Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd is organizing “The Grape Escapade”-Wine and Haute Cuisine festival, set against the heritage backdrop of the Old GMC Courtyards, Campal, Panaji on 5th, 6th 7th & 8th February, 2009. The event will be inaugurated on 5th February, 2009 at 6.15 p.m. at the hands of Shri Francisco Xavier Pacheco, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism in presence Shri Shyam Satardekar, Chairman of GTDC, Shri Lyndon Monteiro, Vice Chairman, GTDC and Dr. Benjamin Braganza, Managing Director GTDC. Leading wineries like Diageo Nilaya Wines, Bohemia, 4 Season Wine, Sula wines have shown their keen interest to participate in this year’s festival.
This fiesta of flavors is being organized for the fifth consecutive year and seeks to encapsulate the vivacity of Goan lifestyle by highlighting her multi-cultural influences and artistic passions, thus branding Goa as a “Lifestyle Destination”. The festival promises to be a unique cultural experience as the event brings together international wine makers and local patrons, hoteliers, restaurants and professionals from the entertainment, food & beverage and lifestyle under one roof.
The festival, now an annual event is yet another reason for tourists to visit Goa. GTDC as the nodal Goa Tourism promotional agency is organizing event and establish it as a brand.
Food courts presenting culinary delights from across the globe, international fusion cuisine and exotic deserts will be set up to satisfy everyone’s palate.
The leading wineries, hoteliers and Restaurateurs who have been contacted and expected to participate in festival are Diageo Nilaya Wines, Bohemia Wine, 4 Season Wine, Sula wines, Chateau Indage, Howling Wolves, Big Banyan Wine, Mandalavalley Wine, Zampa Wines, N.D. Wines, Nira Valley Wine, Vinsura Wine, Berkmann Wine Cellars India Pvt Ltd, Vintage Wine, Mums Kitchen, Vasquitos, Bottle Bay, Zeebop and Khanasutra.. Also Srilankan Airlines has sponsored two tickets of Goa-Colombo-Goa for The Grape Escapade Queen Contest.
There will be exclusive wine tasting sessions conducted on all four days between 7.30 pm to 8.15 pm. These sessions will be on invites only and for wine connoisseurs.
To set the mood ablaze for this flamboyant event, we have a wide array of music, dance and act performances to enthrall the audience. The event is backed up by the Konkani great artists Quepemchi Kirnam, Ameliya and troup, Goa’s topmost bands Pure Magic, Forefront, Lace, Belinda & Tropicanoes and Big Country Band, and Jazz fusion by Colin D’cruz There will also be spot singers like Lulu Fortes, Newton & Nezz, Trio Orlando who will captivate your heart top class renditions. There will also be dance performance by Dr Martin & Group, Snaden and Shawn and the versatile. The fire eaters and the Hoop Hulla, the carnival parades and the pirates will put up an amazing acts and liven the show. The highlight of the festival will be the fashion show conducted by one of Goas well known designers Monty Sally and the selection of The Grape Escapade Queen 2009.
Shyam Satardekar, Chairman of GTDC said this is unique festival in India projecting Goa as Lifestyle Destination. Foreign and Indian tourists visiting Goa will be attending this festival along with locals and will take benefit of Goan Cuisine and entertainment.
Dr. Benjamin Braganza, Managing Director GTDC said this event is organized to promote the Brand Goa to the rest of the World. We want to promote Goa as food, art and culture capital of the country among tourists. This type of festivals are needs to be organized being Goa is the prime tourist destination in India he added further. So get set to sip the finest wines and relish the most exotic cuisine while you groove to the rhythm of live music.
For more details about the festival please feel free to contact following GTDC officials: Armando Duarte-Manager-Events- 9371948853, Deepak Narvekar-Public Relations Officer- 9822160498.
