Pradeep Kandari, Executive Assistant Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru

Major factors behind the growth of Wine tourism in India

· Increase in awareness around wine and the wine industry in India.

· Growing demand in youth of the country.

· Annual increase in number of certified sommeliers and wine enthusiasts in the country.

· Annual fests like Sula Wine Fest & Vineyard Tours happening which attract customers from all over the country.

· Improved international business relations of India with other countries.

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

The demand of wines in hotels especially business hotels have significantly increased primarily because of influx of international travelers over last couple of years. The quality of domestic produce has also improved a lot over the years, which has created a demand for itself among both domestic & expat clients.

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?

The key factors in managing wine menu are:

· A good mix of Domestic & Imported Wines.

· A decent number of choices in each grape varietals.

· A good ratio of premium & affordable wines.

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?

Wine Industry has evolved exponentially over time as an increase in number of domestic wine merchants is seen. The supply of domestic wines have been consistent however, issues have been observed in supply of imported wines. Indian wine players are also not very hesitant about experimenting new grape varietals in Indian Tropical conditions, which is a small factor, which affects increase in customer demand.

The evolution of wine industry over time creates a significant impact on the brand as the brand has a great variety to offer to the guests and not limiting them to only hard liquor. It also directly or indirectly affects the top line and bottom line of the financials of the hotels.

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

Wine at the Leela Palace Bengaluru plays an essential role in customer experience at Premium Dining venues like Le Cirque – Franco Italian restaurant, Zen and Jamavar through the following aspects:

1. Fine Dining Experience: The presence of a well-curated wine list at the Leela Palace enhances the fine dining experience for customers. It allows them to pair their meals with the perfect wine, complementing the Flavors and adding to the overall enjoyment of the culinary experience.

2. Sommelier Expertise: The Leela Palace Bengaluru employs knowledgeable sommeliers who can guide guests in choosing the right wine. Their expertise in understanding different wine profiles, regions, and food pairings helps customers make informed decisions and enhances their overall satisfaction.

3. Wine Tastings and Events: The hotel organizes wine tastings and events like Bangalore wine club, Chaine de rotisserie, Bangalore Black tie, Michelin chef curated dinners, offering guests the opportunity to sample a variety of wines and expand their knowledge. These experiences provide a unique and interactive element to the customer journey, making it more memorable and enriching.

6. Wine Cellars and Collection: The Leela Palace Bengaluru boasts impressive wine cellars that display an extensive collection of wines. We have in total 150 wine labels which is a mix of local, new world and old world wine.

Overall, wine at the Leela Palace Bengaluru contributes to the customer experience by adding refinement to dining, offering expert guidance, creating unique experiences, and providing personalized service. It enhances the luxury and sophistication associated with the hotel, making it a desirable destination for wine lovers and connoisseurs.

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