India, May 08, 2025: Domaine du Chalet in Chigny-les-Roses, France, became the setting for a refined and meaningful celebration, as Cellar 33, in collaboration with Sonarys, hosted an intimate pre-launch dinner to mark the upcoming entry of grower Champagne producers into the Indian market. It was a joint effort to celebrate the introduction of eight exceptional grower Champagne houses each part of the Cellar 33 portfolio and to honour India’s growing appetite for authentic, craft-driven wines.
Founded by Amrita Singh DipWSET and Mattia Antonio Cianca DipWSET, Cellar 33 is an export and marketing agency based in Bordeaux with India as a special project. The agency is dedicated to Champagne, Wine, and Spirits and establishes a business network in global markets while providing comprehensive branding and marketing support. They participated as exhibitors in Vinexpo, Mumbai, and Delhi in 2022 and Prowine India in 2023 and 2024.
The evening was more than a toast to fine Champagne, it was a celebration of connection, culture, and collaboration. Curated by Celebrity Chef Nikhil Nagpal of Avartana, ITC Grand Chola (India), ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, the menu artfully brought together the soul of Southern Indian cuisine with the unique personality of each Champagne. The event was a testament to how timeless Champagne traditions and innovative gastronomy from the new world can unite to create an experience that’s both meaningful and unforgettable.
“For Amrita, India represents origin and vision, while for Mattia, it signifies inspiration and opportunity,”. India’s wine and spirits landscape is evolving rapidly, with an increasing demand for quality, education, and discovery. As highly qualified wine professionals, Amrita and Mattia leverage their expertise to select the most suitable importers for each producer, emphasising that entering a new market is about much more than making sales, it’s about building lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships. Cellar 33 provides comprehensive support to producers throughout their export journey and assists importers at every stage, ensuring seamless collaboration and long-term success. With its European base, Cellar 33 serves as a reliable, professional point of contact for importers worldwide.
“India has an evolving wine culture, and there is a growing appetite for authenticity and craftsmanship. This dinner was not just about showcasing incredible Champagne but about starting a meaningful conversation between producers and the Indian market,” said Amrita Singh, Co-founder of Cellar 33. “We believe in creating deep-rooted partnerships, and this event was the first step towards building a strong foundation for grower Champagne in India.”
This exclusive Champagne Dinner marked the first collective step of eight grower Champagne producers into India. The event brought together producers, trade leaders, and selected members of the French and international press for an evening that symbolised connection, culture, and culinary excellence. It also highlighted the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders in expanding the presence of artisanal Champagne in one of the most prestigious yet challenging global markets.
“Introducing these eight producers to India is a momentous occasion, not just for Cellar 33 but for the entire ecosystem of wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and hospitality professionals in the country,” added Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-founder of Cellar 33. “Each of these houses represents the true essence of their terroir, and we are thrilled to play a role in bringing their passion and artistry to a new audience.”
“It was a seminal discovery… First of the Magic of Artisanal Champagne producers, who produce tiny quantities of the best liquid of the region, restoring the quality image of the region of yore…And of the Discovery of the perfect suitability of these Artisanal Champagne’s as the ideal pairing with the complexity and spice of the ‘Nouvelle’ cuisine of the South of India, championed by ITC Hotels restaurant, Asia’s Top 50 Restaurants of the Year Awardee, ‘Avartana'” said by Mr. Sanjay Menon, Founder and CEO of Sonarys – India’s Leading Importer of Champagne, Wine & Spirits
India is unlike any other wine market: young, complex, highly regulated—but full of potential. Its consumers are increasingly drawn to authenticity, provenance, and craftsmanship—values that are at the heart of grower Champagne. This event marked the beginning of a long-term vision to establish a strong foothold for independent Champagne houses in India. With the support of Sonarys and the growing interest from leading restaurants and sommeliers, the timing has never been better to write a new chapter for Champagne in the country.
The participating Champagne producers included:
· Champagne Gounel-Lassalle – Chigny-les-Roses (Montagne de Reims)
· Champagne Lafalise-Froissart – Verzenay & Verzy (Montagne de Reims)
· Champagne François Secondé – Sillery (Montagne de Reims)
· Champagne R. Faivre – Belval-sous-Châtillon (Vallée de la Marne)
· Champagne Gaston Révolte – Avenay-Val-d’Or (Vallée de la Marne)
· Champagne André Robert – Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (Côte des Blancs)
· Champagne Daniel Leclerc et Fils – Polisot (Côte des Bar)
· Champagne Lacroix-Triaulaire – Merrey-sur-Arce (Côte des Bar)
As Cellar 33 and Sonarys continue to lay the foundation for a strong presence in India, this prelaunch dinner signals a new chapter—one where the finest independent Champagne producers can flourish in a market that is ready, receptive, and brimming with opportunity.
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
