Sommelier India wishes all its readers a Happy Independence Day for August 15th. As we think about India's independence, we can't but help reflect on our own growth. We've published over 28 issues of the print magazine with hundreds of articles by some of the best wine writers in the world. This blog too has been extremely popular. Over 1,850 blog posts all since 2005. Thank you for your continued interest.

Now back to the celebration - wondering what to drink today to mark India's independence? Nothing can be more celebratory than one of these Sommelier India Wine Competition winners. Today though, we're only pointing you to the Indian winners!

This is probably one of the most unusual and some would argue illegitimate ways to have fun with wine. I introduce the concept rather hesitantly as wine makers roll their eyes in disgust whenever they hear about it. But it is fun and does warrant trying at least once even though it may result in some rather strange concoctions. Called the Wine Blending Party - it is all about putting yourself in the wine maker's shoes. Shiv Singh explains the idea and dares you to try it.

Have you heard of Grenache? If not, you'll be hearing a lot more in future. Often referred to as the unsung hero of the wine world, it's a grape variety that has not received its due. In early June I attended the world's first symposium dedicated exclusively to Grenache. Read on for Reva Singh's Editor's Note and subscribe to the latest issue of Sommelier India WINE Magazine.

Bordeaux is abuzz - the sun is out, the coats, jumpers and gloves have been put away and everyone is at their sexy best as the temperature heads towards 30° C. Mouths are buzzing too over the ongoing release of the 2009 vintage of Bordeaux wines, comments Harshal Shah.

In case you haven't noticed, a new issue of Sommelier India Wine magazine has hit the newsstands across the country. This feature packed issue brings the best wine writing in India and around the world to you. With stories on the city of Bordeaux, how to taste wines, restaurants to try in places like Udaipur and Chennai, an interview with the owner of Vallonne Vineyards and an analysis of the Indian wine industry this is an issue not to be missed. It also includes an exclusive interview with Miguel Torres who was in India recently. Subscribe to Sommelier India today to receive the magazine at your doorstep. The articles you read in the Sommelier India Wine magazine are not available anywhere else online or in print.

Italian wines have to adhere to stringent government controls and standards. The UIV or Unione Italiana Vini Laboratories play an important role in this by certifying the quality of the wine and the specifications printed on the label. India could do with a regulatory body certifying quality in a similar fashion. Agree?

Questions of Indage's viability persist as it gets a respite with additional financial support from its promoters. But through this all, the fundamental question remains - will you miss Indage if it doesn't survive? In this commentary Shiv Singh updates you on the state of affairs at Indage and makes a case for why we need it.

I had first learnt about Yarra Valley when I was in hotel management school but I must confess that reading about it in college and actually being there are two incomparable experiences! writes Jyoti Balani
Left: The Chateau Yering Historic House which dates back to 1854 and is a heritage property

Mark Twain, the American author, wrote in 1897 that "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated". On the same lines I would aver that while it is ailing, reports about the imminent demise of the Indian wine industry are somewhat premature, writes Sommelier India columnist, Alok Chandra.

There is no spectacular Indian wine, comments Stanley Pinto. A few are good enough for casual quaffing, but consistency is an issue even with these. For example, a notable 'Reserve' produced in Bangalore, once not half bad, has degenerated into something that's barely potable to discerning oenophiles. Pictured is a wine shop of a time gone by

As I see it, there are two questions that are very important for Bordeaux wine producers each year and the decisions they take drive the fate of their businesses. The first is common to all wine producers while the second is specific to Bordeaux. Can you guess what they are? Shiv Singh reports from Bordeaux.

Cognac (named after the town of Cognac in France), is savoured by connoisseurs as an 'after dinner' drink (particularly on cold winter evenings) and is often enjoyed with a good Cuban cigar, although it is now commonly drunk as an aperitif, as a mixer as well as by itself. And it must be said that the new rich in China, drink it at all times! writes Arjun Sawhny.
Right: Arjun Sawhny with his wife and Brand Ambassador, Chian Mei

My friend Reva - editor and publisher of Sommelier India, the country's first and, so far only, wine magazine - is puzzled. So, presumably, is Sharad Pawar who, according to popular report, owns acres and acres of grape-producing vineyards in the Nashik region. Jug Suraiya proceeds to answer the question himself with unfailing wit. Excerpted from the magazine.

We've been in settings where we've seen wine being spilt on a gorgeous Kashmiri carpet. Sometimes it may have even our own carpets as a dinner guest swayed a bit too fluidly to the music while holding his glass. Those carpet disasters are always bound to happen. The question is what can be done to limit their damage to your carpet. Here are some tips for red wine spills.

Spain is a wonderful country with so much to recommend it, from its people (who don't always speak English) to its incredible, avant-garde cuisine. Indeed, it is home to many of the founders of molecular gastronomy - chefs like Juan Mari Arzak and Ferran Adriá. And of course, there's the wine. Harshal Shah reports.