Can it be possible for International Women's Day to go by without a splendid celebration by W3 - a wine club that proudly welcomes only women to be members, wherein events may be open to male partners and spouses. Sonal Holland, wine consultant and patron member of W3, highlights this special evening where women and only women gathered together for an evening soiree.

If you've been to a news stand lately, you may have noticed the new issue is out! As a subscriber you're probably holding a copy in your hands by now. Our March/April issue brings an array of features, news and service information for you to devour in its 74 packed pages. The lead feature is an exclusive interview with Georg Riedel, architect of the Riedel Revolution that has transformed the way we drink wine. He was in Mumbai a few weeks ago and we had a chance to meet and interview him. You can subscribe here and view the table of contents.

There's a great buzz in Bordeaux this week as the 2009 En Primeur kicks off. Producers look happier than ever and are bubbling with excitement. The reasons are obvious. This is the best vintage since 2005 and according to some much better. Shiv Singh reports for Sommelier India WINE magazine from Bordeaux where he's on hand to taste this potentially historic vintage. Pictured here are Pierre Lurton of Château Cheval Blanc with Reva Singh, Publisher of Sommelier India.

Staged between March 21 to 23 in Dusseldorf, Germany, ProWein 2010 ended with record visitor and exhibitor figures, reports Reva K. Singh. Dusseldorf is a multi faceted cosmopolitan city and a well-known centre for trade fairs. It is the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia which is Germany's most densely populated state with a population of 30 million within a radius of 150 km. The city's top notch facilities and infrastructure are well geared for prominent international events.

The Bangalore International Wine Festival is going to be held between 10th and 11th April, 2010 and will run from 12:00pm till 10:00pm at White Petals, Palace Grounds, Bangalore. The event will showcase wines from all over the world and allow wine drinkers and novices to experience and understand the vast world of wine. Speakers include Sommelier India columnist Alok Chandra and Dr. Krishana from the Karnataka Wine Board. Find more information here.

Given below are tasting notes for each of the wines before the panel. They are listed in order of preference, from highest to lowest:
Anakena Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile and a selection of our favourite Indian reds

A cultivated, dignified man, Ghulam Naqshband was a great friend and supporter of Sommelier India WINE magazine and we will miss his gentle presence greatly. Although a bachelor, Ghulam kept a beautiful home and an excellent table. He was a genuine wine lover and started "The Wine Society" in Delhi in 1991 with the support of the French Embassy. Originally called Table de France, it was the first wine club in the country. Share your memories here or on our Facebook page.

It was the Church! Once the Roman Empire fell, it was the Church that was critical in the revitalization, production and promotion of wine because wine was associated with holiness (the body of Christ) and comfort. By the Middle Ages, the Church had developed and owned some of Europe's greatest vineyards. The Bendictines casting their influence over Alsace, Germany and Austria; and the Cistercians running Cote d'Or and Burgundy.

For all the talk about wine being good for your health, a new study finds that wine even small amounts of alcohol consumption harms Indians. These findings are based on a study covering 4,400 drinkers and an almost equal number of non-drinkers (the control group) in 10 cities by doctors from AIIMS, Centre for Chronic Diseases, Public Health Foundation of India and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation.

The fine dining Indian restaurant, Nawab Saheb, at the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel and Convention Center celebrated the month of love in a very unique manner with the Kamasutra Food Festival, writes Suneeta Sodhi Kanga. From 14th to 21st February, Chef Bhairav Singh, Master Indian Chef created the choicest, authentic Indian food preparations inspired by the ancient texts. Adding to the romance were heady wines from the Nandi hills. Right: Nawab Saheb restaurant

"As we are five cousins, of the third generation of the Dal Cero family, involved with wine production at our family winery, we are sure about the quality of our wines", said Francesca Dal Cero, Export Manager, Dal Cero F.lli Società Agricola, at an informal and enjoyable wine tasting evening on 4th March 2010 at Taj Blue Diamond, Pune, writes Brinda Gill.
Right: Nico Dal Cero, Sneha Chavan (Kiara Wines), Sandip Mukherjee (General Manager, Taj Blue Diamond Hotel), Francesca Dal Cero, Ravish Ahuja (Kiara Wines), and Shonal and Sajjid Chinoy.

There are many romantic tales surrounding the winemakers of Italy, but few are as rewarding as that of the House of Baron Francesco Ricasoli. Thirty-second in the heritage the Ricasoli family tree traces its antecedents to the 12th century. Today they are the largest producers in the Chianti region and Brolio wines are well received domestically as also internationally. The Estate saw a wave of industrialisation with a period of takeover, but the family is now back as winners after recapturing their glory, writes Ameeta Sharma.

If you are travelling through Europe in the next few weeks to attend the numerous wine events taking place such as Prowein, Toques & Clochers, Bordeaux En Primeurs or Vinitaly, take a day or two off to stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Munich, suggests Reva K. Singh. Munich is one of Europe's major music capitals, and the hotel is just steps away from the world-famous Bavarian State Opera House. Right: Mandarin Oriental, Munich, suite view

So here we all were. Gathered by the pool at "The Club", that veritable private oasis in the midst of the cacophony of sight and sound of downtown Andheri. The wine brains trust of Mumbai town, were gathered on this particular Sunday in celebration of what else but Vino, Wein Vin..Wine!! What other reason is there to get out of bed on a Sunday?? A visitor's report.

Last week, wine lovers in Delhi had a special treat: a chance to taste wines from two great wine regions that could not be more different from each other, Hungary and Australia, arranged by Sommelier India WINE magazine for the Wine Society of Delhi and Peter Lehman Wines from the Barossa in association with Brindco. Jyoti Thottam South Asia Bureau Chief for Time Magazine, was present at both. Right: Winemaker Csaba Malatinszky

It's not often that wine lovers get a chance to taste some good wine with an excellent, paired dinner. When they do, it's a red letter day.

And Bangalore has been having more than its share of red letter days of late. Mid-February saw not just one, but three wine dinners happening over a two-day period. And judging by the sold-out responses at all, Bangalore is clearly developing a new fascination for classic wine and food paired dinners.

Are you creative dedicated and a self-starter? Are you interested to join a team of wine enthusiasts? The wine industry is India's fastest growing sector, and The Wine Society of India is India's largest direct marketing wine company. We are looking for an inspired Brand Manager to join our team and drive all on and off-line marketing activities to achieve demanding member acquisition targets!