About Us
India Wines And Spirits Ratings By Sonal C Holland: About Us
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.
Evaluation Criteria
Quality
The overall standard of the product, including purity, integration, finish and technical execution.
Typicity
How clearly the product expresses its stated category, origin, style and identity.
Balance
How harmoniously flavour, structure, alcohol and texture work together.
Complexity
The depth, range and development of aromas, flavours and texture.
Overall Recommendation
The confidence with which the product can be recommended to consumers and the trade.
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
Icon
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
Recommended
Highly enjoyable labels with good credentials and consumer appeal. A dependable choice.
Master of Wine
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.
Nomination Guidelines
Eligibility
- Open to Indian and international wines, spirits, sake, mead and cider available in the Indian market.
- Entries may be submitted by producers, importers, distributors or authorised brand representatives.
- Every product or label must be nominated separately.
- Each entry must be placed in the most appropriate category.
- The nomination form and applicable fee must be completed before the deadline.
- Submitted samples must match the product currently available in the market.
Sample Requirements
- Submit one sealed bottle of every nominated product.
- Samples must carry their original, intact retail labels.
- Each bottle must match the product details entered in the nomination form.
- Pack all samples securely to prevent breakage or leakage.
- Clearly mark the brand and product details on the outer shipment.
- Deliver samples between 24 and 26 August 2026.
- The delivery address and instructions will be shared after nomination confirmation.
Key Dates
14th August 2026
Nominations Close
Complete the online form and payment process to confirm all entries.
24th-26th August 2026
Sample Delivery
Send one bottle of every nominated wine or spirit.
August-September 2026
Evaluation and Designations
All entries are tasted, assessed and scored by Sonal C Holland MW.
15th October 2026
Ratings Announcement and Celebration Soirée
The official results will be unveiled at Taj Lands End, Mumbai.
Following the Results
Year-Round Discovery
Published scores and recommendations remain accessible through the IWS Ratings platform.
Categories
Wines
- Champagne
- Sparkling Wines - International
- Sparkling Wines - Indian
- White Wines - International
- White Wines - Indian
- Rosé Wines - International
- Rosé Wines - Indian
- Red Wines - International
- Red Wines - Indian
- Sweet Wines - International
- Sweet Wines - Indian
Sake, Mead and Cider
- Sake
- Mead
- Cider
Spirits
- Whisky - International
- Whisky - Indian
- Brandy
- Vodka - International
- Vodka - Indian
- Gin - International
- Gin - Indian
- Rum - International
- Rum - Indian
- Agave Spirits
- Tequila
- Mezcal
- Liqueurs - International
- Liqueurs - Indian
- Indian Speciality Spirits