PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES

Skilled bartenders from the finest bars and hotels across the country are invited to participate in an engaging live competition at the bar, showcasing their expertise and flair. This event will evaluate their creativity, efficiency, flavour craftsmanship and ability to maintain exemplary hospitality even under pressure.

ENTRY

There is no cost involved to participate in this event. Follow our Instagram handles for updates on Round 1, which will be conducted online.  Rounds 2 and 3 for finalists will take place on 9^th November at ProWine Mumbai. 

JUDGING

Bartenders will be tasked with presenting a selected cocktail to the judges within a specified time frame. The competition will be assessed by a panel of esteemed professionals and industry experts. Judging criteria will align with the theme set forth by the Judging Panel and ProWine Mumbai.  

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Must be above the legal drinking age to participate.
• If selected, must be able to travel to Mumbai on 9^th November for the finals.
• Must possess a valid passport.
• Must be a resident of India.

THE WINNER

The selection process for recognizing the top bartenders will be based on their adherence to the theme. The winning bartender at ProWine Mumbai will be awarded 'The ProWine Mumbai Bartender of the Year'. Alongside a cash prize, the winner will also receive certification from ProWine Mumbai and an opportunity for a bar takeover at a prominent international establishment. 

Additionally, the winner will be interviewed by ProWine Mumbai media, provided with photo opportunities, and prominently featured on the show floor. In addition to social media coverage, their achievement will be highlighted in the post-event press release distributed to major publications and media outlets and post-event marketing collateral. 

Born in Venezuela, combining over a decade of experience in bartending and hospitality management, with strong skills in team leadership, cocktail menu design, operations control and customer service. Alex’s career across Argentina and Brazil reflects adaptability and a commitment to excellence in diverse settings. Having worked in the best bars in South America, 50 Bests in the world and luxury hotels, Alex brings his world of experience to the competition.

An award-winning Scottish professional, Colin first gained regional acclaim as the opening Bar Manager at Vesper Bangkok, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the bar’s identity and guiding it to recognition on the inaugural Asia’s 50 Best Bars list—a distinction it continues to hold. In Shanghai, he evolved from bar leadership into entrepreneurship. As an Operations Partner, he co-founded Black Rock Shanghai, a whisky-led bar concept inspired by its acclaimed London counterpart. With a distinctive strength in concept-driven beverage experiences and whisky curation, Colin now brings his global perspective and creative direction to The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore.

With 20 years of experience in the alco-bev and hospitality industry, Minakshi Singh, has cofounded India’s most awarded bars and can recognize a good drink from miles away. Minakshi has been a Judge for Global World Class Finals and is also on the So CRAFT Committee, aimed at promoting and creating awareness for craft spirits through the Asia Lens. She is also on the prestigious Education committee for Tales of the Cocktail. She has been named ‘Restaurateur of the year’ by Restaurant India magazine, and features in the prestigious W Women Power list by Forbes.

Siddhaarth Jalan oversees the restaurant, nightlife and hotel sectors for The Times of India and manages the multi-city Times Food & Nightlife Awards, the most prestigious national awards programme for the hospitality industry. He previously worked in the apparel sector and founded his own start-up before joining one of India’s leading experiential dining companies, Impresario. He travels extensively across the country, as well as internationally, and revels in discovering new restaurants and cuisines.

Suchi played an integral role in the ZLB23’s rapid success, contributing to its recognition on the Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024 list within just one year. Her leadership and commitment to excellence are reflected in her ability to foster an inclusive team culture, with 80% of her team being women. Suchi’s dedication to service excellence and innovative bar offerings has set new benchmarks for the industry, making ZLB23 one of Bengaluru’s most sought-after destination.

Sumedh Singh Mandla is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in FMCG, hospitality, and the beverage industry. As CEO of VBev and AWS Global, he leads the import, marketing and distribution of premium wines, spirits, and beers across India. A DipWSET-certified professional and former Chairman of the Asian Wine Producers Association, Sumedh has been instrumental in building international alcobev brands in the Indian subcontinent. A passionate wine and malt connoisseur, he is also a certified trainer, industry educator, and contributor to top trade publications.

Amber Deshmukh is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, an Italian Wine Scholar, Certified Specialist of Wine, and Sake Professional. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and wine industry, he has worked across luxury hotels, retail, and wine import businesses, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Indian beverage market. Awarded 3rd place at the Best Sommelier of India 2025, Amber is known for his refined palate, deep product knowledge, and passion for wine education. He is dedicated to promoting wine culture in India and inspiring both trade professionals and enthusiasts through his expertise and experience.

Pritish was studying Mechanical Engineering when his passion for wines and spirits emerged, post which he attended Business School at the storied Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Pritish is Asia’s youngest WSET Diploma holder and WSET Approved Educator. He is Advisor – Strategy and Operation on the board of Aspri Spirits, one of India’s largest importers and Distributors of Wines, Spirits and Beers. Pritish aims to combine formal education, forward thinking and a young consumer’s outlook to help revolutionize the Indian Wines and Spirits Landscape.

Luca Bernardini is an Italian wine and food expert. In Italy he worked for Slow Food, an International organization that promotes traditional food. Now based in Mumbai for the last 10 years, he lectures for “Il Dolce Vino”, an initiative by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce that promotes Italian wine culture in India. He is also brand ambassador for an Indian winery and for an Italian restaurant chain. Luca Bernardini thinks that these types of contests are essential for spreading the wine culture in a country like India, where wine is not a traditional beverage.

Suneeta Sodhi Kanga is a corporate trainer, mentor and coach in the area of grooming, international etiquette, fine dining and wine and spirits appreciation. She is a regular speaker at various T.V. channels, seminars and discussions in educational and other institutes on the subject of good grooming, etiquette and wine. She has a WSET Level 2 certification in Wines as well as Spirits. Suneeta is the class topper with 100% marks in the WSET Level 1 Sake Certification. Suneeta has also written many articles for the wine magazine, Sommelier India. She has worked with many wine and spirits companies and continues to do interactive trainings and tastings for their brands.

Aditya Ramani is a seasoned luxury hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience across iconic properties like The Imperial New Delhi, Four Seasons Johannesburg and Maldives, and now- the JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. Renowned for his strategic innovation in food and beverage, he has consistently elevated guest experiences through concept-driven dining and operational excellence.

Sovna is a WSET Diploma holder, award-winning wine & spirits educator, and WSET Approved Programme Provider who conducts tastings, trainings, and courses across India. She is also a recipient of the prestigious ‘Future 50’ and ‘Phoenix Leading Lady’ awards for her industry contributions.

A young, passionate Sommelier blending old-world tradition-like Port tonging & candlelight decanting with fresh, thoughtful touches that keep guests coming back. With an eye for detail & deep respect for the craft of Sommellerie, Arth builds a dynamic Wine program & will continue to shape Mumbai's evolving Wine Culture.

Prithvi Nagpal is a seasoned beverage expert with over 11 years of experience across multiple verticals of the wine and spirits industry — from import, distribution, retail, and sales to marketing, education, and consultancy. He is the co-founder of Spill It, a beverage consultancy that builds smarter, sharper bar and wine programs across India. With a strong belief in making the industry more approachable and engaging, Prithvi has designed beverage menus for leading venues, trained professionals, and created consumer experiences that bridge expertise with accessibility.

Vaniitha Jaiin is a trailblazer in the luxury beverage space, globally certified in wines & spirits and recognized as an international judge. One of the first women to solely found and build a spirits distillery in India, she is redefining fine beverages through *The Perfect Pour* and *Vanaha Gin* at Revelry Distillery. With deep insight into affluent consumer trends, she brings invaluable perspective to the jury.

With experience spanning French vineyards, global wine marketing, and luxury hospitality in India, Irene Hebrard brings a unique mix of hands-on knowledge, creativity, and cultural insight. As co-founder of Spill It, she channels these skills into building beverage programs, training teams, and creating events that make drinking culture more accessible and enjoyable.

With experience spanning French vineyards, global wine marketing, and luxury hospitality in India, Irene Hebrard brings a unique mix of hands-on knowledge, creativity, and cultural insight. As co-founder of Spill It, she channels these skills into building beverage programs, training teams, and creating events that make drinking culture more accessible and enjoyable.

A Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Kevin was also awarded the champion of Best Sommelier of India 2024. With past experience at Indigo, Yauatcha, Hakkasan, CinCin and Nara. Kevin spearheaded the wine lists which won the Wine Spectator Awards for 2 consecutive years for Indian Accent Delhi and Mumbai.

With over two decades of expertise in marketing and sales, and more than twelve years sculpting Grover Vineyards, Sumit Jaiswal has redefined India’s wine narrative. As Chief Operating Officer, he now leads Grover's local and global business with a proven track record of turning every market he enters into a success story.

A pulmonologist and an epidemiologist who is passionate about food and wine. He completed his WSET level 2 certification with a distinction in London, and is also an amateur coffee barista.

Gargi Kothari is a curator of wine experience and the founder of Magic Cellars, one of India's most vibrant wine communities. She holds the WSET Level 3 certification, has been working in wine for over 12 years and is a TEDx Speaker.

Business owner of Hops Cork - A leading Chain Of Liquor stores in Mumbai having 15 liquor stores, An exquisite wine & beer boutique in Bandra which was recently awarded best in class in the Top 10 retail Experience stores in Maharashtra in the India Drinks Retail Awards 2025 and the newest edition of an on the go drive thru Beer & Wine Shop in Juhu called Hops Cork Xpress. Featured in 35 under 35 entrepreneur India and in the new age liquor retail business in India Udit looks to be a trendsetter in the Alcobev industry!

Bazil Moniz has been responsible for putting together a stellar beverage program at Pali Bhavan and Pali Village Cafe.

Rohan Jelkie is the Head of Brand and On Trade Advocacy at Suntory Global Spirits India with nearly 2 decades of experience in the alcobev and hospitality sector.

Dushinka Malhotra is Head of Brand at Olive Bar & Kitchen, leading the strategy and marketing of some of Mumbai’s most iconic restaurants. She has over a decade of hospitality experience in India and New York, where she trained in Culinary Arts, worked in fine-dining kitchens, and earned her MBA from Fordham University. She now brings that global perspective to shaping hospitality brands that build modern, guest-driven experiences that merge food, culture, and community.

Wine Consumer

Wine Consumer

Wine Consumer

Ashwin Rodrigues is a pioneering force in India’s wine industry, known for blending entrepreneurial spirit with a deep commitment to bringing the industry together. As the founder of Good Drop Wine Cellars and the Secretary of the Wine Growers Association of India, he champions Indian wines on the global stage while fostering a vibrant, forward-looking wine culture at home.

Fay left backpacking across the world to train under a few of the best mixologists in the world and then came back to India to revolutionize the Indian Bar Culture. Fay has initiated this cross country by Consulting for various bars, Takeovers in India as well as work with various craft beverage portfolios. Fay strives to follow modern bar trends and has undertaken certifications from Simone Carporale Barcelona (TAOS), and Ferderico Pasian (Master Fermenter) to enhance their skills.

Yangdup Lama is a distinguished bar owner, entrepreneur, and author with almost three decades of experience in the bartending industry. Recognized as one of India’s foremost bartenders, he has significantly influenced the country’s cocktail culture through his roles as a trainer, mentor, and ambassador. His impressive accolades include being named “Indian Bartender of the Year” in 1996, winning the Asia Pacific 30 Under 30 Award in 1997, and earning the “Industry Legend” title at India's 30 Best Bars in 2022. In the same year, Travel + Leisure Asia honoured him as the Indian Mixologist of the Year, and he made history as the first Indian to be featured in the Bar World 100 list by Drinks International Magazine UK. Yangdup’s bar, Sidecar, was recognized among the World’s 50 Best Bars since 2021 and has remained amongst India’s and Asia’s best bar since 2019. His impressive accolades include being named “Indian Bartender of the Year” in 1996, winning the Asia Pacific 30 Under 30 Award in 1997, and earning the “Industry Legend” title at India's 30 Best Bars in 2022. In the same year, Travel + Leisure Asia honoured him as the Indian Mixologist of the Year, and he made history as the first Indian to be featured in the Bar World 100 list by Drinks International Magazine UK. Yangdup’s bar, Sidecar, was recognized among the World’s 50 Best Bars since 2021 and has remained amongst India’s and Asia’s best bar since 2019.

"A native of Mumbai, Aditi Dugar began her career in Finance. In 2012, she pivoted to launch Sage and Saffron – the first end-to-end boutique catering company in Mumbai. In 2016, she set out to open Masque, a category-defining, fine-dining and the country’s first tasting menu only restaurant that exclusively heroes Indian produce. Masque is now consistently ranked the best restaurant in the country, appearing on Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure’s inaugural, collaborative list of the World’s Best. It has been ranked Best Restaurant in India at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards for four consecutive years – the first Indian restaurant on the list operated by a woman restaurateur. In May 2024, Masque made its debut on the world stage at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ 2024 long list at #78, climbing up 10 places to finish at #68 in 2025. Dugar also won the Innovation Award at La Liste 2025 – a definitive, international restaurant ranking recognising the 1000 best dining establishments globally. Under the banner of Urban Gourmet India, Dugar also owns and operates the recently launched cocktail bar Paradox, TwentySeven Bakehouse and TwentySeven Pizza & Bakes, all in Mumbai. She was also the advisor to ARAKU Café, a sustainable coffee chain whose board members include Anand Mahindra and Senapathy Gopalakrishnan. Dugar also oversaw the food programming at Seesaw Café, a partnership with Reliance."

"Charlie McCarthy, With a career as a cocktail bartender stretching back to 2004, Charlie’s mission with WSET is to build awareness of, demand for, and access to WSET’s suite of spirits qualifications across the globe. He is also a spirits judge for the IWSC, a proud mentor for the OurWhisky Foundation and a founder member of Bartenders FC London. Charlie joined WSET as Business Development Manager for Spirits in 2019. With a particular expertise in Irish whiskey Charlie is delighted to engage with the bartender community globally to champion WSET spirits qualifications."

"Charlie McCarthy, With a career as a cocktail bartender stretching back to 2004, Charlie’s mission with WSET is to build awareness of, demand for, and access to WSET’s suite of spirits qualifications across the globe. He is also a spirits judge for the IWSC, a proud mentor for the OurWhisky Foundation and a founder member of Bartenders FC London. Charlie joined WSET as Business Development Manager for Spirits in 2019. With a particular expertise in Irish whiskey Charlie is delighted to engage with the bartender community globally to champion WSET spirits qualifications."