The LaLiT New Delhi Brings the Capital Together for Viva La Vino — Season 2
There’s a certain kind of energy The LaLiT New Delhi naturally holds during a festive evening, and on 6th December, it found its perfect expression as the hotel welcomed the Delhi edition of Viva La Vino Season 2. More than 300 guests streamed in through the evening—wine lovers, curious first-timers, industry insiders—each adding to the unmistakable buzz that has made this festival one of the city’s most awaited celebrations of wine culture.
This year’s edition stayed true to the festival’s purpose: to make wine feel welcoming, accessible and genuinely enjoyable. Across the ballroom, guests wandered from table to table, discovering over 90 wines poured by established Indian producers and acclaimed international labels. Conversations flowed as easily as the pours—people lingered over artisan cheeses, tried thoughtful gourmet pairings, and indulged in craft chocolate from brands like Naviluna, Pascati and Darkins, which beautifully rounded out the tasting experience.
Live music played in the background, adding a relaxed rhythm to the evening, while pockets of spirited conversations formed around favourite discoveries. One of the most engaging moments of the night was the sommelier-led masterclass—an intimate session where a small group enjoyed a guided tasting of premium wines. Every pour came in Lucaris Crystal stemware, a detail that quietly underscored the festival’s commitment to elevating the experience rather than overwhelming it.
Viva La Vino is the brainchild of sommeliers Gargi Kothari (Magic Cellars) and Devati Mallick (Drink With D), who set out to create a wine festival that feels both expertly curated and genuinely inclusive. Reflecting on the Delhi edition, Gargi Kothari shared, “The response in Delhi has been incredible. Seeing guests explore, discover and truly enjoy wines in a relaxed, celebratory setting is exactly why Viva La Vino exists. This edition marks an exciting milestone for us. We are grateful to The Lalit team for being such incredible hosts and curating the event with the right spirit.”
For The LaLiT, the festival is part of a larger, growing conversation around wine appreciation in India. “Viva La Vino – 2nd Edition has surpassed all expectations. Bringing together more than 280 wines from around the world, paired with exceptional cuisine and live music, allowed us to create an immersive celebration of global wine culture,” said Charles Joseph Donnadieu, Corporate Sommelier, The LaLiT. “At The LaLiT, our commitment is to craft experiences that inspire, educate and delight—and this year’s edition truly reflects that vision. We are proud to be the country’s leading destination for wine-focused events, following the success of the 9th Indian Wine Day and the iconic Grand Cru 1855 Night.”
With every city it travels to, Viva La Vino continues to deepen India’s growing relationship with wine. Season 2 now moves ahead on its multi-city journey—taking its blend of community, culture and conviviality to the next stops on the map, one memorable pour at a time.
