When the alcohol flows, the mind wanders. In this case, in absolute amazement at the variety and novelty of the brands present at the ProWine two-day annual international event jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf India. TravelDine was the media partner of ProWine Mumbai 2022.
On October 17 – 18, all roads led to Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre to savour — literally and figuratively — the innumerable wines, spirits, and craft brands, both Indian and international. ProWine Mumbai 2022, the two-day international trade fair saw brands showcasing their best and patrons clamouring for more. It featured over 150 companies showcasing over 1,000 brands across 19 countries.
Vying brands with a community spirit
Amidst all the clamour, one fact stood out: Each brand was putting its best spirit forward, and simultaneously, was not trying to draw the curious amongst us away from competitors. So while getting a taste of a reasonably light whisky from Tenjaku Whisky — and mentioning a fondness for wines — one was immediately engaged in a conversation about the crisp yet understated notes of the white wine from Wines of Portugal.
As the crowd swirled about and the enthusiasm levels grew, recommendations flew in thick and fast from people who were forging a bond over the finest spirits available under one roof. Buzzing with tastings and conversations, ProWine Mumbai was truly a platform for those in the trade to be introduced to new products now available in the Indian market.
Spirited yet sustainable
The ProWine Masterclasses — 15 sessions over two days — were crowd pullers with eminent speakers, veteran mentors, and young trailblazers introducing new trends. One definitely walked away more informed about the world of fine wine and spirits. As one walked around to learn more about wines from Portugal, it was impossible to just waltz past without a taste of a white chardonnay from Big Aussie Wine Co. Light, with a bouquet including cashew, this magic in a bottle could easily transport one to the tropical islands.
And where the tropics are mentioned, rum can’t be far behind. The flavoured rums from The Bush Rum Co. are honestly at a different level and as independent spirits merchant James Macdonald, the head of commercial at Symposium said, “Some of the proceeds go to charity, and we use recyclable materials for the bottle caps, coasters, etc.”
Heads-up for a sparkling soiree
Whether it was the ultra-cool skull-shaped bottles of Crystal Head vodka — with a sublime citrusy flavour — or the light and fresh wines from Portugal, the spirits were flowing, and the mood was exhilarating. As it was wont to be, what with cardamom and peach-flavoured gins from Anggels’ Share — which had an enviable bite — and the copious amount of luxury spirits that were flowing in abundance.
Come cocktail hour at 5pm, and the trade fair turned into a somewhat-composed party zone, with most enclosures dishing out their best concoctions with a flamboyance worth remembering.
It’s always cocktail time
With interactive masterclasses and industry experts eager to share their knowledge about the world of fine wines and spirits, this two-day event co-organized by Messe Düsseldorf India, in partnership with All Things Nice — founded by Nikhil Agarwal, India’s leading wine and spirit expert, writer, and international wine and spirits competition judge — was just right to kick off the festive and wedding season In India.
The show concluded with high energy and positivity for the future of the spirits business. It ended on a high note with a six bottle champagne popping ceremony to celebrate a well-executed show. For those who love their liquid libation, happy times are here!
The ProWine Mumbai 2022 video was conceptualised, shot, and edited by Yash Shinde.
Read more.
Tipple Tales: Wines of Calabria, between mountain and sea
Best of the best wineries to visit across Australia