India is known worldwide for many things, but just as yet wine is hardly its best known export. But that did not deter Subhash Arora, President Delhi Wine Club and Indian Wine Academy from following his passion for wine with such enthusiasm over three decades that he has come to be recognized and honored by the Italian government for his contribution to the wine industry with special reference to Indo-Italian trade and cultural relations.
In an interview with IndianWine.com the Cavalier says, “The award is given by the government of Italy to foreigners for improving friendship with another country.” In this case, Subhash Arora was knighted with the official title of, ‘Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella della solidarietà italiana’. This translates as: ‘the Order of the Star of the Italian Solidarity’.
The award by the President of the Italian Republic was given to Subhash Arora at a ceremony held at the residence of the Italian Ambassador in India on March 18th, 2009. His contribution, “to make a bridge between Italy and India” has been duly recognized.
This accolade came as a huge surprise and honour to the knight himself, as he has simply been following his passion for wine with regular activities such as organizing tasting events, judging competitions, writing extensively for magazines, books, research journals and the internet.
In the course of the last two years Subhash has visited Italy eight times for wine events and facilitating bridges for Italy and India. As president of Delhi wine Club and Indian Wine Academy he has been promoting a wine culture in India and facilitating industry news.
He has assisted many wineries in Italy to promote their wines in India. When he likes a wine he likes to write about it and spread the word. Though a teetotaler himself some decades ago, Subhash has been baptized by wine. His favourite punch-line remains: Drink fine wine in moderation:-)
“Italian research over 100 years shows the benefits of drinking wine,” says Subhash and adds, “some Italian wineries add up to 45 herbs in wine for health reasons.”
His passion and hard work have brought him the laurels. "How does it feel to be knighted?" we ask him. Subhash replies quite humbly: "It is a great honour for me. Four Indians besides me have also got this award for improving relationship between Italy and India."
Wine culture and trade has been on a steady rise in India, but Subhash is quick to point out the setbacks: "The current situation in the wine industry in India is bad. Hotels are not stocking. Maharashtra's excise duty is really hurting us. Things will improve in the future."
We hope so too, Cavalier :-)
Venki