich, the culinary team at The A curated an exclusive menu by integrating select local herbs and spices, taking inspiration from the essence of 3 elixirs, i.e. Sweet Obsession, Dufftown Confluence and Bittersweet Symphony and finished the experience with a global appeal.

The ‘Glenfiddich Experiments’ experience re-defines the rules of traditional single malt serve by exploring and handpicking exotic ingredients that are specialties of India’s diverse landscape and bringing them to magically fuse with Glenfiddich’s best. Carefully curated by the Glenfiddich India Brand Ambassador, Angad Singh Gandhi, the highlight of these serves are the specially designed elixirs that uplift the sublime Glenfiddich 12-year old to even greater heights. Comprising of three exceptional elixirs- Bitter Sweet Symphony, Dufftown Confluence, Sweet Obsession that have been formulated by bringing together fine ingredients such as the fragrant Mysore jasmine, spicy Malabar clove, Kerala black pepper, cinnamon from the Western Ghats, bitter orange from Nagpur, the Kashmir peach, spiced coriander from Karnataka and other unique handpicked spices to create the perfect background for aromatic elevation. 
 “Glenfiddich as a brand believes in breaking whisky rules and challenging traditions, we believe in the philosophy of what can’t be done, must be done at the Glenfiddich distillery. Our collaboration with Malabar Spice to launch ‘Glenfiddich Experiments’ is in sync with our history of seeking the extraordinary and continue to bring out revolutionary offerings.”  said Payal Nijhawan, Head of Marketing, William Grant & Sons India.The Glenfiddich Experiments menu is a celebration of thoroughly researched recipes with ground-breaking experience and innovative additions that promise to be a revolution for single-malt lovers. (Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India
​Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Accor’s French luxury brand launched the 2019 edition of Sofitel Wine Days scheduled from September 21st to October 31st, 2019. Sofitel Wine Days is the hotel group’s annual global celebration of France’s unique winemaking heritage and culture. Carrying forward this legacy, the initiative brings all 120 Sofitel Hotels & Resorts worldwide together to celebrate the essence of French wine at each destination.  
 
On the occasion of Sofitel Wine Days, the luxury hotel will be hosting exquisite events, engaging sessions, and meetings with local wine experts in the city. Events hosted by master sommeliers will provide guests an opportunity to embark on an odyssey full of surprises, providing a platform to discover exotic flavours and varieties of wine. To mark the inauguration ceremony, the 5-star hotel invited wine connoisseurs to discover ‘une belle sélection’ of wines in celebration of the grape harvest season in France.  Providing an ideal opportunity for guests to discover Sofitel's French Art De Vivre, the business hotel will be offering wines from Alsace, Bordeaux, Corsica, and Rhône paired with classic dishes from each of these regions by Executive Chef Neeraj Rawoot and his team of talented chefs.
 
Through the ongoing global celebration, the luxury hotel looks forward to delighting amateurs and aficionados alike, as they discover the secrets of wine.

Mumbai, India
VBev introduces leading Single Malt brands The Dalmore Highland Single Malt & Jura Single Malt from the Whyte & Mackay portfolio in India. Whyte & Mackay was founded on the docks of Glasgow in 1844 by James Whyte and Charles Mackay, who laid the foundations for the company which has since gone on to produce some of the most highly-awarded and respected whisky brands in the world. The portfolio includes its flagship Whyte & Mackay Blended Whisky, award-winning Single Malts The Dalmore, Jura, Tamnavulin, Fettercairn, and Shackleton. Most recently the producer has created and launched new brands including The Woodsman, Wildcat Gin, Whisky Works with more innovations to be announced. 

. The rising economic prosperity among the middle class and millions of new consumers entering the legal drinking age each year continues to position India as an increasingly important market on the global premium whisky map. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) reported that India hit a record high in 2018 having sold 112.6 million bottles valued at 4.7billion pounds bumping it up to one of their top export markets for scotch whisky. “We are elated to introduce Whyte & Mackay’s iconic whisky portfolio to the Indian market. We have curated an offering for the Indian whisky consumer at every stage of their journey of discovery. The Dalmore Highland Single Malt, revered globally by collectors, connoisseurs and seasoned single malt drinkers will be a perfect fit in the growing luxury single malt segment. The extraordinary Jura Single Malt, the only single malt from the Isle of Jura, we foresee will carve a niche among the new single malt drinkers. John Barr Reserve, critically acclaimed for its unmatchable quality in the blended scotch segment caters to consumers transitioning from premium Indian whiskies to the blended scotch category.” said Sumedh Singh Mandla, Chief Executive Officer, VBev.  The price is in Maharashtra Jura 10 Rs 7500, Dalmore 12 Rs 10500 and John Barr blended scotch at Rs 2650. ( approximate prices)
( Excerpt from a release)

Vienna, Austria 
This year’s Austrian Wine Summit will get underway from 23–29 May, almost 200 journalists from thirty-nine countries will travel through the nation’s winegrowing regions at the invitation of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB), with special attention paid to those regions situated at the country’s borders. The wine summit will culminate in a one-day conference addressing the history of Austrian wine, on 26 May in Vienna, where the book Wine in Austria: the History – to be published in December – will also be introduced.

Focus on borderland vineyards
Every two years, the AWMB conducts Austria’s biggest wine tour for the international press, the Wine Summit, and this year’s edition will be addressing a very special theme. AWMB managing director Willi Klinger is looking forward to the days ahead, saying in eager anticipation: “For many years, I have wanted to devote a comprehensive visit to the vineyards on Austria's borders, national borders which did not exist until after 1918; demarcations which suddenly cut excellent terroirs in two. Now, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the peace negotiations in the suburbs of Paris, this year’s summit will bring top journalists from all over the world to take a closer look at what has been going on in our winegrowing regions at the borders since the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, and we’ll also use this opportunity to introduce our neighbours here and there.” 197 journalists, 857 wines, 425 Austrian winegrowers From 23–29 May, 197 journalists from thirty-nine countries will travel through the Austrian winegrowing regions bordering the neighbouring countries Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. In addition to guests from major export markets such as Germany and the USA, numerous media representatives from emerging or developing markets such as Canada and China will be attending the summit. From the “Dreiländerblick” (three-country view) in Schrattenberg (Weinviertel), over the Bridge of Andau (Neusiedlersee), and the “Weinblick” observation point (Eisenberg) all the way to the “Grenztisch” (a table that literally straddles Slovenia’s border with the Südsteiermark), the tour groups will be stopping at various borderland vineyards and stations along the frontiers. There they will receive in-depth information from accredited specialists regarding the historical background, as well as the influence of the situation at the border on local viticulture. Numerous wine tastings will round out the extensive travel programme, some also featuring wines from the neighbour countries. In total there will be 826 wines from 425 Austrian winegrowers and 31 wines from 20 international growers presented for tasting. Parallel to the itineraries that range along the borders, there will also be an introductory visit to Austrian wine country for those journalists coming for the first time. This group will focus on classic wine regions along the Danube.

Highlight: A day’s conference addressing Austrian wine history
The centrepiece of this year's wine summit will be a one-day conference on 26 May for all participants at the Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna, especially dedicated to the history of Austrian wine. At the conference, the approximately 500-page book Wine in Austria: the History, which will be published in December, will also be presented. It was conceived by Willi Klinger and then came to fruition under the academic direction of 21 May 2019 Professor Dr Karl Vocelka. More than thirty authors contributed about two and a half years of work to this study, which treats the development of viticulture in Austria since its beginnings in prehistory. The end of the conference-day will be punctuated with a big, casual Heurigen evening. Mr Klinger summarises: “At the Heurigen we want to raise a toast with all our Wine Summit guests and a good glass of Austrian wine, in a convivial and friendly ambience. I am convinced that the representatives of the international media will be able to take completely new perspectives on Austrian wine home with them from their travels and, as a result, be better able to spread the word into the world.”
(Excerpt from a release)

Bengaluru, India
​Grover Zampa Vineyards, the most awarded wine producers and the pioneers of wine-making in India, have extended their offerings by unveiling a new visitor centre at their Bangalore winery, situated in the verdant Nandi Hills. Launching a slew of new amenities, the transformation comes as a part of the brand’s overarching efforts to appease patrons, both local and international, with unique experiences to enjoy the many tangs of wine.
 
From humble beginnings to an insignia of conviviality, Grover has always stood for its heritage, rich culture and exceptional craftsmanship. Exuding the same through a unique event designed for wine connoisseurs and afficianados, the brand offered a first-hand escapade of their winemaking tradition along with a guided tour of their winery and new visitor centre. The event also witnessed the launch of exclusive wines from the brand’s stable - Vendanges Tardives: a rich, intense, full-bodied aged dessert wine of uncommon grace and elegance; delivering floral notes and traces of spice and apricot; La Réserve Royale Brut: a sparkling vino , traditional method , partly fermented in barrels and aged for more than 30 months, this wine delivers a complex bouquet of lemon zest, flowers, fresh hazelnuts and brioche; and a new vintage of Insignia: a dry wine with medium body leading to an intricate and meandering trail of fruit-berries, coffee and chocolate, with a hint of black pepper.  The culinary partner for the event was Conrad who curated the food served at the event which was a melange of different appetizers, mains and desserts.
 
The celebration introduced the brand’s very first restaurant and lounge, Lounge de La Réserve, on ode to the brand’s flagship wine – La Réserve; serving a fusion of Indian and Continental cuisines, providing patrons the opportunity to enjoy piquant wine pairings and delicacies. The new visitor centre also houses Cave the La Reserve, a tasting room specifically designed to conduct tastings and masterclasses in the right environment and Boutique the La Reserve, for cellar door sales of the wines. The event was complemented with an all-encompassing wine masterclass, hosted by India’s first Master of Wine – Sonal Holland at Cave the La Reserve. The evening culminated in an after-soiree, where the who’s who of Bangalore were seen enjoying the ambience and conversing over wine.
 
Commenting on the occasion, Ravi Viswanathan, Chairman, Grover Zampa Vineyards said “We have been striving to make strong amendments to shape and grow the wine industry, raising the standards of Indian vino while making a mark internationally.  Directed by this very commitment, we are extremely excited to launch Lounge de La Réserve and the newer wines, which we believe are truly reflective of the capabilities of the Indian terroir and address to an evolved wine consumer. We have a positive ambition for what the future has in store for us and the wine tourism industry, and are committed to providing our patrons with the very best in wine.”
 
Adding to the same, Vivek Chandramohan, CEO, Grover Zampa Vineyards opined “At Grover Zampa, quality has always been the cornerstone of our endeavours. We are delighted to have introduced the new-fangled additions to the brand, which we are certain will not only boost our current offerings but also elevate the overall wine experience. We are bullish on the future and are eager to endure this journey of constant innovation and upgradation.”

​Mumbai, India
Belvedere – the world’s first super premium vodka, today announced the much-anticipated, second edition of their annual made-for-India platform Belvedere Studio B with actor Arjun Kapoor as its evangelist. The 2019 edition will further see an exciting collaboration of inspiring, young talents from the worlds of fashion – Kunal Rawal, gastronomy – Prateek Sadhu of Masque and design – Shilo Shiv Suleman. Belvedere Studio B is a tactile representation of Belvedere’s defining Collective Spirit, depicting the coming together of Water and Rye; Taste and Character. This year’s collaboration will culminate in a finale spectacle in Mumbai in May 2019.
 
Since it was founded 25 years ago, Belvedere has been a global cornerstone celebrating the most prolific creative minds like John Legend, Usher and Janelle Monae amongst many others via its collaborations. As an essential ingredient to night-life and building a distinct cocktail-culture, Belvedere has always transcended the traditional notion of luxury through an avant-garde lens. Belvedere Studio B is a result of this mindset - where individual expression and collaboration lead to a beautiful, sensory experience!
 
In keeping with the essence of Belvedere Studio B, Arjun Kapoor will formally set the stage and introduce this year’s collaborators to Belvedere-lovers across the world. Further, the collaborators - Kunal, Shilo, Prateek and will conceptualize and create a never-before-seen expression inspired by Belvedere…all the while engaging with their fans for creative suggestions.
 
Expressing excitement about the launch, Stephane de Meurville, Managing Director, Moët Hennessy India shared, “The foundation of Belvedere Studio B lies in its dynamic, collective spirit much like how we create Belvedere in Poland. We are now very excited to present the 2019 edition and have found the perfect Evangelist in Arjun Kapoor. An integral part of the cultural zeitgeist with his rooted performances, Mr. Kapoor epitomizes substance, intelligence and opinion in an increasingly digital-social world.”
 
Sharing more about his association, Arjun Kapoor said, “As an actor, one of the most important lessons one learns is the power of collaboration. The best movies are a crash-course in how the meeting of minds lead to the creation of something beautiful, impactful on screen! Thus, I naturally leaned in to the concept of Belvedere Studio B given its format of using varied creative fields as a medium to tell its story. I will be throwing open the challenge to this year’s collaborators to create a quintessential Belvedere experience and am quite excited to see their ideas coming to life.”
( Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India

 Highlights:-           
-           Over 65 luxury beverages
-          Three new world spirits – Calvados, Armagnac and Cachaca
-          40+whiskies and 15+ gins
-          30+ storytellers
-          3 World’s 50 Best Bars take over 3 bars at Kamala Mills
-          1 Aroma Master
-          1 Global Mezcal Ambassador
-          13 stories and discussions with experts from the world of fine beverages
-          9 masterclasses and mixology experiences from global experts
-          1000 fine beverage connoisseurs over two days
 At its first edition ever, The Vault Biennale- India’s premier luxury beverage festival- presented by Founder, Keshav Prakash, with the theme of ‘Spirited Stories’, witnessed  a large number of Indian and international connoisseurs. The Vault Biennale showcased the best luxury and craft spirits from across the world at Tote on The Turf, Mahalaxmi on 16th and 17th February, 2019. The festival opened its doors to new fine spirit enthusiasts, who had the chance to indulge in luxury beverages that are a product of passion and commitment. The event hosted over 60 handcrafted spirits, over 30 international masters, distillers, storytellers; and mixologists from three of the `World’s 50 Best Bars’.
Divided into - Taste, Discover, Listen and Indulge, the festival gave guests an access to beyond 60 spirits from around the world to uncover categories that they may not be familiar with, such as Calvados, Armagnac and Cachaca. These masters, distillers and mixologists flew in from all parts of the globe, to be a part of various engaging sessions for connoisseurs and new appreciators of fine spirits at The Vault Biennale.
“The festival’s vision was to create a platform that celebrates the craft distillers and distilleries as well as commemorate world renowned beverages that have soul”, says Keshav Prakash, Founder and Curator, The Vault. “The response was overwhelming with over 1000 people who attended the event. We already have requests for making this an annual property from attendees and participants alike!” he adds.
The event saw star attendance from Mumbai’s biggest names that included personalities such as Srila Chatterjee, dear friend of The Vault & the founder of Baro, kick-started the launch toast on the beautiful Saturday morning while Pooja Dhingra, Gauri Devidayal and Thomas Zacharias anchored some of the most important discussions relevant to the Indian scenario.  Chef Pablo Naranjo Agular, Romi Puroskar, Atul Kasbekar, Tanuj Garg were some of the other personalities present at the Vault Biennale.

Day one, Srila Chatterjee’s introduction was followed by a toast by Founder Keshav Prakash and Hiroyasu Kayama who offered his signature cocktail made using an Indian craft Gin- Stranger & Sons to every guest present there. The Listening section kick-started with stories and discussions over an array intriguing subjects such as - The Spirit of Craftmanship, The Curious World of Gins, The Rum Renaissance- When? among various others, which were attended by the audience based on their interests, and this led to great insights, conversations and discussions. The Vault Biennale also offered the guests a chance to indulge in masterclasses - A Cocktail with Hiroyasu Kayama- Bar Benfiddich, World’s 50 Best Bars, Tokyo, A Cocktail with Alex Simonidis & Georgia Georgakopoulou- The Clumsies, World’s 50 Best Bars, Athens, Aroma Masterclass, to name a few.
 
The evening of day one, The Vault Biennale in partnership with Diageo World Class welcomed three of the World’s 50 Best Bars to Mumbai, which took over three renowned resto-bars at Kamala Mills. The expert mixologists of these bars offered their signature cocktails at KOKO, The Bombay Canteen and XICO  and played host to Bar Benfiddich from Tokyo, The Clumsies from Athens and Licoreria Limantour from Mexico City respectively.
 
The second day of The Vault Biennale commenced with narratives of the tales of Single Malt- How it all began?. The Mystery of Mezcal, Elevating your Home bar- A personal Statement an insightful session that was carried out by Keshav Prakash (The Vault) and Yangdup Lama (Sidecar, Delhi) among various others. In addition to this, a number of other fascinating masterclasses that took the audience on a journey of discovery were - Aroma Masterclass, A Masterclass with the Chocolate Alchemist, A Tequila and Mezcal Masterclass, among others.

To give the Delhi audience a taste of what Mumbai experienced with 3 world mixologists over the weekend, The Vault Biennale team in association with The Oberoi, New Delhi hosted a bar take over by the Mexican daredevils – Bar Limantour from Mexico at CIRRUS 9, the rooftop bar at The Oberoi on February 21 & 22.
The event witnessed a community of fine spirit aficionados on both days, with enthusiasts, connoisseurs and industry stalwarts who flocked to extend support and kickstart what can only be the start of a fine-appreciation movement. It’s safe to say that Mumbai along with other cities in India, or even Asia, would be thrilled to be a part of The Vault Biennale’s next edition. (excerpt from a release) 

Mumbai, India
The much awaited  Gin bar at the signature award-winning and internationally-acclaimed Jyran – Tandoor Dining & Lounge finally opened its door to Gin lovers this January. The bar boasts of an innovative menu featuring exquisite gin cocktails and much-loved classics, as subtle ingredients are coupled with stylish service by talented BarChefs, The stylish and opulent newly-launched bar was unveiled in the presence of Magandeep Singh, a Sommelier, renowned writer & TV Show host  & Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager, Sofitel Mumbai BKC along with food and beverage connoisseurs from across the city.
Gin is one such popular category of fine spirits that draws its essence from selected botanicals such as lavender, fresh bay leaf, fennel seed rosemary, coriander, and black peppercorn. There are over 30 varieties of gin offered at Jyran Gin Bar including notable varieties like Le Gin de Christian Drouin, Stranger & Sons, Star Of Bombay and Cotswolds Dry Gin.  On the hand some of the flavours of home made infusions include saffron, berry, exotic tea, hibiscus, lemongrass, and orange peel. One can savour the definitive yet delicate notes punching through, while underlining the fragrant wave of aromatic herbs, thereby creating a lovely balance of intense and earthy elements.
Biswajit Chakraborty, at the splendid terrace of Jyran – Tandoor Dining & Lounge, said, “ With the Jyran Gin Bar we are pleased to reinvent perceptions about gin as just another spirit and open doors for gin aficionados to rediscover a fine collection of authentic, gin-flavoured cocktails and much-loved classics that are steadily making their way through elegant hospitality space.” ( Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India
India’s leading distributor of premium wines and spirits,  Aspri Spirits and AB Celestial, Mumbai’s first luxury floatal hosted an exceptional wine evening with the oldest wine brand established in Bordeaux, Barton & Guestier.The elegant evening presented an opportunity to taste the wonderful diversity of fine French wines and learn more about the brand, region, appellation and its constant quality and style through Mr. Marcos Ignacio, Export Manager, Barton & Guestier. Barton & Guestier is the signature for French wines and is greatly recognised for its
character, knowledge and art of living, the core-values that guide their teams and build strong partnerships.
On the occasion, Mr. Marcos Ignacio said, “Everyone at Barton & Guestier is proud of the history and is driven by an unrelenting pioneering spirit based on winemaking expertise. The desire to bring you the best quality wine is unquestionably being perpetuated and events like these only bring us closer to our customers.”

Mr. Arun Kumar and Mr. Jackie Matai, Co Founders, Aspri Spirits also attended the evening with media, trade and friends.The wines that were savoured were Barton & Guestier Passeport Saint – Emilion, Barton & Guestier Passeport Cotes-du-Rhone, Baron & Guestier Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Barton & Guestier Reserve Merlot, Barton & Guestier Cuvee Speciale Rouge, Barton & Guestier Cuvee Speciale Blanc. ( Exceprt from a press release)

Mumbai, India​
Aspri Spirits, India’s leading distributor of premium wines and spirits presented an exceptional wine evening to bring together wine lovers and connoisseurs to celebrate 150 years of Carpene Malvolti Prosecco. The evening, hosted at Out of the Blue, Khar, Mumbai, showcased the  Carpene Malvolti Prosecco Special Cuvee Brut DOC, a light, fruity wine with scents of acacia flowers, wild strawberries and ripe golden apple. 
Mr.Domenico Scimone, Global Sales and Marketing Director, Carpene Malvolti , an Italian Sommelier from the brand , presented the visitors a remarkable and enchanting understanding of the brand. He took the audience through the exciting journey of the brand by presenting the brand’s history, the process of making wines, details on their best wines and much more.
It was founded in 1868 by Antonio Carpenè, who dreamt to produce a bubbly wine with the grapes harvested from the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. This dream has become a mission: producing high quality sparkling
wine at each grape harvest, a dream that is still coming true today, day after day. Produced from grapes grown in the historic production areas of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, it is an aromatic sparkling brut wine with an alcohol content of 11 degrees, produced with the Charmat or Martinotti method, elaborated for the first time by Antonio Carpene for the Prosecco grapes in 1868
Pricing: Delhi – Rs.2500/- Mumbai –Rs.2470/- Bangalore –Rs.1975/-
( Exceprt from a press release) 

Mumbai, India
One of Rhone Valley France's most iconic brands Chapoutier is now back in India after an insignificant first attempt. M. Chapoutier has been producing iconic wines from Rhône Valley since 1808 and holds the title for the most awarded wine maker and the record for a 100 point rating from Robert Parker 33 times with top ratings from all other major wine critics. They were most recently awarded the first “World’s Most Admired French Wine Brand” by Drinks International Report 2018.

Michel Chapoutier, a true visionary with a deep understanding of the terroir cultivates and harvests the vineyards organically and biodynamically to ensure the wines are the truest expression of the region. The first to introduce braille on their wine labels, this unique feature continues to distinguish their brand from other wines on the shelf. Their passion for wine making and the pride they carry for the Rhone Valley region have been recognised the world over.  M. Chapoutier is the preferred French wine brand for worldwide travel retail and airlines like Air France, Emirates, Etihad and Air India to name a few.  Today, M. Chapoutier also has vineyards in Australia, Portugal and Spain and exports to over 130 countries around the world. India is the latest addition to their growing global presence.  
"Our vision is to offer new trends and the finest selection of Wine & Spirit brands to our discerning consumers across the Indian sub-continent. M. Chapoutier is an iconic and top awarded wine producer from France and we are thrilled to bring this historic brand to the Indian market. I do believe the majority of the popular grapes from the Rhône Valley region especially Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Blanc and Viognier offer a great affinity to Indian cuisine. We are confident that the quality and variety of our M. Chapoutier selection will find acceptance and appreciation from the wine lovers in India.” said Sumedh Singh Mandla (CEO – VBev) 

Edouard Payot the  Export Director of the brand who flew in for the occasion to introduce the portfolio to the Indian audience seemed positive and said,  “Maison Chapoutier is very excited to start working with VBev for the Indian market and to launch our famous Rhône Valley wines in the market. India is a fast-growing and developing country with more and more wine being imported every year and we sincerely hope to convince the Indian consumers with our terroir-driven and elegant wines. It’s a priority of development for the group Chapoutier and we’re confident that we’ll find our place in this competitive market due to the professionalism of our new partner and the indisputable quality of our wines.” says Edouard Payot  

Following wines were Showcased:
Le Bernardine Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2015
Les Meysonniers Crozes Hermitage 2016
Bila-Haut Cotes Du Roussillion Villages 2017 - MRP 2190
Belleruche, Cotes Du Rhone , Blanc and Rouge - MRP 2590
( Excerpt from a release) 

 Mumbai, India
Taj Lands End, Mumbai added yet another jewel in its repertoire of culinary offerings with the re-launch of the Atrium Lounge in a brand new avatar. The launch  marked by a grand event that witnessed the magnificent revival of this exceptional offering and evolved into a soiree with Mumbai’s crème de la crème, celebrating. Gracing the event was Mr. Puneet Chhatwal – Managing Director & CEO, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), along with other eminent personalities such as Brian Lara, Mukesh Bhatt, Talat and Bina Aziz, Nisha JamVwal and celebrated personalities including Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, Dino Morea, Isha Koppikar, Suchitra Pillai-Malik, Kim Sharma, Harshvardhan Rane and Neha Sharma.
Located at the heart of the hotel, the effervescent Atrium Bar & Lounge offers a welcoming retreat from the bustling city life. With a wide selection of first flush teas and single origin coffees along with the signature smoothies, the Atrium Bar & Lounge offers every reason to sit back and relax while the sun sets over Bandra’s charming seascape. For aficionados, eager to experience the finest, Atrium offers the largest selection of whiskeys and spirits from across the world accompanied by iconic concoctions distinctive to the Golden Age. Reminiscent of Mumbai’s dynamic culture, the Atrium Bar & Lounge invites guests to experience the city on their plates. From aromatic street-food to the suave palate of world-cuisine, the menu boasts of a distinct mélange of local and international flavours.
The evening came alive to the sound of music and displayed magical performances by renowned artists like Manasi Scott and Keya Pothen coupled with a euphoric camaraderie of the subtle notes of violin and cello. Commenting on the momentous occasion, Mr. Parveen Chander Kumar, Area Director – West and General Manager – Taj Lands End said, “We are delighted to reintroduce our signature bar & lounge, known for its tranquil ambience and delectable culinary experiences. The new avatar encompasses a truly sensational experience in terms of service, décor and flavours. We look forward to our guests partaking in this brand new journey of the Atrium Bar & Lounge .” ( Excerpt from a press release)

Mumbai,India
Helmed by Gargi Kothari, Rojita Tiwari and Ruchika Agarwal D’souza; Agents of Cheer is India’s only curated Drinks Festival, which provides an opportunity to wine and spirits enthusiasts to taste, explore and savour the world of drinks in a fun and intimate way. The festival has been conceptualized and curated with the objective of offering drink lovers an experience that is unique, exciting and entertaining.

The first in the series, Agents of Cheer Vol 1 was held in  January 2018 and was a resounding success. The appreciation sessions on wines and spirits, conducted by their expert team members offered the perfect opportunity to learn many intrinsic aspects of both the drinks. The walk-around tastings (40 premium wines and spirits) offered a perfect set-up for the guests to mingle around and savour a wide variety of handpicked wines and spirits while enjoying a live-band performance. Artisanal cheeses, cigars and, art showcases added an extra oomph to the overall experience.

With the promise and vision to make Agents of Cheer the most unique, informative and fun event for the discerning consumers and trade, Agents of Cheer Vol 2 washeld on 6th October 2018  at the beautiful setting of Mabruk and Oceans in Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai. The event entailed two in-depth appreciation sessions followed by a walk-around tasting. The appreciation session - Understanding Specific Origin Wines - will be conducted by Gargi Kothari, a wine geek and the founder of Magic Cellars, a company that curates wine experiences. The Spirits Studio session - Learning To Appreciate Gin - will be conducted by Rojita Tiwari, India’s leading beverage professional, wine & spirits journalist and founder of Drinks and Destinations.

The Spirits Studio saw premium brands from Bacardi India’s portfolio along with a new spirits category, a Chinese spirit - Baijiu brand called Jiangxiaobai which has entered India and was presented to the consumers for the first time. Baijiu means “white alcohol” with a strong flavour, which is distilled from fermented sorghum.

A classy affair had  live music performances, stalls showcasing fashion accessories, apparel, works of art, and a delicious line up of appetizers and bar bites as a perfect accompaniment to the wines and spirits. 
( Excerpt from a release)