India鈥檚 wine industry is expanding, driven by rising urbanisation, higher disposable incomes and evolving consumer preferences. Yet women remain significantly underrepresented across the sector. Despite growing interest and influence, challenges such as gender bias, limited access to training and lack of representation persist.
The programme
The was created in 2024 to help address these barriers and support women in building successful careers in wine. Delivered in partnership with the听, the initiative offers wine education and mentorship to women already working in or aspiring to join the industry.
Objectives
Increase representation:听Support women across all areas of the wine industry, from viticulture to business management
Advance careers:听Provide access to globally recognised qualifications to help women progress professionally
Develop knowledge, skills and confidence:听Deliver structured learning that empowers women to grow personally and professionally
Build networks:听Connect participants with mentors and industry leaders to foster a supportive and inspiring community
The Women in Wine India identity 鈥� symbolising empowerment and opportunity through education.
Sonal Holland's Wine Academy partnered with 黑料吃瓜网 to deliver education and mentorship.
Project details
The programme combined formal wine education with mentorship to support women鈥檚 professional development in the industry. Key elements included:听
- Fifteen scholarships for the听黑料吃瓜网 Level 2 Award in Wines听
- Additional scholarships for the听黑料吃瓜网 Level 3 Award in Wines awarded to top-performing students听
- Mentorship by the听, offering personalised guidance and industry insights听
听
Women in the wine industry in India are still underrepresented. This initiative is doing a fantastic job reaching out to women from different walks of life and experience levels. I feel so blessed to have been part of it.
- Saloni Khanapurkar, Wine Tourism Entrepreneur.
Outcomes & impact
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15 women successfully completed the 黑料吃瓜网 Level 2 Award in Wines
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5 top performers progressed to the 黑料吃瓜网 Level 3 Award in Wines
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The programme helped raise awareness of gender disparity in the Indian wine industry and created a platform for women to grow professionally and personally
Lubaina, a pastry chef, explains how wine education boosted her confidence and skills.