We assume that more expensive wines are better. And while that is often the case, it isn't always. Reputation, brand, history, vintage, production volume and where you're drinking all influence the price. If you're new to wine, there's another reason to consider cheaper wines. It is only when you drink wines at different price points and of different regions and styles do you learn how to appreciate the finer wines. Drinking widely so that you build your memory bank of wine styles will allow you to learn what you really like too.

Earlier today while meandering my way through the heart of Brooklyn, I stumbled upon Cocoa bar which I believe could serve as the model for Barista's foray into the Indian wine scene. Read on to discover how wine has already successfully found a place in a luxurious coffee shop in a little corner of New York. Shiv Singh reports.

The Indian wine industry are not the only ones with unusual laws regarding the sale and consumption of wine that seem a little out of touch to say the least. Maine, a state in the USA, has recently passed a law prohibiting children from "observing" the tasting of wines.

You heard it first from Sommelier India: rosé is making a comeback and will be the wine to be seen sipping next summer. At least we at the magazine can call it our mission to get you to drink more rosé. An Italian Rosé was the clear winner. Read on to find out who it was. Pictured are some of the tasting panelists.

Did you know that wine is a natural, perishable food product and as a result needs to be stored with the same care and attention as you would take with food? When wine is exposed to heat, light, vibration or fluctuations in temperature and humidity, all types of wine whether it is red, white, sparkling or fortified, can spoil.

Chianti producers have agreed to limit their wine sales this year as they fear falling bulk prices could harm their brand. This is the first time that they've taken this step. Each producer will be limited to selling 80% of the wine it produces. With this plan 20% of the wines produced from the 2009 harvest will be held back for a minimum of 24 months reports Decanter. Now would the Indian wineries ever consider such a move?

Bringing elegance and complexity to its flagship wine, Kinvah, Italian oenologist Luca Patricelli has big plans for Karnataka's Nandi Valley winery, writes Ruma Singh. Wines in Karnataka are getting an Italian flavour. And that is because of Italian oenologist Luca Patricelli, who is lending his expertise to Nandi Valley Winery's Bijapur-based 250 acre vineyards. The winery's flagship brand of wine, Kinvah, is undergoing changes under his tutelage. Read the full article in the latest issue of Sommelier India.

With the global economy just about recovering from the recession, Champagne sales are still down. LVMH whose portfolios includes the likes of Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot and Chateau d'Yquem, said that revenue had fallen by 17%. According to the Federation des Exportateurs de Vin et Spiritueux de France, exports of Champagne to India dropped by 70% so far this year. With these statistics, it begs the broader question is there room for more foreign labels? Shiv Singh reflects on the question.

Renowned novelist and influential columnist, Kushwant Singh waded into the alcohol debate on Saturday with a column in the Hindustan Times. Known as a whisky drinker he not surprisingly shared his opinion that drinking is not bad as long as its done in moderation.

We've all had those panic attacks. You're about to have a dozen friends over for dinner and things have begun to go wrong. The chicken tikkas that you ordered haven't been delivered, you've discovered that you don't have enough ice and your dessert is suddenly looking weary. When this happens the last thing you want to do is think about when to serve your best wine. Here are some tips from Shiv Singh.

I know for a fact that I'm not drinking less wine but the average dollar amount that I spend on wine has dropped. And according to Wine Spectator, most Americans are doing the same - spending less but not drinking less with the economic downturn. I too have found myself paying a little extra attention to the cost of the bottles that I buy. Shiv Singh discusses what the economy is doing to his wine buying and asks you to share your story.

Here's another content rich issue of Sommelier India The Wine Magazine to see you through the next few weeks with articles on a host of interesting subjects. Jancis Robinson writes compellingly as usual... this time on the merits and demerits of varietal blending in wine. Kavita Faiella is a new columnist who writes on wine from a woman's perspective.

A new issue of Sommelier India has just hit the newsstands and you don't want to miss it! Jancis Robinson discusses blends and finds that there's much to be said for blending. Ashwini Patel Avate discovers a fantasy château in Bordeaux, Kavita Faiella applies some simple psychology to what you find in your glass and in life while Harshal Shah interviews Indian industrialist and sugar baron Dhruv Sawhney about his fascination for wine. Mr. Sawhney is also a member of the Sommelier India Advisory Council.

With 60 pages packed with stories on wine and the wine lifestyle, this is an issue that you must read. Be sure to read the interview with Rajeev Samant by Brinda Gill and get some tips on where to buy wine from Ameeta Sharma who reviews the Delhi wine scene. If you're not a subscriber, visit the subscriptions page to subscribe today. You'll receive this latest issue in no time.

We all have pet peeves. Those minor annoyances that for some reason or the other get under our skin. As a wine lover who goes to restaurants more for the wine list than the food, I've a pet peeve that annoys me no end. And that's when the wine that I order from the menu is of a different vintage than what's served. To me this is insulting - am I overreacting? Shiv Singh wants your opinion on whether he's making much ado about nothing.

Are you wondering how much to tip on wine at a restaurant? What if you ordered a really expensive wine would you still top it up with a tip? Apparently, there's no established tipping etiquette when it comes to wine. And even the experts aren't really sure what the right amount to tip is. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you should not tip at all.