IWS Ratings by Sonal C Holland

The Evolution

IWS Ratings by Sonal C Holland 2026: A New Era Begins

India's most credible wines and spirits platform enters a new era. For nearly a decade, it recognised excellence through jury-led competition and awards. In 2026, India Wine and Spirit Award became India Wines and Spirits Ratings by Sonal C Holland, moving from jury-led competition to individual, expert-led assessment. It adopts an open and absolute evaluation methodology built on individual merit, not comparison.

Every wine and spirit is now scored independently on a 100-point scale by Sonal C Holland, MW, India's first and only Master of Wine. Rather than comparing entries against each other, each is judged on its own merit against a single, absolute-scoring approach. The result is a ratings platform built on one clear, calibrated voice: distinctive, dependable recommendations for consumers and the trade.

Sonal Holland, Master of Wine

Master of Wine

Sonal C Holland

Our Partners

Hosted by
Event Partner
Associate Partner
Gifting Partner
Luxury Partner

Before · Transition · Now

01

Before

Traditional jury-led, blind-tasting competition
Medals awarded through category comparison
Recognition centred around the awards season

02

Transition

Moving from awards to expert-led ratings
Open assessment replaces blind tasting
Absolute scoring replaces category ranking
Publicly searchable scores and year-round recognition

03

Now

A score that bridges the gap between consumers and good quality labels
A benchmark that's easy to understand and communicate.

Same Commitment, New System, Authentic Scores

01

Open Assessment

Each nominee is tasted with full knowledge of its identity, origin, style, price and positioning.

02

Absolute Scoring

Every entry is assessed independently on its own merit, never against other nominees in the same category.

03

100-Point Scale

A clear, globally recognised score that effectively communicates quality to trade and consumers.

Key Benefits

Built for Trade & Consumers

01

Credible Expert Rating

Scores and notes from India's first Master of Wine — trusted by trade and discerning consumers.

02

Consumer & Trade Discovery

Stand out where buyers and drinkers look for quality they can trust.

03

Year-Round Visibility

Recognition that lasts beyond awards season — searchable scores all year.

04

Marketing & Recognition

Official assets and standing to support premium positioning and storytelling.

Our Partners

Hosted by
Event Partner
Associate Partner
Gifting Partner
Luxury Partner