BIOGRAPHY

Michael Jacob is Drinks Sector Manager of Bord Bia – The Irish Food Board. Bord Bia are the Irish state agency tasked with promotion of Irish food and drink products globally. Previously, Michael has held positions with the Seafood and Prepared Consumer Foods departments of Bord Bia as well as working as an executive within Food Drink Ireland.

Topic – The Spirit of Ireland Masterclass

Bord Bia has developed the Spirit of Ireland, a dynamic training experience to tell the story of Irish spirits. This unique experience combines video material from leading companies in the Irish spirits category, a bespoke sensory experience and virtual reality tours of some leading Irish distilleries. Come join us as we bring you through the remarkable history behind the spirits produced on the island of Ireland and their exciting future.

BIOGRAPHY

As Regional Export Consultant at Familia Torres, Salim Isler exclusively represents one of the world’s most admired wine brands in South-East & Central Asia, Middle East, and Africa. HIs an expert knowledge of the wine industry, emerging markets dynamics, route to market strategy I operate in, with a beverage expertise backed by WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines.

Familia Torres founded its winery in Vilafranca del Penedès in 1870, 150 years ago, but its roots in the winegrowing traditions of Penedès date back to the 16th century.Torres is also a member of Primum Familiae Vini, an association representing 12 of the oldest and most prestigious wine families in the world, and is the co-founder of International Wineries for Climate Action, which promotes the decarbonization of the wine sector.

Topic – Explore Mas La Plana Estate by Familia Torres

Join Salim Isler who has been promoting the excellence, diversity, legacy and sustainability practices of Familia Torres Properties and share his passion about their exceptional history, brands, estates and territories. Torres is a member of Primum Familiae Vini, an association representing 12 of the oldest and most prestigious wine families in the world, and it is the cofounder of International Wineries for Climate Action, which promotes the decarbonization of the wine sector.

BIOGRAPHY

Ganesh Iyer is India’s first and only certified water sommelier. He has been instrumental in the launch of various water brands such as Evian, Himalayan, Ferrarelle, Perrier, Qua, & VEEN in the Indian market. Iyer’s association with the water industry has spanned over 25 years and his expertise provides technical support to the many palatable characteristics of water. With this new certification, Iyer has received sensorial training to understand different water types. Gauging the origin, composition and nutritional benefits by which waters can be distinguished, Iyer’s ‘Water Sommelier’ accreditation is a unique contribution to understanding the nuances and varied properties of water.

Topic – Water is Not Just Water

“Water is Not Just Water”. Water is so simple, yet so complex. So abundantly available and yet so precious. We all take water for granted and yet this water determines how good your Single Malt, Wine & Beer will taste. Ganesh Iyer is India’s First Certified Water Sommelier and has launched multiple International Water Brands in India. Attend his Masterclass & Tasting Session where he hopes to blow your mind on the science and business of water.

BIOGRAPHY

Alex has been with WSET since 2016 and is qualified to teach the WSET Level 1, 3 and 3 Awards in Wines. He currently oversees the commercial aspects of business development in the EMEA region as a whole and also looks directly after WSET’s Indian and African markets. Alex’s current key projects include the development and release of WSET Beer’s courses, increasing accessibility to WSET courses throughout the whole of Africa and supporting programme providers to expand their WSET course and language offering. Before joining the WSET head worked several years in retail, education and translation.

Topic – Faulty to Outstanding: Assessing Wine Quality

Join us for this enlightening tasting session where we’ll show you how to utilise the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to enhance your wine-tasting skills and understand the nuances in your glass that determine quality. Learn to sharpen your discernment, identify common flaws and the hallmarks of outstanding wines.

BIOGRAPHY

Liam’s career in the drinks business has spanned bar and restaurant management, brand education, activation and drinks development. Always intrigued by the production processes and choices behind flavour in spirits, he studied with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) before joining the Trust in 2016. He is now WSET’s Senior Business Development Manager for Spirits covering Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India, working with organisations across these regions to provide clear, unbiased and objective spirits training.

Liam holds the Institute of Brewing & Distilling General Certificate in Distilling (Grain) and has studied traditional Japanese Spirits to become an official Awamori Jinbner.

Topic – Exploring flavour in Single Malt Whisky

In this masterclass, we’ll go beyond the label and uncover the intricacies of Single Malt production through a guided tasting of three Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. You’ll learn how the choices made during fermentation, distillation, and maturation influence the flavours and textures that define this revered category.

Topic – Rum: The Substance Behind the Style

Rum is often maligned as a spirit category without rules, but this is far from the truth. Each island has it’s own traditions, practices and regulation, meaning an array of different styles within the category. Our expert-guided masterclass promises to enhance your appreciation for rum, and bust a few myths at the same time.

BIOGRAPHY

Sonal C Holland MW is India’s First & Only Master of Wine. An award-winning broadcaster, she has been at the forefront of revolutionising the wine culture in India for the past 16 years through multiple initiatives. She is the Founder of SoHoWines Consulting which helps international brands gain a foothold in India’s complex marketplace. Her namesake Sonal Holland Wine Academy, India’s leading wine education institute, provides world-class wine education to both professionals and enthusiasts. Sonal is the Founder and Chairperson of India Wine Awards.

Topic – Viña Tarapacá, “The Gran Reserva of Chile”

Immerse yourself in an experience of one of the oldest wineries from Chile, with almost 150 years of winemaking tradition. Viña Tarapacá is a unique place in the heart of the Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s most prestigious wine regions, with a commitment to the environment and sustainable winemaking. In this Masterclass, you can venture into Viña Tarapacá’s complete portfolio, starting from their entry-level wines, easy to drink and unmatched in terms of price and quality. Gradually, you will ascend towards our iconic wines, which makes Viña Tarapacá one of the most prestigious wineries in Chile nowadays.

Topic – California: A Golden State of Mind

Join Sonal C Holland MW on an exquisite journey through the sun-kissed vineyards of California where we’ll explore a remarkable selection of wines that embody the essence of the Golden State.

Topic – Taste the Wonders of Australia

Australia is a vast continent covering 65 different wine regions - explore their diversity with Sonal C Holland MW in an immersive wine tasting experience showcasing the depth of Australian wines and their potential in India.

BIOGRAPHY

Nikhil Agarwal is India’s foremost wine and spirit thought leader. His dedicated time and efforts are geared towards revolutionizing the wine and spirits experience through game changing innovative events. He is also a regular juror and speaker at international wine and spirit events and competitions and a writer for eminent publications. Nikhil Agarwal is the Brand Ambassador for The Distilled Spirits Council of The United States.

Topic – American Whiskies - A New Frontier For Discovery

An astute reflection of American whiskies as we explore a tasting that will highlight the taste, heritage and style of American distilled spirits.

Topic – South Australian Regional Heroes - Diverse and Distinct

South Australia’s wine regions are some of the oldest and most historically significant in Australia. But we are also progressive thinkers, and this is undoubtedly one of the most innovative and exciting places for wine. Grenache has experienced a resurgence and has captivated attention around the globe, fast becoming one of South Australia’s most loved and popular red wines. Experience some of South Australia’s classic regional examples including wines from some of the world’s oldest vines and explore an exciting diversity of varieties and wines styles that speak to our past as well as our future.

BIOGRAPHY

James Hayman is fifth generation and joint family owner of Hayman's Gin. He works alongside his sister, Miranda Hayman, overseeing the day-to-day running of the business.

Working across all functions of the business as Managing Director, James' focus includes new product development of new ideas and different styles of gin as well as those reviving those classic Hayman's recipes and increasing and strengthening the brand's international partnerships.

As a key member of this family of gin distillers dedicated to making the best-tasting gin, James is particularly proud of the multi awards Hayman's Gin has won all over the world – and for the company-wide mission to shape the future of gin. James spent five years working in marketing agencies before joining the family business in 2004.

BIOGRAPHY

Karan Vasani is Sula's chief winemaker. He holds a bachelor's degree in commerce from University of Mumbai and a graduate diploma in viticulture and oenology from Lincoln University, New Zealand. He was awarded the WSET Level 2 Intermediate Certificate and Level 3 Advance Certificate in Wines and Spirits by the Wines and Spirit Education Trust Limited. He has previously worked with CRISIL Limited and Cuvaison Estate Wines in various capacities.

BIOGRAPHY

Born in Nashik, 31-year old Kaushal Khairnar, grew up surrounded by grape growers and wine producers. His innate curiosity led him to attend an introductory winemaking course for three years starting in 2008 at Gargi Agriculture Research and Training Institute, Nashik. During this three-year course, he also had a life-changing internship at Nashik's Vallée de Vin winery, compelling him to consider winemaking as a full-time career. Kaushal also holds a Master's Degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Montpellier SupAgro University, in Montpellier France and Instituto Superior de Agronomia, in Lisbon, Portugal.

In 2015, Kaushal was chosen by Moet Hennessy's Early Career Winemaker Programme, and earned the opportunity to play assistant winemaker at Chandon India and Chandon Brazil, for a year each. After gleaning three years of hands-on experience, Kaushal was promoted to his current position at Chandon India in 2018.

BIOGRAPHY

Ravi is an acclaimed beverage passionate and writer from India with an immersive body of work. A former Army Officer and an IT specialist (this website is his creation), Ravi took to beverages purely out of passion- his first milestone being the coveted Champagne Scholarship to France. After Champagne, Ravi further honed his skills by working at the grassroots with winemakers across France and travelling as a journalist to different wine regions of the world.

In 2020, Ravi was invited by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS) to tour Sake breweries in Japan following which he created Sake Club India along with his co-founding partner Mika Eoka. Discover more about Ravi at his personal websitewww.ravikjoshi.com.

BIOGRAPHY

He started his career in Computer Engineering and has been involved in professional training since an early age

He studied F&B Management and holds the degree of Level 2 Specialist Spirits, awarded by WSET.

After taking the Sommelier Course at Turismo de Portugal, he became a member of the Sommelier Association of Portugal.

Specialized in Barismo area with certification awarded by SCA (Specialty Coffee Association). Since 2011 he has been dedicated to training in the areas of Bar, Oenology and Restaurant Service at the Hospitality and Tourism School in Portalegre. He is currently responsible for coordinating the technical area of the school.

BIOGRAPHY

Mika is a Master Sake Sommelier and a holder of Sake Diploma International from the prestigious Japan Sommelier Association (J.S.A.). Mika also holds the WSET Level 3 (Sake) from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust London. Prior to being a Sake professional, Mika worked in the Financial domain with some top notch global companies.

Mika's popularity as a Sake coach transcends age and regional demographics. She frequently travels the world to share her expertise of Sake in an effortless and approachable way.

Being a native Japanese with a good knowledge of the English language and a deep understanding of Indian cuisine, Mika is an ideal candidate to bring her passion for Sake from Japan to India. Topic Description

BIOGRAPHY

Ajit Balgi runs The Happy High a Mumbai based wine & spirit education company. He is a certified wine educator and the only Official Cognac educator in the country. He has worked in beverages for two decades spanning India and the UK and has trained numerous professionals in India, Maldives and Thailand. He is an international wine judge and has also written for multiple Indian publications.

BIOGRAPHY

Ace mixologist and life of the party, and Brand Director, Short Story - Pankaj Balachandran. Pankaj is a veteran in the bar industry and comes with years of experience. With Pankaj leading the way, a lot of great drinks with a side of wit will be coming your way

BIOGRAPHY

Overhex Wines introduces, young, dynamic and in love with South African wine: Ben Snyman, the man behind the popular Overhex Wines portfolio for over 10 years. After completing school in Cape Town, Ben graduated from Stellenbosch University with a BSc Agriculture degree (Oenology and Viticulture) in 2009. Following his studies, Ben travelled to California, USA, where he was offered an internship at Chalk Hill Estate. Upon his return to South Africa, he continued to develop his winemaking expertise by completing several courses at Stellenbosch University, the Wine Judging Academy, and Harvard Business School, with his next set to be a Diploma from the Cape Wine Academy.

BIOGRAPHY

Sovna Puri DipWSET, a highly qualified wine educator from WSET, has a rich and diverse experience of the beverage industry having worked both in India and abroad. She conducts tastings and courses and has won multiple prestigious awards. She is passionate about wine and has often contributed articles for magazines.

BIOGRAPHY

Karina Aggarwal is a certified beverage professional with almost 10 years of experience. She is a writer, strategic consultant and juror at various international wine, beer and spirit competitions. Within the Indian alcobev space she has worked with several homegrown and global brands to help them establish their presence and communicate effectively with the right audience. Through her online portal @gigglewater411, she educates consumers about drink trends, cocktails and brands

BIOGRAPHY

Salim Frederic Isler is acting as REGIONAL MANAGER at Familia Torres in Dubai, UAE. He joined the family in 2009, working in both Spanish and export markets, and is about to complete his dipWSET studies.

BIOGRAPHY

Grégoire Verdin is Sula's global brand ambassador. Born and raised in Burgundy, Grégoire has worked in numerous vineyards in France. He has been associated with the F&B industry for the last ten years, in Paris (Verjus, John Paul…), Dublin (Mint) and Copenhagen (Noma), and now in India with Sula Vineyards.

BIOGRAPHY

BIOGRAPHY

Sonal Holland MW is South Australia's Wine Program Ambassador for India. As India's first and only Master of Wine, she is a distinguished writer, wine commentator and a highly respected and in-demand international speaker with ventures in wine and beverage education, consultancy, consumer research, imports and wine retail.

BIOGRAPHY

Laura is an Argentine wine specialist with an international following. She is a founder of Winifera, a company specializing in Wine Consulting, PR and Marketing. She is a qualified sommelier (Diploma Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, WSET's Advanced Certification, Certified Sommelier of the Court of Master Sommeliers and student at Advanced Sommelier Exam in the US and Diploma WSET in the UK). Laura is also the co-founder of Club de Mujeres del Vino (Wine Women Club), a nonprofit organization for professional women in the Argentine wine industry and founder of Wine Women Tasting. Former Vice President of the Argentine Sommelier Association, former PR and Mkt Committee member at Association de la Sommellerie Internationale – ASI and World's Best Sommelier Competition General Coordinator for ASI. She writes for newspapers, magazines and blogs, such as Master Wine, Wines of Argentina, AOL and Food Lovers. Laura is the producer of Tim Atkin's Argentine and Chilean Reports and Descorchados Argentina. She is an international speaker and a podcaster. She is a Chef, Bartender and Wine and Spirits International Judge in Europe and America.

BIOGRAPHY

Charlie McCarthy worked for many years as a consultant to spirit brands and high-end venues. With a career as a cocktail bartender stretching back to 2004, Charlie learned his craft behind some of London's best bars, going on to develop a specialism in event bartending, where his imaginative approach and relaxed delivery earned him a stint as UK brand ambassador for Hendrick's Gin, in turn leading to more advocacy and consultancy work for brands such as Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, Glenfiddich and Glendalough.

Charlie has a wealth of experience delivering masterclasses throughout Europe, training bartenders in 5 star hotel bars from Washington DC to Mexico, and designing cocktail menus, for World Duty Free, Tullamore DEW & many high-profile international bar openings. He is qualified to deliver WSET spirits qualifications up to Level 3, and is delighted to champion WSET spirits qualifications.

BIOGRAPHY

Feruzan Bilimoria is an award-winning mixologist and Brand Ambassador at Stranger & Sons. Feruzan leads the Women In The Industry brand initiative. The brand consciously uses its platform to promote and support women that are redefining the industry, and Feruzan is the changemaker that champions these efforts. She is responsible for developing the pickle and cordial recipes that make Stranger & Sons' signature cocktails.

BIOGRAPHY

Growing up in the heart of Speyside, Lewis has been surrounded by famous distilleries and has a close & long association with the whisky industry. His family grew barley that was used for making whisky. After graduating with a degree in engineering, he followed the barley on the next stage of its journey and started work at a local maltings as an engineer. The final destination for both Lewis & the barley was Strathisla distillery, the 'Home of Chivas Regal', where Lewis became a guide. With over 14 years working in the hospitality industry around the world, Lewis brings his experience and passion of Scotch whisky to India where he shares the story of Ballantine's from grain to glass, one dram at a time.

BIOGRAPHY

Vikram set up Tulleeho, a drinks website and firmly established it as India's pre-eminent beverage education and training company. Tulleeho has helped co-create a platform called 30 Best Bars India, whose intent is to award and recognise the top bars in India. He was part of the core team which helped bring out the Tulleeho Book of Cocktails in 2011 (Westland), with the second edition released by Bloomsbury in 2019.

BIOGRAPHY

Vinit has one of the best jobs and certainly the most envious one in Brown-Forman. He is the Brand Ambassador for Jack Daniel's for the Indian Subcontinent. This basically means everything to do with drinks, cocktail recipes, and all things on both sides of the bar. The key areas where Vinit creates magic are developing skills among the bar professionals through brand training & education, creating delightful experiences with consumers through whiskey tasting & mixology workshops, and innovating to give shape to new cocktail recipes & menus.

Vinit has worked for brands Like Taj Hotels, JW Marriott & Four Seasons and has for over 4 years delivered more than 800 brand training, and mixology sessions across 4 Countries.

BIOGRAPHY

Sonal Holland MW is a distinguished writer, wine commentator and a highly respected and in-demand international speaker with ventures in wine and beverage education, consultancy, consumer research, imports and wine retail. Sonal Holland is the first in India to acquire the globally coveted title of 'Master of Wine'. Sonal Holland MW has recently been appointed as South Australia's Wine Program Ambassador for India.

BIOGRAPHY

Anand Virmani is the Co-Founder and Master Distiller at Nao Spirits. Nao Spirits. The founders stepped out from behind the bar, got themselves a copper pot still and experimented with every spice, herb and fruit they could find. They found a lot, they distilled a lot, they tasted a lot and they fell down a lot. With a little bit of luck and a lot of help, they found two recipes they loved enough to not just want to serve at their own bar but to take to the rest of the country and the world – Greater Than and Hapusa.

BIOGRAPHY

One of the only Indian winemakers with an extensive knowledge of Indian viticulture and winemaking , with over 23 years of experience of making some of the best wines produced in India, under the most challenging vine growing conditions. A wine taster, wine consultant and wine professional , who has worked in all winemaking functions with excellent knowledge of viticulture, quality control, and almost every style of winemaking.

BIOGRAPHY

Vikram set up Tulleeho, a drinks website and firmly established it as India's pre-eminent beverage education and training company. Tulleeho has helped co-create a platform called 30 Best Bars India, whose intent is to award and recognise the top bars in India. He was part of the core team which helped bring out the Tulleeho Book of Cocktails in 2011 (Westland), with the second edition released by Bloomsbury in 2019.

BIOGRAPHY

Smriti is an engineer with a background in Global Sales in Mumbai where she was in the CEO's youngest top achievers club and a part of the company's next generation leadership program. After a successful sales stint, her passion drove her to move into the luxury industry. Smriti was introduced to the world of Scotch by her aunt who poured her the very first dram of The Glenlivet 12 following an international trip in 2014.

BIOGRAPHY

A life-changing internship at Nashik's Vallée de Vin winery, compelled Kaushal to consider winemaking as a full-time career. With a strong education in Winemaking and a Master's in Viticulture and Oenology from Montpellier SupAgro University, France and Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal, Kaushal was chosen by Chandon's Early Career Winemaker Programme, and earned the opportunity to play assistant winemaker at Chandon's India and Brazil wineries, for a year each. After gleaning three years of hands-on experience, Kaushal was promoted to his current position at Chandon India.

BIOGRAPHY

Jeet Rana is an award-winning mixologist and the Head Ambassador at Stranger & Sons. Jeet is a professional flair bartender who is known for introducing trends that shake up the monotony of the mixology industry. His innovative and contemporary approach has seen him conceptualize menus for establishments like Arth Mumbai & Pune, Sancho's Mumbai, Whisky Samba Gurgaon and The Kimono Club New Delhi. With big plans for the brand, Jeet makes no secret of his goals: Take Stranger & Sons to the world and with it, Indian-inspired riffs on the Gibson and Gimlet.

BIOGRAPHY

BIOGRAPHY

Lazaro Sandoval began his career with the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service and previously served as Agricultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires. He has worked in different program areas prior to his overseas assignments. He began in the Office of Global Analysis as an economist where he analyzed global livestock and poultry markets and trade. He was also an economist at the Office of Agreements and Scientific Affairs where he conducted analysis in support of WTO Doha Round negotiations in cooperation with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

BIOGRAPHY

Alex has been with the WSET since 2016 and is a WSET Certified Educator qualified to teach the WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wines. He currently oversees the commercial aspects of business development across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India as a whole and also directly looks after WSET's Indian and African markets.