Amrut

Winemaker, blending specialist, and sensory professional with 23 years of experience across sparkling and still wine production, vineyard collaboration, and beverage education. Currently serving as Winemaker & Brand Ambassador at Domaine Chandon India, leading the complete production lifecycle from grape selection to final blend and bottling. International harvest experience in Oregon (USA) and Saint-Émilion (France), with deep expertise in blending strategy, sensory profiling, and style development aligned to market preferences.

Certified WSET Level 3 (Distinction) and WSET Educator, with extensive experience delivering structured training programs, sensory workshops, and brand-led education for trade, hospitality, and consumer audiences.

Winemaker & Brand Ambassador - Domaine Chandon India - India

(2011-01)

• Responsible for complete sparkling winemaking process, including grape selection, fermentation, blending, tirage, riddling, disgorging, and bottling.
• Played a key role in developing the Chandon India sparkling wine style tailored to the Indian market (fresh, crisp, fruit-forward profile).
• Collaborated with internationally renowned winemakers including Tony Jordan, Tim Heath, Kelly Healy, and Juan Gustavo.
• Developed and refined wine blends, contributing to product innovation and portfolio expansion, with hands on leadership in blending trails, dosage adaptation and final style harmonization.
• Maintained strict hygiene, sanitation, and compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
• Oversaw cellar operations, including equipment handling, maintenance, and inventory management.
• Recorded and analysed production data to improve efficiency and ensure traceability.
• Worked closely with marketing and sales teams to support product launches and brand storytelling, and positioning aligned with sensory identity.
• Contributed to wines achieving international recognition at global competitions.
• Conducted 200+ wine trainings and masterclasses for trade professionals, hospitality partners, and consumers across India, with focus on sensory appreciation, product knowledge, and brand engagement.
• Represented the brand at ProWine India, delivering masterclasses on sparkling wine and communicating brand philosophy to industry stakeholders.
• Managed winery tours, tastings, and visitor experiences at Chandon India Brand Home acting as key Brand ambassador and Educator.

Winemaker - Four Seasons Wines - India

(2007-01 - 2011-12)

• Managed end-to-end winemaking operations, including grape selection, crushing, fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling.
• Monitored and controlled fermentation processes to achieve desired wine profiles and maintain product consistency.
• Conducted sensory evaluations and laboratory analysis to ensure quality standards and flavour precision and blending accuracy.
• Collaborated with vineyard teams to determine optimal harvest timing based on grape maturity and quality.
• Supervised bottling processes, ensuring packaging quality, labelling accuracy, and adherence to production timelines.

Assistant Winemaker - Renaissance Winery - India

(2005-01 - 2007-12)

• Continue active involvement in harvest operations, vineyard visits, fermentation monitoring, blending trials, and base wine evaluations.
• Designed and executed fermentation strategies, including yeast selection, temperature control, and maceration techniques, to develop desired aroma, structure, and flavour profiles.
• Conducted detailed laboratory analysis (pH, TA, alcohol levels, SO₂ management) and sensory evaluations to maintain strict quality standards and regulatory compliance.
• Created and refined wine blends, balancing varietals and aging techniques (oak, stainless steel, etc.) to align with brand style and market demand.

Assistant Winemaker - Chateau Indage - India

(2003-01 - 2005-12)

• Began career at India's first sparkling wine producer.
• Worked with French winemaker Frederic Schermesser on grape selection, laboratory analysis, and production processes.
• Managed vineyard activities during harvest, ensuring optimal grape quality and timely picking based on maturity parameters.
• Performed laboratory analysis including acidity, sugar levels, and fermentation tracking to support production decisions.
• Managed crossflow filtration processes to achieve clarity, stability, and product consistency.
• Supervised bottling line operations (monoblock system), ensuring efficiency, hygiene, and packaging quality.

Harvest Internship - 12th & Maple Wine Co - Oregon, USA

(2006-01 - 2006-12)

• Experience in red winemaking, particularly Pinot Noir.

Assistant Winemaker - Château Grand Baril - Saint-Émilion, France

(2007-01 - 2007-12)

Harvest Internship - Château La Gaffelière (Premier Grand Cru Classé) - Saint-Émilion, France

(2007-01 - 2007-12)

Post Graduate Diploma - Alcohol Technologies & Industrial Fermentation - VSI (Vasant dada Sugar Institute) (2002-01 - 2003-12)

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry - Fergusson College (1999-01 - 2002-12)