Crafting Dreams, One Vineyard At A Time

Women are creating masterpieces in the alcoholic beverages industry, and one of them is Tamanna Agarwal, oenologist and a master’s student in viticulture and oenology. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and deep-rooted dedication to the art of winemaking make her story one of determination, passion, and inspiration—one that will undoubtedly inspire many.

For Tamanna, winemaking is more than just a profession—it is the perfect harmony of science, creativity and nature. This perspective captivated her from an early age, despite growing up far from traditional wine regions. “I was born in Coimbatore, far from the heart of winemaking, yet deeply drawn to it when I was very young,” she reflects. With no direct access to wine education, she pursued food process engineering, knowing that fermentation would be her gateway into the world of wine.

She graduated from the Hochschule Geisenheim University, Institut Agro Montpellier, and thereafter gained experience at Sula Vineyards, Martell and Co, Trinchero Family Estates, KRSMA Estate Winery, Opus One Winery, and Weinbau Heilemann.

The Journey

Tamanna’s first harvest at Sula Vineyards turned fascination into certainty, and it gave her the drive to propel her career forward. “It was the perfect start,” she says. Since then, vineyards across India, the US, France and Germany have been her classrooms. Tamanna’s journey, enriched by mentors worldwide, has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering thirst for knowledge. “None of this would have been possible without the unconditional support of my mother, father, and brother, even when it meant being away from them to chase my dreams,” she says on an emotional note.

As of now, she finds herself pruning vines on the steep slopes of the Rhine valley, working on innovative viticulture projects like using smartphone images to determine the weight of canes in vineyards, and researching vine salt tolerance, while balancing studies. Each experience adds depth to her story and drives her forward. Every day presents new lessons—from unexpected challenges in the vineyard to breakthroughs in sustainability. The constant evolution, the privilege to travel, learn, and create, keeps her energised.

Overcoming Odds

With no formal background in wine and coming from a culture where this path was unconventional, earning her place took time. “Yet, every challenge taught me more about myself. I stood my ground, embraced learning, and let my work speak. My journey isn’t about competition, but about selfgrowth,” Tamanna states.

On a lighter note, when asked, what would it be if she had to describe herself as an alcoholic beverage? “A vintage champagne,” She replies “Because its effervescence mirrors my energy, its complexity reflects my experiences, and like me, it thrives on time, patience, and a deep connection to its roots,” she explains.

Life’s Mantras

Embrace the chaos, find joy in small moments, and never lose your sense of wonder. That is the mantra that keeps Tamanna going forward. And what’s more, she finds her fulfilment in not one moment but a collection of experiences— mentoring others, developing innovative projects, and realising that her younger self’s dream is now her reality. “My journey is fuelled by the gratitude I feel for every opportunity, every challenge, and every person who has been part of it,” she says. Given this perspective on life and work, Tamanna does not chase an end goal.

Her journey is about continuous learning, exploring the world, savouring good food, and staying curious. She believes success is not a final destination but the joy of embracing every experience along the way. “I am grateful for living the life I once prayed for and hope to continue growing, learning, and inspiring others,” is how she puts it. And for those women who are nursing dreams of joining the alcobev industry, Tamanna has a word of advice: Own your journey. Make choices that resonate with you, stand by them, and never let fear dictate your path.

Quick Shots

🌸 One word to describe your drive
Insatiable

🌸 An accomplishment you are most proud of
Turning dreams into reality through perseverance

🌸 A person who inspires you the most
My mother

🌸 Your go-to mantra for tough days
One step at a time – even pauses are part of the journey

🌸 If not in your current role, what would you be doing?
Tending to a small farm, having a bunch of pets, travelling the world, indulging in good food, and being surrounded by loved ones

🌸 Legacy you want to leave behind
I don’t chase the idea of a legacy

🌸 Coffee, tea, wine or whisky
Coffee to savour the quiet moments, wine to celebrate the unforgettable ones

🌸 Early bird or night owl
Early bird—vineyards and ideas don’t wait

🌸 Go-to power song
Patakha Guddi – Highway

Rooting For Equality

Rooting For Equality Now that Tamanna has loads of experience working in the heart of the alcoholic beverages industry, she believes that when it comes to women, talent should be recognised for its merit without labels or assumptions. “True inclusivity means creating an industry where opportunities are accessible to everyone based on skill and dedication, without any biases,” she says. It’s not about favouring women; it’s about ensuring that passion and competence are the benchmarks of success.

That said, she feels that structured mentorship programs can help bridge gaps and provide the right support for those entering and growing within the industry.

Initiatives like the Bâtonnage Forum, which creates mentorship opportunities for women in wine, demonstrate how targeted support systems can make a real impact. Establishing similar mentorship networks based on merit can help nurture talent, build confidence, and encourage more people to consider the industry as a career option.