The Indian Wine Academy marked the 8th edition of Indian Wine Day (IWD) on November 16, 2024, with a grand celebration at the 1911 Restaurant in Hotel Imperial, Delhi. The event, held in collaboration with the Delhi Wine Club and Fratelli Vineyards, paired exquisite food with Indian wines, offering an unforgettable experience that left attendees praising it as the best food and wine pairing they’d experienced in Delhi.
A Celebration of Indian Wines and French-Inspired Cuisine
Hotel Imperial, renowned for its blend of British Raj-era elegance and modern luxury, set the perfect backdrop for the evening. The event kicked off with a meeting between Subhash Arora, the event’s founder, and Mr. Louis Sailer, the Austrian Senior Executive Vice President of the hotel. Chef Philippe Agnese, a French culinary expert, was brought in to prepare a menu that paired French-inspired dishes with Indian wines. This collaboration was a first, and the result was a harmonious combination of Indian wines with French cuisine, something Arora had long wanted to explore.
An Evening of Elegant Pairings
The evening began at the 1911 Bar, where guests enjoyed Fratelli Gran Cuvee Brut, a dry sparkling wine made from Chenin Blanc and Gewürztraminer, perfectly paired with appetizers like Salmon Gravlax and Broccoli Vol-au-vent. The wine was a great example of quality, offering a crisp and aromatic profile.
The main event was held in the 1911 Restaurant, packed with guests including diplomats such as the Chilean Ambassador, Moldovan Ambassador, and Indian retired diplomats Anil and Deepa Wadhwa. As members filled the room, President of Delhi Wine Club, Mukul Manku, welcomed everyone, and Subhash Arora shared the story behind Indian Wine Day and how it has grown through the active participation of its members.
A Culinary Journey
The food and wine pairings throughout the evening were exceptional. A Stuffed Piquillo Salad was served with Fratelli Master Selection Rose, and a classic French Onion Soup was paired with the M/S White wine—a Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc blend that impressed with its buttery, fruity flavors. The main course featured poached salmon served with herb oil, leek ragout, and black garlic, paired with the Fratelli Sette, a gold-winning wine from MundusVini 2023. This pairing was a hit, especially with the Cannelloni Florentine and Morel mushrooms.
For dessert, Chef Agnese’s French sampler—featuring Apple Tart, Mango Amandine, Macaroon, and Petit Sacher Cake—was paired with the new 2024 version of Fratelli’s Late Harvest Chenin Blanc. This elegant wine, less sweet than previous versions, ended the evening on a high note.
Indian Wine Day Across India
While the celebration at Hotel Imperial stood out, Indian Wine Day was also celebrated at several Lalit Hotels across India, including Baluchi in Delhi and Hyatt Centric in Mumbai. The aim of the day is to promote Indian wines, and though it has been a no-profit event so far, the hope is for producers to collaborate more actively and help take the movement forward.
A Successful Collaboration
The evening was a successful collaboration between the Indian Wine Academy, Hotel Imperial, and Fratelli Vineyards, and a big thank you was given to Mr. Sailer and his team for their impeccable service. Special thanks were also extended to Mukul Manku, President of the Delhi Wine Club, for his leadership in making the event a success.
In conclusion, the 8th Indian Wine Day was a celebration of the excellence of Indian wines, paired perfectly with world-class cuisine, and served in an iconic Delhi venue. It was a night to remember, and plans are already in motion for next year’s event.
