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India Wine & Spirit Ratings by Sonal C Holland

The country’s most trusted wines and spirits, now setting the standard for how quality is rated.

New, Better and Definitive Evaluation

Stage 1: Open Assessment

Every nominee is scored through an open assessment with knowledge of producer, brand, origin, category, style and positioning. This ensures every label is judged with full knowledge of its origin and craft.

Stage 2: Absolute Scoring

The score is awarded on the globally recognised 100-point scale. This means nominees aren’t pitched against each other and have to prove their individual merit against international standards.

Sonal C Holland during a professional wine assessment

100-Point Ratings Scale

100 points

Hall of Fame

A legendary wine or spirit - the pinnacle of quality, character and craft. Unmissable.

95-99 points

Iconic

World-class products that define excellence in their category. An essential addition to any collection.

90-94 points

Outstanding

Exceptional wines and spirits marked by remarkable quality and distinction. A standout choice.

85-89 points

Sonal C Holland MW

Tasting by Sonal C Holland

Sonal C Holland MW is India's first and only Master of Wine, one of fewer than 500 professionals worldwide to hold the wine industry's highest qualification.

Recognised as India's foremost authority on wines and spirits, Sonal is among the world's most comprehensively qualified beverage professionals, holding the highest qualifications awarded by WSET London in wine, spirits, sake and beer. With more than two decades of experience and tens of thousands of professional tastings, she brings unparalleled expertise, consistency and integrity to every assessment.

An internationally respected award-winning broadcaster, educator, entrepreneur and consultant, Sonal has been instrumental in shaping India's modern wine and spirits culture. Through education, media, consulting and consumer engagement, she has helped transform premium beverages into one of the country's fastest-growing lifestyle categories.

She is the founder of the Sonal Holland Academy, India's leading beverage education institution, the India Wines and Spirits Ratings by Sonal C Holland, India's most credible, expert-led evaluation of in-market products, and SoHoWines Consulting, which advises international producers, hospitality groups and airlines on market entry, premiumisation and growth strategies in India.

With a community of more than two million followers across social media, Sonal is one of the world's most influential drinks communicators. Her recommendations shape purchasing decisions, influence consumer behaviour and provide valuable visibility for brands across both trade and consumer audiences.

Her contributions have been recognised with numerous international honours, including the WSET Outstanding Alumni Award and the title of World's Best Wine Communicator at the VinoInfluencer Awards. She has also been recognised among the Top 100 Most Influential People in Indian Luxury.

Today, Sonal continues to work with leading producers, global organisations and hospitality companies while championing higher standards of quality, education and consumer trust across the Indian beverage industry.

Visit sonalholland.com to know more