If I can guess correctly, on an average most of you probably step out 2-3 times a week for a drink or a bite. Well, have you ordered some wine lately with your meal or just to sip and savor the taste of a lovely bottle of Red or White with friends?

I would love to know what wine you ordered and what you thought about it! Please share your experience with others so we can demystify and learn together what we are missing out on OR what we should stay clear from.

For those of you who attended the Bombay Store (Mumbai) Riedel Glass Wine tasting Experience, I would love to hear your thoughts about the entire experience.

What did you take away? What was a first time revelation for you? And what do you think of Riedel glasses post the session?

Also, would you like to see more of these setup across Mumbai? If so, let me know your thoughts on locations of interest to you and what more would you like to see as part of this session!

How many of you have had the opportunity to visit India’s Napa Valley? Did you even know India had its very own Napa? Surprise.

Nashik, the Wine Capital of India is situated at the epicenter of the Maharashtra’s wine producing region and is about 172 Km northeast of Mumbai.

Lying at the top of the main pass through the hills of the Western Ghats, Nashik makes an interesting tourist getaway. And now with sopfisticated luxuries being offered such as to & fro tranfsers, private bus facilities, special wine tours and affordable weekend getaway packages, it’s the next best thing to Napa Valley.

So whether you want to start learning about wine or are a true enthusiast, the Nashik wine region is ideal for all to experience and learn more about this growing wine region and its determination to create a better crop with each years passing.

Some of the top-notch, noteworthy vineyards to experience include Sula, Revielo, Zampa and Tiger Hill.

Plus, in the month of February there is a Festival being put together by York Winery called ‘York Live’ where a marriage of soul soothing music, the finest of wines and a delectable culinary experience come together!

So there you have it. Now, a weekend away from the city’s bustle are just a stones throw away. Experience a culture that is no longer poised just for the upper echelon but rather a fun, convenient way for everyday people to enjoy wine as a lifestyle!

The long-awaited Upper Crust Show swept by us fast & furiously this weekend (Dec 3rd-4th-5th) and what a great turnout we  received from Mumbaikers who visited, chatted, sipped on wine, tasted bites and shopped until they dropped!

The 3-day exhibition boasted of top-notch culinary brands who introduced new products, innovations in kitchen appliances and equipment or simply took the opportunity to launch a whole new range of goodies. And let me not discount the wineries who participated from Four Seasons, Good Earth, Reveilo to many more, each one taking the time to educate visitors about their various vintages,  conducting gracious tastings and in general, making the event all the more enjoyable.

Grape to Glass took part in the show for the first time.  We attracted a good amount of people who showed enthusiasm and interest in our products by visiting our booth and purchasing our exquisite glasses and stunning decanters! All in all, the show was successful and loads of fun!

I’d like to thank everyone who came out and gave us their support.

The September issue of Avant Garde Life (AGL) carries a lovely 2-page story on our Company which provides an expert view from our Director on wine culture and fine living.

This sophisticated lifestyle magazine is worth picking up as it also highlights many of the socialites of Mumbai and Delhi within each of its issues.

You can find AGL at premium book stores across India such as Landmark, Crosswords, Oxford and Reliance bookstores.

I would love to hear your take on the article!

The September-Nov 2010 issue of Upper Crust Magazine features an exclusive story on the man himself, Georg Riedel of the Riedel family during his visit to India earlier this year. It’s brilliantly written and keeps you engaged throughout the entire article which covers Mr. Riedel’s magnificent knowledge and passion around what he does as well as his family legacy of 11 generations.

The interview and exclusive photo shoot was done by none other than Farzana Contractor, Editor Upper Crust at JW Marriott, Juhu.

She captures Mr. Riedel in a profound light and uncovers his magic beautifully. This was a truly unforgettable experience for all those who were present to witness Georg Riedel taking a class full of people through his expertise of wine, stemware and fine living.

Please do pick up a copy of Upper Crust, it’s available at newsstands across India.

Did you guys know that today, more and more business deals are made over wine? People don’t always have the time to get away nor do they have easy access to a nearby golf course. It means taking time out of your busy schedule to plan a weekend away or making a booking well in advance at a golf resort. Many people don’t have that benefit today with their taxing schedules and busy lives.

On the other hand, business men and corporate honchos are finding out quickly that the benefits of a glass of wine after work don’t just stop at feeling relaxed. They also help in striking up a conversation with fellow colleagues, breaking tension with clients and even help in sealing the deal!

How so? Because wine helps break barriers between people, creates a relaxed mind set and is also meant for sharing. It brings people together and allows them to share a part of them which is not just business speak. So it’s no wonder the merge with business was just around the corner. Not only does it taste good, it is good for you!

Wine is scoring BIG points in today’s international business scenario as well. Be it at global trade events, a dinner evening with international clients or a national company meet, wine is creating a buzz everywhere. Competition is getting stiff…Golf, Watch Out!

I read a very interesting article today…that stocking wine has emerged as a smart investment option for some. And analysts are finding greater returns from them that shares.

An example of this is in practice today by Filip Opdebeeck who runs a company called Bonheur du Vin meaning “Wine Lover’s Paradise” out of Switzerland. It’s a 3,200 sq ft vault, 30 ft below ground beneath one of the many banks in the Swiss financial center. His vault holds about 40,000 bottles of wine of which many are owned by bankers, diplomats, professionals and people who just enjoy a glass from time to time!

His portfolio includes mostly French wines from the Bordeaux region, but also wines from Italy, Chile, Argentina, Australia and California’s Napa Valley.  The vault’s capacity is estimated to hold upto 100,000 bottles.

Wine economists say inclusion of wine in an investment portfolio is increasingly common, especially prestigious wines such as the reds of France’s Bordeaux region. “Wine gives greater returns even than shares and affords diversification,” says Philippe Masset, Wine Economist of the Lausanne Hotel School in Geneva. “It’s an anecdote,” he says. “But it’s symptomatic.”

Will this investment trend eventually move to America? And how long until India and the rest of Asia catch on? Let’s wait and watch!

Here’s some food for thought. Did you know that wine helps reduce acne and breakouts? More and more spas are turning to wine therapy to avail the full benefits of this tasty trend.

There are specialized wine facials & therapies available at luxury spas across the world today. For those who don’t have the time or money to indulge…try this at home: Wash your face with your normal cleanser. Soak a cotton ball with wine and dab all over your face or in particular areas where you have breakouts or acne. The antioxidants from the wine will help combat and heal troubled skin! Who knew…

Grape to Glass now has presence on Facebook so please join our Group, feel free to leave comments on your experiences with wine, food pairings with or Wine Glam events/galas you have been a part of.

We would love to hear about your world of wine, what you’ve tried, like, don’t like and new experiences of the palate.

Please also keep checking back on our web site as new products are added from time to time.  And look out for us on Twitter & Linkeden soon!

Thank you for all your support.