Statistics can be deceptive at times. Most visitors and exhibitors at Vinexpo 2005 felt that the attendance was thinner this year. But Mr. Jean-Marie Chadronnier, President of Vinexpo claimed otherwise. Their figures show an increase in the number of visitors by about 4 %. Perhaps, this feeling of lesser attendees was due to the extra space created by the new Hall 3 from the Gate K entry, with high tech air-conditioning (after the much talked about failure of the system on that hot and balmy Sunday in 2003 when the Show opened and when the corks started popping due to the 40 degrees heat). It could also be due to some lacuna in the system of logging an entry every time one re-enters the Show. But there was more space for walking and tastings were more relaxed and easier to get appointments.

The Show was predicted to be doomed due to earlier pulling out by South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Last-minute cancellation by ICE -Italy had created even further confusion. Though many exhibitors from these countries came on their own, they did not have the draw that a stand attracts under some banner. ICE may have legitimate reasons of not getting the block space but that is not always feasible as one could see even French stalls inter-twined with other national flags. Gonet from Champagne was in Hall 1 whileGosset from the same region had been assigned Hall 3. Well known Domaine Albert Bichot from Burgundy were surrounded by Germans and Italians. In fact all major exhibiting countries - French, Italian and Spanish were spread out in all the Halls. Chile, Argentina were about the only ones with sizable number of exhibitors, all accommodated in a single Hall.

What I found disappointing was the fact that India is still not an exhibiting country. Small countries like Chile and Argentina were again big participants at the Show. What to talk of small countries like Algeria, Jordan and Lebanon, even the tiny Luxembourg was present. We need to be there as a country to showcase our wines, get a proper feedback that will help us improve our quality . Not only are the rates for stalls more affordable as an Association or a region, the government can take part through APEDA and offer subsidies to the participants. I have discussed with our producers the need to put India on the world wine map. They are all busy singing their own tunes. It is high time the relevant ministry and the export promotion council does the orchestration. This will motivate even the smaller grower-producers to take part. When I met the well-known wine consultant Michel Rolland from Bordeaux recently he told me ‘the French producers laugh when I tell them I am consulting in India' (Grover Vineyards). ‘Do they make wine in India?' they ask. Not a flattering comment for MDPs, Chantillys, Sulas and Grovers indeed! We need to change that perception and there is no better place than Vinexpo to play our song.

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