Behind every exceptional bottled beverage lies a series of decisions made long before the cork is pulled. Soil conditions, climate, harvest timing and ageing methods quietly determine whether a drink becomes ordinary or truly distinctive.
During a masterclass led by Sonal Holland, the Master of Wine and a leading expert in the alcobev industry, students from the Global Luxury Goods & Services Management (MGLuxM) and Hospitality Business Leadership (HBL) cohorts at SP Jain School of Global Management explored what goes into creating premium grape-based beverages. The session offered a behind-the-scenes look at the journey from vineyard to bottle, revealing how each stage plays a role in shaping flavour, texture and quality.
The conversation also highlighted what happens after production is complete. Students examined how blending decisions, careful bottling and proper storage help maintain consistency and quality.
In luxury hospitality environments, where guest experience is closely tied to product excellence, maintaining these standards becomes essential. Students explored how storytelling, authenticity and expertise all play a role in how such products are presented and valued in global markets.
Sessions like this provide students with insights that go beyond classroom theory. By interacting directly with industry experts, they gain a clearer understanding of how products are created, positioned and experienced within the luxury hospitality sector.
The masterclass also introduced students to the wide range of careers within the global beverages industry, from production and quality control to brand representation, hospitality leadership and education.
For students preparing to enter luxury and hospitality fields, developing this level of product knowledge strengthens their ability to create meaningful guest experiences and becomes a powerful differentiator.