Batch 4 students of the Hospitality Business Leadership (HBL) program at SP Jain Global had the opportunity to attend a wine appreciation masterclass led by Sonal C Holland - India’s only Master of Wine and a leading expert in the alcobev industry.

The workshop introduced students to various beverage styles, regions, and production techniques, with a focus on how environmental and traditional factors influence flavour profiles. Through a guided tasting session, HBL students learned to evaluate beverages by appearance, aroma, and palate, identifying key flavour notes and understanding how subtle variations in production impact taste and texture.

The masterclass also covered food-pairing fundamentals, demonstrating how flavour components such as sweetness, salt, acidity, umami, and spice can influence a tasting. It concluded with essential guidance on service and storage practices, equipping students with operational knowledge of temperatures and preservation.

What began as a workshop in beverage appreciation evolved into a powerful lesson in hospitality excellence. With Sonal’s engaging approach and industry insights, students were encouraged to see beyond technique; to recognise how every detail contributes to guest satisfaction.