Mumbai : The twin cities Stuttgart and Mumbai celebrated their 51st anniversary of their vivid partnership. To commemorate this partnership, Mr. Andreas LAPP, a successful businessman and Honorary Consul of the Republic of India for Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate organised the 15^th Stuttgart meets Mumbai Wine Festival 2019 at Taj Lands End Hotel, Mumbai on 1^st and 2^nd February 2019.

Mr. LAPP, along with Ms. Isabel Fezer, Mayor for Youth and Education, City of Stuttgart inaugurated the 15^th edition of the Wine Festival. The event also saw officials from Mumbai city namely: Ms. Hemangi Worliker, Deputy Mayor, City of Mumbai, Mr. Nand Kumar, Chief of Protocol, State of Maharashtra and officials like Dr. Jurgen Morhard, Consul General for the Federal Republic of Germany in Mumbai, and Mr. Bernhard Steinrucke, World Speaker and Chairman of the Indo German Chamber of Commerce

“The festival is an ideal platform for an Indo-German get-together and assembles high level decision makers from across sectors. We believe that the festival acts as catalyst to foster new trade relations between India and Germany. It gives me immense pleasure to look at the festival in its 15^th year. Extending thanks to the support we have received from our associates and friends,” said Mr. Andreas LAPP.

One of the highlights of this year’s event was the performance by dance artists from Stuttgart who showcased the Flamenco dance form (Spanish originated) along with a fusion with Odisi dancers from Mumbai. This act depicted the coming together of two cities in its true sense. The event also witnessed a live cooking show by young talented chefs from Germany. The German desserts prepared by these chefs were served to the audiences as part of the main course. 

The festival started in 2004, this year the festival witnessed the presence of guests from business, politics, film and media, tourism, education and gastronomy. On this occasion highly ranked delegation of the city of Stuttgart with members from the city council, representatives from the Stuttgart culture and civil society travelled to Mumbai.

Like every year, the Festival served award-winning wines and culinary specialties of Stuttgart such as Swabian Maultaschen, Kohlrouladen und Apfelkuechl. A variety of workshops, information stallssuch as German- Southwest – Booming City of Stuttgart – Location for Business, Celebrating Indian Cinema in Germany – 16^th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart and Adaptive Leadership – How to Lead Without Authority? An Intercultural Insight etc. on the festival ground and a diverse entertainment programme with traditional dances and artists enthralled the guests.

The two-day annual gala event over the years has garnered reputation and emerged as one among the premier platform for cultural exchange between Stuttgart and Mumbai. Germany and India share strong economic and commercial relations and this initiative undertaken by LAPP will help trigger the interest of the influencers of the industry.