Mumbai, India
Aspri Spirits, India’s leading distributor of premium wines and spirits, hosted a special evening to bring together Campari lovers to celebrate Negroni Week at the Italian restaurant CinCin, BKC. The week-long international charity event is being hosted in bars and restaurants across the world to raise money for charitable causes.

Guests started with a Classic Negroni which is the 2nd Best Selling Cocktail in the world moving on to the other offerings at the event. The guests included India’s favourite female bartender Shatbhi Basu, Bollywood Makeup Artist Clint Fernandes and Sandhya Shetty, Model, Actor & Commonwealth Karate Gold Medal Winner amongst many other known faces from the industry.

Joining the movement, Mr. Jackie Matai, Co-founder, Aspri Spirits said, “We started hosting Negroni Week in India since 2015 and have continued to progress. This year, we have 103 bars participating across the country and have also rank 2nd in Asia. With the modern cocktail movement continuing to expand, the annual event has grown larger every year, with Negroni Week 2018 set to be the biggest yet. Starting with 100 participating bars in 2013, last year’s Negroni Week welcomed the involvement of 7,770 venues in 60 countries to raise a phenomenal $1.5 million for charitable causes since the launch. This year India alone has over 103 bars hosting the charitable event.
 
RECIPE FOR CLASSIC NEGRONI
As a globally consumed classic cocktail, the prestigious IBA Official Drink List states Campari is the key defining ingredient.
 
Ingredients:

• 3 cl. Campari
• 3 cl. Gin
• 3 cl. Sweet Red Vermouth

 
Instructions:

• Pour the ingredients directly into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice
• Stir gently
• Garnish with half an orange slice

( Excerpt from a press release)

Mumbai,India
BACARDÍ launched BACARDÍ House Party Sessions this year to bring to the world tomorrow’s musical sensations. Unlike most recording labels, BACARDÍ House Party Sessions offers a partnership that will foster each artists’ growth by providing them the right mentorship and opportunities coupled with provision of dedicated time to work on their future tracks and albums with dedicated studio time. The first leg of the BACARDI House Party Sessions campaign witnessed the announcement of its winner’s (RITVIZ, MojoJojo and Aarya) huge success with the launch of the first track UDD GAYE by RITVIZ which garnered over 3 million views and is the 4th trending track across all genres on Apple Music, after topping the charts.
​
After the massive success of the first BACARDÍ house party anthem ‘UDD GAYE’, BACARDÍ House Party Sessions brings you the next epic track - Chak Bass (https://youtu.be/71yeChlLjrE) by MojoJojo. Known for his distinctive brand of crossover music and fine handlebar moustache, MojoJojo aka Akshay Johar, is one of the four winners of the BACARDÍ House Party Sessions hosted by All India Bakchod (AIB) and Nucleya and this is the second music video release of the Sessions campaign.The fun and peppy track depicts a scenario in a rundown warehouse in a typical Mumbai setting where a high stakes carom championship is underway but events take a surprising turn.
 
Commenting on the Sessions campaign, Mr Anshuman Goenka, Marketing Head, BACARDÍ India says, “We are ecstatic looking at the overwhelming response that RITVIZ’s work has witnessed. UDD GAYE has become a sensation all over and this is the kind of leap that we aim to provide to our artists. Taking a step further in the direction, we are extremely excited to announce the launch of the second track- Chak Bass by MojoJojo. We are sure that this track will be equally loved by our audience and get us closer to our goal of bringing on board the right mix of experiences and opportunities to take the house party culture a notch higher in the music space. As a constant endeavour, we will continue to discover more such talented artists and help them along their journey. We have been globally known to foster talent and would like to reiterate our commitment to the world of music through BACARDÍ House Party Sessions.”

​(Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India
Folonari wines from the house of Gruppo Italiano Vini were showcased over a relaxed lunch in Bandra. Mr Maurizio Bertacchini their Asia rep who was on the Indian market visit waxed eloquent about the wines and said, 
"Folonari was started  in 1825 and the focus was always to make some good quality wine at an affordable price" . The Pinot Grigio was refreshing and was a good start to the Sunday brunch. The Valpolicella and Pinot held forts and showed good value at their price points. 
Rikshit Parsan of Ace Beveragez the importer of Folonari ensured the glasses were full at all times and the afternoon  extended into early evening!
​(Excerpt from a release)

​Mumbai, India
Grover Zampa Vineyards, the most prestigious and longest-standing wine producer of India, held a party to celebrate its remarkable journey of 25 years of wine making topped off with the launch of Auriga - India’s first ever sparkling wine with eye-catching, 24 carat gold flakes. 
 
This new gold edition makes the perfect drink for ceremonial moments, mainly created for those who appreciate an extravagant addition to indulgence and celebration. This gently aged wine with an extravagant dusting of gold embodies craftsmanship and finesse. With its golden straw hues, the wine has a fresh nose revealing citrus and floral aromas. The palate is intense with a pleasant sensation of fruit and creaminess.
 
A journey which began in the late 80s, Grover Zampa launched their first vintage in 1992. Today the company is a pioneer in the Indian wine industry and has established a significant presence on the global wine scene. A remarkable combination formed as a result of a merger between Grover Vineyards and Vallée de Vin, Grover Zampa Vineyards is also India’s most awarded wine producer. It has won 93 international grand awards since 2013 including the Decanter Awards, Decanter Asia Wine Awards and the New York International Wine and Spirits Competition. Riding on the back of their award spree, the brand has made steady inroads into the export market and currently exports about 20% of its volume to more than 30 countries, with top markets being France, Japan and UK.

Key milestones that have made the brand as magnificent as it stands today include:
 
- The launch of India’s first reserve wine Grover Zampa La Réserve in 1998
- Working with noted Bordeaux-based oenologist Michel Rolland from 1995
- The launch of Chêne, India’s first Tempranillo Grand Réserve in 2013
- The introduction of the Vijay Amritraj Reserve Collection in 2014 in partnership with the legend himself
- The recent launch of Insignia, single vineyard and estate bottled, this is one of India’s most premium wines sold only by invitation through the cellar door.
 
Mr Kapil Grover, Chairman, Grover Zampa Vineyards proudly states “For most, journey is about traveling from one place to another. For us, it is about reaching a higher ground as we grow. It has been 25 years since we produced our first wine in 1992, a dream envisioned by my father. Today, we boast the most impressive pedigree in the Indian wine industry. This year, in keeping with our traditions of excellence and innovation, we have taken it a notch higher: we proudly present to you Auriga. With this launch, we have added more breadth to our portfolio with a wine that provides the perfect accompaniment for life’s ceremonial moments.”
 
From humble beginnings, Grover Zampa Vineyards now stands for heritage, rich culture and exceptional craftsmanship as well as wines that have been created with great passion and reverence for tradition.

(Excerpt from a press release)
 

Mumbai, India
Coravin, the innovative and ground- breaking wine access and pouring system that has already transformed the way the world enjoys wine across 50 markets is now in India . It was launched  by Aman Dhall of  Brindco with an inaugural presentation by  Sonal Holland MW over an interactive master-class tasting of fine wines, at The Oberoi Hotel, Mumbai.
The Coravin System is a wine access tool that allows the desired quantity of any wine, from any bottle to be poured and enjoyed by the gla ss, without uncorking. By preserving the wine with the patented Coravin technology, the remaining wine is kept unspoiled and in pristine condition.  Coravin uses a medical grade needle that punctures through the natural cork of a bottle. Argon, a harmless inert gas used regularly by winemakers, is then pumped through the needle, creating pressure within the bottle that pushes wine out through the needle. When the desired amount is poured, the needle is withdrawn and argon is left in place to prevent oxidation. The cork reseals itself naturally and the wine does not aerate, meaning any amount of the wine can be tasted at any point and the last glass will taste just as good as the first.  
Greg Lambrecht, Inventor and founder- developed and tested his concept for 14 years before he founded and launched Coravin in 2013. With a background in physics and nuclear power, a career in medical engineering and a passion for wine, Greg combined his expertise in innovative technology and love of wine to create a product that has made a major impact on the wine industry.   Greg comments “Today, the Coravin Wine System can be enjoyed in numerous different settings, with restaurants and bars embracing the technology that allows wine-by-the-glass programs to expand without fear of wasted win e. Diners and wine drinkers can also enjoy a wider selection of premium wines and can pair multiple bottles with their meal, instead of committing to just one bottle.”                                                            
 Coravin is available in Indian and the range starts at Rs 21624
​
  (Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India​
Wine enthusiasts of the city have a reason to rejoice as The Leela Mumbai gets the Great Indian Wine Buffet at Citrus.  This All – You – Can Drink Wine Buffet will feature over thirty Indian wine labels at a very special price of Rs 1090 ++ per person.   
On display will be a selection of some of the finest Indian wines from  esteemed wineries like  Grovers, York, Turning Point, Fratelli, Reveilo and Zampa. If you fancy red wine, take your pick from blends or single varietals  of Cabernet Sauvignon,  Shiraz,  Cabernet Franc , Merlot and the more obscure  Sangiovese and Nero D Avola. White wine lovers can choose from Viognier, Sangiovese Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Grillo and more. 
 
The promotion goes on till 30th September 2017 and is available 7 pm onward. 
( Excerpt from a press release)

Mumbai, India
Sula is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Pringle as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. In his capacity as the COO of India’s leading wine company and fastest growing alcobev company, Nick will work closely with Rajeev Samant, Founder and CEO, Sula Vineyards, while overlooking the company’s strategy and operations.

Rajeev Samant commented, “I am delighted that Nick Pringle is joining Sula as COO. Nick brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Accolade Wines and AB InBev and is the right person to help steer Sula Vineyards, one of Asia’s fastest growing wine and alcobev companies, to even greater heights!”

Nick has over 20 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry. He has worked extensively in international markets to create a significant category across emerging markets for wine and spirits consumption and he strongly believes that numerous opportunities lie in the Indian alcobev industry.Nick Pringle stated, “India is a very young and dynamic market. It has immense potential to grow in the wine sector and the enthusiasm, with great people that Sula possesses is infectious! Despite barriers, Sula entered the wine industry here in India and carved a niche for itself as both, the best and leading wine company. Sula recognized the changing industry trends and launched Sula Selections and Artisan Spirits to diversify itself, becoming a genuine front runner in the industry. I am proud to be associated with a brand that has turned things around for the industry altogether and look forward to creating
more milestones for us to achieve together.”

Prior to this, Nick worked at AB InBev for 12 years. He later joined Constellation to assume a variety of roles and eventually joined Accolade Wines to strengthen Hardys globally in 2011. At Accolade Wines, Nick was in charge of emerging markets and responsible for travel retail relationships across regions spanning Africa, the Middle East, South and Central America, Asia Sub- Continent and Southern Europe. Key markets for growth from his regions were Central and South America, Africa and India, which became a passion for him, while in India an increasing number of consumers were experimenting and progressing from beer and spirits to the wine category, during this time he was working in partnership with Sula. In 2016, Nick was appointed as Head of Accolade Wines for China, a significantly growing market for the company, before being given this amazing opportunity with Sula.

Before working in the wine and spirits industry, Nick was a professional cricketer and played for his home county - Somerset, from 1986 to 1991. Now he loves to see his son, Mathew play cricket and enjoys playing with him too. A thorough sportsman, he also used to play rugby and he loves watching  football. Nick is a fitness enthusiast and also takes keen interest in music and travelling.

(Excerpt from a press release)

 Having successfully ventured into premium grape brandies with JANUS and J in 2016 Sula Vineyards takes a step further into the world of spirits as they launch their first whisky – Eclipse.
 
Cognac cask aged Eclipse embodies the exceptional French spirit making heritage and the expertise of Sula in selecting the best Indian grapes. Premium quality peated Scotch and then of course premium grains goes in to the produce of this all new whisky too. Eclipse from the House of Sula, is made with a touch of grape spirit which is double distilled using a traditional French distillation process. The liquor is aged in ‘Limousine Oak Cask’ under the supervision of Sula’s Master Blender Yogesh Mathur. The result is a whisky of exceptional smoothness with character of dried fruit, spices and vanilla.
 
Yogesh Mathur, Master Blender, Artisan Spirits Pvt. Ltd said, "It has been a meticulous task but was worth all the efforts! Our blending team has worked together to create a blend which gives a sweetness and ease on the palate accompanied by a fruity and smoky smooth finish that is traditional yet modern at the same time”
 
Eclips is priced at INR 1395 in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, INR 1250 in Delhi and INR 790 in Pondicherry. In Goa, Daman and Silvassa, Eclipse retails at INR 750 and is available across leading outlets.
(Excerpt from a press release)

Mumbai, India
Aspri Spirits, India’s leading wine and spirit importers launched the most acclaimed and awarded Speyside Single Malt Glen Grant 10 Y and Glen Grant 18 Y with an exclusive evening in Mumbai. The evening commenced with an exclusive masterclass by Mr. Robin Coupar, Global Brand Ambassador Gruppo Campari followed by a sit down tasting session of the 10 Year old and 18 Year old Glen Grant.
For the last five years, the 10 Year Old has won the ‘Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky: 10 Years and Younger’ category award in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. In addition to this, in 2016 the 10 Year Old also took home the guide’s top honour for single malts by winning overall Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks). And the 18 year old was the award winner of “Scotch Whisky of the Year 2017”, “Single Malt of the Year 2017” and “Best Single Malt Aged 16-21 Year 2017” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2017.
Indian speyside lovers now have another go to and this time a much coveted one for their spey collection. Slainte! 

Nashik, India
The country’s most gorgeously situated Gourmet World Music Festival went several notches higher in its 10th edition! The event saw festival goers from across the country at a weekend to remember and this year was an even grander production with even more amazing memories.
The festival this year being a 3 day affair – adding Friday dedicated to Indian artists had also added one more stage – The ‘Tropical Stage’. Friday’s highlights were Nucleya at the Atmasphere Stage and Indian Ocean at the Amphitheatre Stage. Sula’s all new musician talent hunt competition “Rise and Shine” contest winner performed to a thrilled audience at the Tropical Stage.The Bloc Party from the UK made their India debut and rocked the Amphitheatre stage on Day 2, Saturday – while Loco & Jam from Germany performed to a haven of fest-goers at the Atmasphere Stage. The Tropical Stage highlight this day was Peter Schumann’s performance. Amphitheatre Sunday headliner – Infected Mushroom from Israel set the stage on fire! German Jan Blomqvist & Band created magic at the Atmasphere Stage located amidst the vineyards.

Another new addition to the festival this year was the ‘Globe in a Glass’ stall where fest-goers had the opportunity to meet and taste with the people behind various brands from the Sula Selections portfolio. The renowned wine profile Robert Joseph was attending the festival for the first time showcasing his brand Le Grand Noir. Brightening up the weekend even further was the SulaFest Bazaar with a selection of fun and funky items for sales.
Speaking about SulaFest 2017, Cecilia Oldne, Global Brand Ambassador and Vice President - Marketing, Sula says, “Cheers to 10 years! What a beautiful weekend and what an amazing crowd!  See you all next year!”
 ​