India’s 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 Women in Wine scholarships programme was created in 2024 to help address these barriers and support women in building successful careers in wine. Delivered in partnership with the Sonal Holland Wine Academy, the initiative offers wine education and mentorship to women already working in or aspiring to join the industry.

Objectives

Increase representation: Support women across all areas of the wine industry, from viticulture to business management

Advance careers: Provide access to globally recognised qualifications to help women progress professionally

Develop knowledge, skills and confidence: Deliver structured learning that empowers women to grow personally and professionally

Build networks: Connect participants with mentors and industry leaders to foster a supportive and inspiring community

Project details

The programme combined formal wine education with mentorship to support women’s professional development in the industry. Key elements included:

Fifteen scholarships for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

Additional scholarships for the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines awarded to top-performing students

Mentorship by the Sonal Holland Wine Academy, offering personalised guidance and industry insights

Four glasses with different types of wine in them

Outcomes and impact

15 women successfully completed the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
5 top performers progressed to the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
The programme helped raise awareness of gender disparity in the Indian wine industry and created a platform for women to grow professionally and personally

TESTIMONIALS

"I’m really glad I had the opportunity to be part of this initiative. Our instructor made wine knowledge accessible and less daunting. I hope to incorporate this learning into my professional and personal life." Lubaina, pastry chef

"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