From its outset the objective of the inaugural competition has been clear - to provide wine lovers in India with an easy and informative way to explore the world of wine as well as help the trade showcase their products in the country's rapidly growing market. Thus competition results will offer the Indian wine consumer the ultimate guide to purchasing wine that is sensitive to the Indian palate and cultural consumption patterns.

With this in mind, the SIWC panel of judges is predominantly Indian with international wine experts based in India. Representing importers, producers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, journalists and wine consultants, the judges comprise experienced wine professionals from across the country: Rahul Akerkar (Indigo Restaurant), Gautam Anand (ITC, Delhi), David Banford (The Wine Society of India), Alok Chandra (Business Standard), Kavita Faiella (The Aman New Delhi), Nitesh Gandhi (Oberoi and Trident Hotels), Sonal Holland (Independent Wine Educator), Abhay Kewadkar (UB Group), Sanjay Menon (Sonary's), Alejandro Ortiz (Aman Resorts), Mukund Padmanabhan (The Hindu), Vir Sanghvi (Hindustan Times), Harshal Shah (Independent Wine Consultant and Sommelier India), Aman Sharma (Taj Hotels), Ajoy Shaw (Sula Vineyards), Magandeep Singh (IWBS) and Craig W. Wedge (FineWinesnMore).

The wines will be judged 'blind', ie, the label will not be visible, ensuring that the judging is fair and honest. Renowned wine expert and living legend, Steven Spurrier is the Chairman of the competition. He is also the Chairman of The Wine Society of India. Reva K Singh, the Publisher & Editor of Sommelier India, India's first wine magazine is Co-chairman.

Said Steven Spurrier, "The SIWC is of equal value to the producer/importer and to the consumer. The medals recompense quality and they provide the consumer with information. With so many wine brands flooding the market, the Indian consumer is looking for a voice that can guide them with their purchases."

Reva K Singh added, "By participating in the Sommelier India Wine Competition wine producers and importers have shown their commitment to the Indian wine industry and their serious intent in serving the consumer. As the first truly Indian wine competition, the ever-increasing number of wine consumers in India is eagerly awaiting the results."

Heralded as an India organized world-class wine competition and a transparent platform to advise and guide the Indian consumer and trade on wine choices, Sponsors of the Sommelier India Wine Competition include Autohanger (Dealer for Mercedes Benz in India), Cadbury Bourneville, Grape to Glass (Riedel), Kingfisher Airlines and Vacu Vin.

The results of the competition will be announced at a Gala Dinner on November 20, 2009.

For tickets to the Gala Dinner and more information about the competition, please email, info@siwc.in or Nikhil Agarwal on na@indianwinemagazine.com.