Hola readers,
This happens to be my first entry on my WSI blog. Somehow they have consented to giving me much independence and allowed me to express openly and, as you many of you may expect from me, bluntly.
Consider this, dear reader, my solemn promise to always and forever think, write, say, and do the same thing - to have coherence and inner-agreement of thought and action. If ever you find or feel me faltering, let me know. I owe it as much to you as to the team at WSI.
If I may digress and add, I am really thankful to them and for putting in place a true wine association, not the garage-run organizations currently out there that are cashing in on our naivety. I urge you all to leave whatever wine body you are currently paying bills for and consider the WSI - but wait, let me first figure out some sort of attractive percentage with the WSI first for such blatant and unprovoked endorsement on my part.
But, jokes aside, I do believe that they are and will take things forward the right way. A growing market and a burgeoning industry attract all sorts of opportunists. All of them make money but a few earn themselves a long-term repute. Time is not just a good healer, it is also a great sieve, filtering out the rocks to retain the gems.
Speaking of which, here is a short list of some elements that I feel are right in the industry, good for the industry. These are people who are there for the sheer love of wine, those who would be the first to canvass with a placard shouting "Forever Wine". The list is by no means complete as my memory is not what it used to be. In fact, my memory never was what it should have been.
1. Sanjay Menon, Sonarys: I can't think of a more popular wine-lover that India has yet produced. He wouldn't only canvass for wine, he would die for it. Ok that last one maybe not, but he will definitely kill for some very selective vintages of some very selective wines and that is, scarily enough, very encouraging and positive a thought.
2. Rahul Akerkar, Indigo: Few restaurateurs I have known through and during my work in India can compare to the passion that is this man. A true foodie and a truer vino, meals with him or at his restaurant are nothing less than sheer or pure joy. I haven't been in a while but each time I have, the joy is truly unparalleled and passion-laden.
3. Andrew Steele: The current GM at Shangri-La New Delhi is more than just that, he is to be counted among the most aggressive and dynamic of wine spirits in India. From a first-of-its kind wine-list to glass offerings to some very innovative wine dinners, he has many "firsts" to his credit. Thing is, I know for a fact he gathers more strength and joy from doing something well rather than the applaud that follows. Nonetheless Andrew, you are the man!
4. Stephane Soret: India, more so Delhi, got a taste of true somellerie when Stephane took over the wine list at the Imperial hotel. He does have an impressive array of outlets to stock and display his ammo but India has been a tough battle for this travelled Frenchman.
5. Craig Wedge: A sort of a lone warrior in his part of town, Craig has brought about much change to the wine list at the Marriott in Mumbai, most specially, the prices. I don't know how they are coping with the new excise laws but I do know that they will still manage to deliver. In fact for me the wine list is so spot-on that the food often falls behind.
I am fortunate to be able to count all these people among my friends and I raise my glass to all of you - I will always feed (or should I say drink) off the strength of your beliefs and passion. I applaud all of you and all that you do. Forever wine!
just,
Magandeep Singh
http://wi-not.biz/
