Amrut

Winemaker | Brand Ambassador | WSET Educator

Talent

stellenboschMember since May 18, 2026

Tirage, Riddling & DisgorgingYeast selectionTemperature controlMaceration techniquesLaboratory analysis (pH, TA, alcohol levels, SO₂ management)Crossflow filtrationBottling line operationsInventory management

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Tirage, Riddling & DisgorgingYeast selectionTemperature controlMaceration techniquesLaboratory analysis (pH, TA, alcohol levels, SO₂ management)

About

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.

Experience

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)