Wine, Sake and More…

The Indian subcontinent’s most prestigious alcobev platform, the Spiritz Achievers’ Awards, once again set the stage for excellence in the world of alcoholic beverages. The 12th edition commenced on August 29, 2025, at Radisson Blu, Sector 29, Gurugram, with a day brimming with blind tastings, intense scrutiny and insightful exchanges. What unfolded was not just a competition but a powerful showcase of evolving consumer tastes, industry innovations, and Spiritz Magazine’s commitment to raising the bar year after year. 

A Day of Tastings

The morning opened with a meticulous evaluation of beers, laying the groundwork for an exciting day ahead. As the afternoon progressed, attention shifted to an increasingly vibrant segment—wines, including flavoured ones, and sakes. Once considered niche, these categories have steadily carved out a space in consumer consciousness, especially among younger audiences seeking novel experiences in taste and texture.

This year’s edition recorded impressive participation, highlighting the rising stature of the Spiritz Awards as a benchmark for quality and credibility. Wines were judged across established subcategories—Sparkling, Rosé, White, and Red—while the inclusion of sakes and flavoured wines underscored their growing resonance with the Indian palate.

The diversity of entries mirrored not only India’s expanding interest in premium beverages but also the global alcobev community’s faith in Spiritz as a trusted evaluation platform. From France, Italy, and Japan to New Zealand and India, both traditional powerhouses and emerging labels stood shoulder to shoulder in a competition that was truly global in character.

Distinguished Jury Panel

At the heart of the judging process was a carefully curated panel of experts, chosen for their mastery, sharp palate, and deep understanding of their craft. The jury comprised sommeliers, wine masters, sake specialists, mixologists, and hospitality veterans, who collectively ensured a fair and rigorous evaluation.

 The session was led by Ajoy Shaw, Director of Plateaux Vintners and former Chief Winemaker at Sula Vineyards. With decades of experience, Shaw brought invaluable depth to the proceedings. He was joined by Kunal Kaul, Founder of Grape Xpectations, whose expertise in training professionals in wines and spirits added an analytical dimension to the assessments.

Other eminent names included Deepak Rawat, Hotel Manager at Indian Hotels Company Ltd., with his nuanced perspective on food and beverage pairings; Gurjit Singh Barry, Founder of Maahaul India and WSET Level 4-certified sommelier; Akash Tomar, mixologist and beverage consultant; Ramit Narang, wine expert; Ankur Sahni, General Manager at Kofuku; and Abhiroop Ray, Restaurant Manager at Taj Mansingh and WSET Level 3- certified sommelier.

The panel was further enriched by the presence of Bishan Kumar, Editorin-Chief of Spiritz Magazine, whose decades-long engagement with the alcobev industry offered critical context and direction. Together, this eclectic group ensured that every pour was judged with precision, fairness, and respect for craftsmanship.

The Evaluation Process

In line with global standards, all entries were assessed through blind tastings. Judges meticulously evaluated appearance, aroma, flavour, texture, and finish, leaving no room for brand bias. The wines presented an impressive spectrum—from robust reds and crisp whites to delicate rosés and lively sparklings—while sakes, and flavoured wines added a refreshing, contemporary touch.

For the jury, this was not simply about awarding points; it was an immersive journey into terroirs, vintages, and brewing traditions. Their detailed assessments offered producers invaluable insights, a roadmap for finetuning their offerings in an increasingly discerning market.

 Sustainable Innovation

One of the defining features of the Spiritz Selection Awards is its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Since 2024, the judging process has been fully digitised, moving away from bulky paper sheets. Jury members now record scores directly into digital devices, with data instantly captured by a master system.

This shift has not only streamlined the evaluation process but also reduced the scope for error, reflecting Spiritz’s forward-thinking approach. Such initiatives, though small, send a powerful message about aligning tradition with modernity, and about an industry that increasingly values sustainability as much as quality.

A Platform of Global Relevance

Over the years, the Spiritz Achievers’ Awards have grown far beyond being a domestic recognition platform. Today, they are regarded by both international and Indian producers as a mark of credibility and excellence. For many brands, winning here is more than a matter of prestige; it is a passport to consumer trust and a gateway to the expanding Indian market.

The steady rise in participation year after year reflects the confidence producers place in Spiritz’s evaluation framework. What began in 2019 as a focused tasting initiative has now evolved into one of Asia’s most respected alcobev competitions, drawing attention from producers, trade stakeholders, and consumers alike.

Looking Ahead

The 12th edition of the Spiritz Achievers’ Awards has reaffirmed the event’s standing as a celebration of craft, innovation, and diversity in the alcobev space. The blend of global and domestic entries, the expertise of its distinguished jury, and its commitment to sustainable practices together created an event that resonates with both the present and the future.

As the curtain falls on the tasting sessions, the fate of brands is now sealed. The industry eagerly awaits October 29, 2025, when the winners will be revealed. Until then, anticipation and suspense hang thick in the air, an excitement that reflects the true spirit of an industry constantly striving for excellence.