New Delhi,
Indian Wine Day returned to The Lalit New Delhi on November 16, and by the look of the glasses, plates and grins at Baluchi, the ninth edition was anything but a quiet affair. With celebrations running in sync across Baluchi outposts in New Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bengaluru and Mumbai, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group once again reminded guests that Indian wines aren’t just “coming of age” — they’ve comfortably moved in.
Launched in 2017 with the Indian Wine Academy, Indian Wine Day was meant to nudge diners toward local wines and prove that Indian food and Indian varietals can be excellent neighbours. Nine years later, it’s less of a nudge and more of a national toast.
Corporate Sommelier Charles Donnadieu captured the mood: Indian Wine Day is about honouring winemakers, celebrating indigenous grapes, and inspiring diners to explore India’s culinary landscape with a fresh lens — preferably a stemmed one.
Flavour Meets Fermentation: A Five-Course Conversation
Baluchi turned the evening into a delicious dialogue between contemporary Indian dishes and bottles from Hampi Hills, Akluj and Nashik. Nothing felt forced; everything felt intentional — the kind of pairings that make you rethink both the wine and the dish.
On the menu:
- Smoked Aubergine Velouté × Indian Sauvignon Blanc
Smoky, silky, bright — like a melody you didn’t know you needed. - Chettinad-spiced Seared Chicken × Akluj Rosé
Peppery swagger softened by a graceful rosé. They flirted; the diners approved. - Saffron Kahwa-glazed Lamb Shank × Barrel-aged Indian Syrah
A bold, spice-laden hug of a pairing. - Coconut–Jaggery Mousse × Late-harvest Chenin Blanc
A sweet finish that bridged grandma’s kitchen and modern patisserie.
Baluchi once again proved what it has long hinted at: contemporary Indian cuisine and Indian wines can be absolute scene-stealers when paired smartly.
A Global Wink
Indian Wine Day sits right next to Beaujolais Nouveau Day on the global calendar — a playful way of telling the world that India’s winemaking story deserves shelf space in international conversations.
From a Delhi Dinner to a National Celebration
What started at The Lalit New Delhi has grown into a multi-city tradition, echoing the Group’s #WeServeWhatWeGrow ethos and India’s “Vocal for Local” spirit. This year, the message was clear: our terroirs have tales, and Indian wines are finally telling them boldly.
Baluchi: The Star Kitchen Behind the Scenes
Across all its cities, Baluchi continues to redefine the idea of “Indian restaurant” with regional flavours, thoughtful ingredients and a kitchen unafraid of modernity. Indian Wine Day simply gave the team another excuse to show off — and they did, gracefully.
