Nirav Akshay Oza, CEO of Efcee Hotels

Major factors behind the growth of Wine tourism in India 

As someone who has spent years in the hospitality industry, it’s thrilling to witness the rising trend of wine tourism and the evolving role of wine in India’s dining and hospitality sector. These changes offer tremendous opportunities for us to enhance our offerings and engage with a new, growing customer base.

Major factors behind the growth of Wine tourism in India

Wine tourism in India is seeing a surge, thanks to several factors:

•               Emerging Wine Regions: States like Maharashtra and Karnataka are gaining recognition for their wine production, thus attracting connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
•               Affluent Middle Class: The increasing disposable income of the middle class allows them to explore niche sectors like wine tourism.
•               Culinary Experiences: Wine tourism often goes hand-in-hand with gourmet experiences, a sector that is also booming in India.
•               Global Exposure: Indians are more exposed to global wine culture, thanks to their international travels and access to the internet.
•               Government Initiatives: Supportive measures from state governments have also played a significant role in promoting wine tourism.

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

Over the years, we have observed a significant shift:

•               Expanded Selection: We are now offering a more extensive range of wines, catering to a broader and more educated palate.
•               Wine Events: Our hotel frequently hosts wine-tasting events, wine-pairing dinners, and sommelier-led sessions, which have been immensely popular.
•               Wine Packages: We’ve started to offer exclusive packages that include vineyard tours and wine-tasting experiences.

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?

Managing wine in a dining setup has its own set of nuances:

•               Sommelier Services: A skilled sommelier is invaluable for guiding our diners through their wine choices.
•               Digital Menus: We’ve adopted interactive digital menus that offer pairing suggestions.
•               Local Flavors: Featuring local wines has been a hit, offering a unique, authentic experience to our guests.
•               Temperature Control: Proper storage is non-negotiable to maintain the wine’s quality.

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 industry has evolved both in terms of supply and demand:

•               Increased Supply: The entry of new Indian wineries and improved import channels has significantly expanded our choices.
•               Growing Demand: Consumers today are more educated and willing to experiment, making our wine offerings an important focus point for customer satisfaction.

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

Wine has proven to be an essential part of our brand’s customer experience:

•               Pairing Menus: We’ve seen an uptick in customer satisfaction with our curated wine lists that complement our food menus.
•               Special Events: Wine-centric events have become a unique selling point for us.
•               Personalization: Offering personalized wine choices has greatly aided in customer retention.

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