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The India Wine & Spirits Award (IWSA) is the most prestigious blind-tasting competitions in the country, recognising excellence in wines and spirits. Behind every label that wins an award at this competition is a team of experts who bring years of experience, refined palates, and industry knowledge to the judging process. On the occasion of Women’s Day, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible women experts on the IWS Award wine jury.
These wine professionals, educators, journalists and entrepreneurs are not only shaping the landscape of the Indian wine industry, they are also ensuring that the competition maintains its high standards of excellence.
A diverse panel of judges brings a wider range of expertise, experiences, and perspectives to wine competitions. Women in wine have been shaping global trends, and their striking presence in IWS Award Tasting Comptetition 2024 brings women consumers’ perspective to the fore. Women make up for half of wine consumers in India, therefore it is extremely important that their tastes and preferences are acknowledged. Our women jury members put on their consumer hat for the competition, so that we could create a comprehensive winners’ list.
The women experts on the IWSA wine jury are shaping the future of wine appreciation in India. From journalists and educators to sommeliers and entrepreneurs, these women bring exceptional skill, passion, and credibility to the judging process.
As the Indian wine industry grows, we celebrate the dedication and expertise of these inspiring women, who are raising the bar for wine judging and education.
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Meet the Women Experts on the IWS Award 2024 Wine Jury
Ruma Singh
Ruma Singh holds a WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and French Wine Scholar certification. She is a highly respected independent wine and spirits journalist and writer. Based in Bengaluru, she is an educator, wine judge, consultant and columnist for leading Indian and international publications such as Mint Lounge, The Hindu Weekend and Atout France. She is a member of the UK-based Circle of Wine Writers. Ruma brought her unparalleled expertise in wine and eye for detail to the jury table at the IWS Award 2024 Tasting Competition.
Apurva Gawande
Apurva Gawande holds a WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine. The founder of Curated Wines is dedicated to making wine and wine education accessible in India. As a WSET Educator at the Indian School of Beverages and a former Trade Ambassador for Chandon India, Apurva is committed to enhancing the quality and reach of oenology in India. She has trained over 200 hospitality professionals and collaborated with luxury establishments in India. Her expertise in creating unique wine programs and captivating consumer events makes her a respected consultant in the industry and we were thrilled to have her as a jury member for the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024 Tasting Competition.
Sovna Puri
Sovna, an Approved Programme Provider for Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses in India, is an award-winning WSET Certified Educator and WSET Diploma holder. She has received the “Future 50 Awards” and “Phoenix Leading Lady Awards” for her contributions to the industry. As an independent consultant, she conducts tastings, trainings, and courses across India. Sovna brought her vast knowledge and extraordinary palate to the jury.
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Gauri Devidayal
From the analytical world of tax consulting at PwC to pioneering the F&B landscape with ventures like The Table and Magazine St. Kitchen, Gauri stands out as a WSET-certified wine enthusiast and a voice for women in business. As a celebrated podcast host, recognized by giants like Forbes and GQ, she gracefully juggles her entrepreneurial spirit with motherhood. We couldn’t be happier when she joined the 2024 Tasting Competition’s jury panel.
Gargi Kothari
The Founder of Magic Cellars, Gargi Kothari, is a curator of immersive and interactive wine experiences. She creates everything from intimate wine evenings to extravagant wine festivals, all with the idea of spreading her love for wine. Gargi has cultivated a vibrant community of wine lovers who seek to learn and appreciate wine. She holds a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and has been working in the Indian wine industry for the past 12 years. It was a great pleasure to have Gargi as a jury member!
Click here to check out winners in the wine segment at the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024.
