Since its inception, Sommelier India's publishing mission has included the nurturing of wine journalism in India. With this in mind we bring you news of an annual wine writers' competition sponsored by Louis Roederer Champagne. The deadline for entries is March 25, 2011. Champagne Louis Roederer has announced its Seventh Annual Louis Roederer International Wine Writers' Awards. Don't miss the opportunity! Details below.

After an extra month's hiatus due to the change in our publishing calendar, (the first issue of the year is now February/March), we are moving full steam ahead with six illuminating and inspiring issues in 2011. Only a magazine insider can appreciate what a lot of work this entails - very enjoyable work for the most part, but still a full plate for an editor who works with a small but committed editorial and design team, backed by a prestigious stable of columnists, contributing writers, wine experts and freelancers.

While the next edition is being printed as we speak, here's a sneek peak of the Editor's Letter. Watch for the issue to be on the newsstands in the next ten days.

La Terrazza, the Italian restaurant at Hyatt Regency Pune, hosted a special wine dinner on January 20, 2010. The dining experience started with canapés served with Montenisa Brut (Non Vintage) at the hotel's bar, Single Malt and Co., followed by a multi-course dinner in the restaurant. The dinner was a steal at Rs 3500 per person. The wines served were premium wines from the House of Marchesi Antinori

The Bangalore Wine Club organized another high quality event, bringing today the world's largest-selling champagne, Moet et Chandon, in an evening of style and elegance at the Leela Palace Bangalore on January 22nd. The Black & White Evening with Moet was a big hit with its members, all of whom came dressed for the occasion in shades of black and white reports, Ruma Singh. Pictured: Champagne display at Leela Palace

Margrit Mondavi was named Citizen of the Year at the Napa Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner held on January 21, 2011 at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa. This festive annual gala includes dinner, a silent auction and appointments of the incoming Chairman of the Board, Ryan Gregory, the Executive Officers and the Board of Directors. Left: Margrit Mondavi

Alberic Bichot who belongs to the 6th generation of the Bichot family and is the CEO of Maison Albert Bichot Wines was in Mumbai on a brief visit to introduce what was descried as the world's oldest, finest quality and most awarded wine brand, Maison Albert Bichot in India writes Suneeta Sodhi Kanga
Left: Alberic Bichot

Announcing 3rd Annual GWC International Student Grant - The International student grant aims at supporting students and researchers working on topics of interest for the Great Wine Capitals Global Network. 2 grants of 4,500 euros each are available this year again. Deadline for applying: February 8, 2011

Wine Culture and Tourism Centre in Bordeaux - Out of the 113 proposals that were received from Bordeaux, as well as New York, Tokyo, and other European cities, five Architect and Scenographic teams have been shortlised to work on the 46 million euros programme for the Wine Culture and Tourism Centre in Bordeaux. The final selection will be announced in June!

They're wealthy, well-traveled, cosmopolitan -- and thirsty. India's growing upper class wants high-end liquors and fine wines that define "the good life" they've seen on European vacations and in Hollywood films. The old habit of slinging a measure of cheap local rum into a cup of cola simply won't do. This story originally appeared in the Associated Press, Forbes and Businessweek and quotes Sommelier India Publisher, Reva K Singh.

Bangalore Wine Club members got a treat all the way from Australia, this December. A special team of winemakers and chef representing the south west, specifically Australia's highly-acclaimed winemaking region of Margaret River, were in town for a festival of food and wine, reports Ruma Singh.

Napa Valley today represents a haven of good wines being produced by owners and winemakers with aggressive desires to make a name for themselves in this most noble of pursuits, writes Sonal Holland. On one hand you have the old timer, large scale, prominent wineries such as the Robert Mondavi, Trefethen and Sterling Vineyards. On the other, is the small artisan model, producing minute quantities of superlative quality with utmost care and passion. Pictured: Staglin Family Vineyard Wines

With so many friends and family visiting the motherland from around the world, it's essential to have a great bottle of wine on hand to match the occasion. From celebratory sparklers and classic reds to zesty whites or refreshing rosés, these are my picks. Indian or international, each wine offers a different taste and a special experience. A variation of this piece was first published in the Indian Express, Chennai.

Have a deep interest in wine? Want to build your career as an editor and work in one of the most exciting industries? Join the Sommelier India team and expand your boundaries in an entrepreneurial and dynamic work environment. We are currently looking for a Production Editor in our New Delhi office. Email your resume to careers@indianwinemagazine.com

Sommelier India is India's first and only magazine dedicated to wine and wine lovers. Reaching tens of thousands consumers, Sommelier India is written by international and Indian writers, wine experts and aficionados.

First it was their tie up with Barista which made news, and now Four Seasons Wines, from the UB stable, is tackling the world of pizza. December 8 saw the launch of their wines at select Pizza Hut outlets in Bangalore, with a grand party, attended by many familiar faces on the Bangalore social scene reports Ruma Singh
Pictured: Sidhartha Mallya, Sandeep Kataria and Abhay Kewadkar raising a toast

It seems that new wineries are cropping up in India as quickly as Bollywood releases movies, notes SI correspondent, Harshal Shah. And quite often the Sommelier India Tasting Panel receives their offerings to taste and write about.