Mohit Singh, Director – Food and Beverage at Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport

Major factors behind the growth of Wine tourism in India 

The growth of wine tourism in India can be attributed to several key factors, which are evident from the perspective of hotels, highlighting a few observed based on our hotel’s pattern:

Rising Wine Culture: India has witnessed a surge in wine consumption and appreciation. Hotels have responded by offering an extensive range of wines to cater to the evolving preferences of their guests.

Wine Events and Tastings: To nurture the wine culture and attract wine enthusiasts, these hotels host wine-related events and tastings. These initiatives provide guests with opportunities to explore diverse wines and gain insights into the art of wine appreciation.

Proximity to Wine Regions: The strategic location of hotels near prominent wine-producing regions like Nashik and Karnataka has contributed to the growth of wine tourism. Guests can easily access these regions to partake in vineyard tours, wine tastings, and immerse themselves in local wine culture.

Culinary Pairings: Hotels, including Holiday Inn Aerocity, enhance the wine tourism experience by offering curated wine and food pairings. This practice elevates the dining experience, encouraging guests to explore different wine options that complement their meals.

Promotion of Sustainability: The commitment of hotels to sustainability practices aligns with the values of environmentally conscious wine tourists. These eco-friendly efforts attract travelers who appreciate the hotels’ initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint.

Unique Experiences: Hotels often create distinctive wine-related experiences, such as wine-themed weekends, and interactive wine-making workshops. These exclusive offerings add to the appeal of wine tourism.

Corporate and Social Events: Many hotels regularly host corporate events, weddings, and social gatherings, providing opportunities for wine tourism within the context of these occasions. Wine becomes an integral part of celebrations and gatherings.

In summary, the growth of wine tourism in India, as observed from the perspective of hotels can be attributed to a combination of factors. These include the increasing popularity of wine, the hosting of wine-related events, the proximity to wine regions, culinary pairings, sustainability practices, unique wine-related experiences, and the integration of wine into corporate and social events. Together, these factors contribute to a vibrant and thriving wine tourism experience for guests.

How has the placement/ demand of wine in Hotels changed over time?

The placement and demand for wine in hotels have witnessed a noteworthy transformation over time, aligning with shifting consumer preferences, evolving dining trends, and an expanded focus on wine selection.

In our establishment, we have taken a proactive approach by offering exceptional wine pairing experiences as an integral part of our dining options. This allows our guests to immerse themselves in carefully curated wine and food pairings, elevating their overall dining experience at our Italian restaurant

Wine has become an essential part of the menu in today’s dining experience. What are the key factors in managing and serving the diners’ wine options?

Effective wine management and service, incorporating the practices mentioned, have become integral to today’s dining experience. To understand how the wine industry evolution has impacted our brand, let’s explore these key factors:

Wine Selection and Curation:

Diverse Wine List: We have meticulously crafted a diverse and well-curated wine list. This ensures that our guests have access to a wide array of varietals, regions, and price points, catering to different tastes and budgets.

Seasonal Offerings: We regularly rotate our wine list seasonally, aligning it with the changes in our menu. This approach keeps our offerings fresh and exciting, encouraging our guests to explore new and enticing options.

Wine Storage and Pairing:

Proper Temperature: Maintaining wines at the correct temperature is non-negotiable for us. Our investment in advanced wine storage facilities ensures that every bottle is stored at an optimal temperature, preserving its quality and flavor.

Menu Pairing: Wine pairing suggestions are an integral part of our menu. Our well-trained staff excels in making informed recommendations based on each guest’s preferences and the flavor profiles of their chosen dishes. This enhances the overall dining experience, allowing our guests to savor the perfect combination of food and wine.

Wine Preservation:

Wine Preservation Systems: To minimize wine wastage, we have implemented state-of-the-art wine preservation systems such as argon gas and vacuum pumps. These systems keep open bottles fresh for extended periods, allowing us to offer a wider range of wines by the glass without compromising quality.

Re-Corking: We also provide the option to re-cork unfinished bottles, allowing our guests to take home their favorite wines and enjoy them at their leisure.

Impact on Our Brand:

The evolution of the wine industry in terms of supply and customer demand has been profoundly impactful for our brand:

We’ve positioned ourselves as a destination for wine enthusiasts, offering a well-rounded and ever-evolving wine selection.

Our commitment to seasonal offerings and informed menu pairing has garnered a reputation for culinary excellence, attracting discerning diners.

Investment in wine preservation has reduced wastage and increased cost-efficiency, allowing us to offer a wider range of premium wines.

In summary, by embracing these wine management practices and adapting to industry changes, we have elevated our brand’s status, providing an exceptional dining experience that revolves around the art of wine and food pairing.

According to you, how has the wine industry evolved over time in terms of supply as well as customer demand? How has it been impactful for your brand?

The wine industry has undergone a profound transformation over time, driven by both advancements in bottling and shifting customer demands. Here’s a closer look at these changes:

Globalization:

The wine industry has witnessed globalization, with wines from diverse regions worldwide gaining prominence. New World wine-producing countries like the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have risen to prominence, challenging the dominance of traditional European wine producers.

Technological Advances:

Technological innovations have revolutionized winemaking, introducing precision viticulture, improved fermentation methods, and more efficient bottling and labeling processes. These advancements have not only enhanced wine quality but also improved production efficiency.

Sustainability Focus – Impact on IHG:

At IHG, our unwavering focus has been on sustainability. We prioritize eco-conscious practices that resonate strongly with environmentally conscious consumers. This commitment allows us to gain a competitive edge in a market where sustainability is increasingly significant.

By aligning our brand with sustainability values, we attract a growing segment of consumers who value eco-friendly practices. This not only enhances our reputation but also positions us as a responsible and forward-thinking player in the wine and hospitality industry.

In conclusion, the wine industry’s evolution towards globalization and technological advancements has reinforced the importance of sustainability in IHG’s approach. This strategic alignment with eco-conscious practices positions our brand favorably in the eyes of environmentally aware consumers, contributing to our competitive advantage.

How is wine at your brand (Hotel, restaurant or airline) playing an essential role in customer experience?

At Holiday Inn in Aerocity, wine plays a pivotal role across various facets of our operation, including In-Room Dining (IRD), Restaurants, and Banquets:

Room Service:

We prominently feature wine in our room service menu, providing guests with the delightful convenience of savoring a glass of fine wine within the cozy confines of their rooms.

Mini Bars:

Our in-room mini bars are thoughtfully stocked with a curated selection of wines. This offering ensures that our guests can unwind and indulge in a relaxing wine experience without the need to venture outside their rooms.

Dining Options:

In our all-day dining establishments and our Italian restaurant, we harness the power of wine to craft unforgettable dining experiences for our guests. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, wine complements our culinary offerings, elevating each meal into a memorable occasion.

By integrating wine seamlessly into our services, we enhance the overall guest experience, allowing them to savor moments of relaxation, indulgence, and culinary delight during their stay.

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