Indian wine pioneer, Kanwal Grover passed away after a short illness on 28 July 2011. He was 85 knocking on 86. Sommelier India is saddened at the passing away of a great stalwart of the Indian wine industry. Pay tribute to Kanwal Grover by sharing your favorite memories of him in the comments section of this post. Pictured above is Kanwal Grover with his son Kapil Grover on the left and granddaughter, Karishma Grover on the right.

South Mumbai's latest culinary gem is an unconventional restaurant called The Table. Not only does it match the gourmand's expectations, but exceeds them with finesse and quiet brilliance. Restaurant owner Gauri Devidayal, along with CEO of Sula Vineyards, Rajeev Samant brought the best of both to the forefront on 18th July 2011, launching Argentina's Trapiche Wines in India, reports Naina Hiranandani.

The monsoon season invariably makes one's mood a bit reflective and sombre. However, as we entered the softly lit Chowbella at The Crowne Plaza, Okhla our spirits soared when we set eyes on so many warm, smiling, familiar faces. As we were handed a glass of well-chilled Pere Ventura Tresor, a crisp sparkling Cava from Spain, I knew the evening organised by The Wine Society, Delhi, would be very promising, writes Balesh Jindal.
Nature's Bounty wines served at the dinner

The reconstituted Indian Grape Processing Board or IGPB held its first meeting in Pune on 23 July 2011 under the chairmanship of Vijay K Rekhi.

An official release from the Government of India at the end of June announced new members to The Indian Grape Processing Board (Ministry of Food Processing Industries) for a term of up to 26 February 2012. The Board was originally constituted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries on 27 February 2009. The members are:

Fred Tibbitts & Associates' second annual event, "A Summer Evening in Mumbai-Pune with Very Special Friends" was held on 28 June 2011 at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park. The evening was well attended by a cross section of members from the hospitality, wine and spirits industry. On arrival, each invitee was announced on the mike, by the striking of a gong, and a personal welcome by Fred Tibbitts Jr, reports Brinda Gill. Fred Tibbitts & Associates is the leading wine, spirits and related services consulting agency for National Account chain hotels and restaurants, based at Menands, New York for the US and in Bangkok for the Asia Pacific.

Over a round of fresh and bubbly Tiamo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC NV from Venice, Faiek El Saadani - Director F&B, JW Marriott Mumbai, recently introduced Alessandro Cumin, the new Maitre D' at Mezzo Mezzo, to a few select guests. Alessandro is deeply passionate about wines. At Mezzo Mezzo, Alessandro will be responsible for the overall dining experience of guests. His extensive knowledge and nose for wines will ensure each guest has an impeccable and well rounded dining experience, writes Suneeta Sodhi Kanga.
Pictured, left: Alessandro Cumin

Gambero Rosso Holding SpA, Italy, is organising a high profile wine road show event on Monday, 24 October 2011 at Taj Lands End Hotel, Mumbai, states a company release. If you are in the wine trade, HoReCa or a wine journalist, mark the date. The Roadshow will feature an exclusive group of about 50 wine producers in Italy, each of them offering for the very first time in Asia a complete range of sparkling, red, white, rosé & dessert wines which they will be bringing with them.

Here's a recommendation for wine lovers on holiday in California.The Ojai Wine Festival makes a wonderful family outing. The Festival is an annual event and a great draw for visitors throughout the Central Coast and Southern California. In the last few years the number of attending wineries has doubled. SI contributor, Ranjan Pal visited Ojai from Los Angeles.

Loic Denneulin, Country Manager, Sopexa, leaves India after a successful three-year stint. A release from the Val d'Orbieu Group announces his appointment as Market Manager in the Group's Export department. Loic's mission will be to develop the Group activities in North & South America, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives. For the US market, Loic will team up with Victoire Girard based in New York City. Left: File photo of Loic

Vinexpo 2011, the world's largest wine and spirits expo held once every two years took place between 19th and 23rd June. Founded in 1981, the expo celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. With 2400 exhibitors from 47 countries the show brought together the most prominent wine and spirits professionals from around the world, attracting all the major players from more than 130 countries.
Pictured, left to right: Guido Westerwell, German foreign minister, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Agriculture and Alain Juppé, Mayor of Bordeaux on the first day of Vinexpo

On 29 June 2011, the Board of Directors of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux renewed the mandate of President Sylvie Cazes. Sylvie Cazes was first appointed on 26 June 2008 to head this association consisting of 133 wine châteaux from the most prestigious appellations in Bordeaux. Founded in 1973 and managed by Jean-Marc Guiraud, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux organises some 50 tastings annually in 15 countries.