The Grape Escape in Goa

The Grape Escape in Goa
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By Gasper Almeida


The fifth edition of The Grape Escape, a wine and cuisine festival will be held in Goa from February 5 to 8, bringing together under one roof international wine makers and various stake-holders of the hospitality industry from India and overseas.
Organised by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (GTDC), the 4-day extravaganza in coastal Panjim aims to project Goa as a lifestyle destination. "The idea is to encapsulate the vivacity of Goan lifestyle by highlighting its multicultural influences and artistic passions, thus branding Goa as a lifestyle destination," said GTDC vice-chairman Lyngdon Monteiro while talking to the media last Friday.

Chairman of the GTDC , Shyam Satardekar said, 'as always, the festival promises to be a unique cultural experience as it brings together international wine makers and local patrons, hoteliers, restaurants and professionals from the entertainment, food and beverage and life style industries under one roof.'
Billed as the off-season promotional events, the festival would present culinary delights from across the globe, international fusion cuisine and exotic deserts apart from the wine tasting sessions.
Several wineries including Four Season Wine, Big Banyan, Diageo and Indage are reportedly taking part in the fiesta. Last year Sula, Indage, Nine Hills, Chateau de Banyan etc. had taken part.
'This festival is the biggest wine platform provided in Goa where not only expats and tourists but Indians rush to enjoy the cultural programmes, fashion shows, live music and to taste wines from various participating producers, all without charge. Of course, wines can be purchased at the spot too,' informs Kawaljeet Singh, Head-Sales and Marketing of Big Banyan, the Goa based winery that is a regular participant in the festival. It is a big promotion for the Indian wineries by the tourism department, he says, adding that about 4-5,000 people come to have a good time.

The fiesta is organised at the huge courtyard of Inox Theatre in Panjim.

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