'WE ATTHE HAPPY HIGH PRIDE OURSELVES IN BEING THE MAJOR SHAKERS AND MOVERS IN THE WINE AND SPIRIT INDUSTRY'
Express Food & Hospitality|December 2019
The Happy High is a wine & spirit education and consulting firm founded by Ajit Balgi in 2014. The firm works with hotels on staff training and bar menu development; liquor companies for trade and consumer advocacy; country wine and spirit boards on building awareness about a liquor category or brand, and with importers on wine selection and wine tasting. Balgi spoke to Akshay Nayak to unfold The Happy High's deep rooted motto of exuding quality wine & spirit education in India
Akshay Nayak
'WE ATTHE HAPPY HIGH PRIDE OURSELVES IN BEING THE MAJOR SHAKERS AND MOVERS IN THE WINE AND SPIRIT INDUSTRY'

What inspired you to pursue a career in spirits and alcobev industry?

My love for beverages started when I used to work as a freelance bartender in 2001 during my hotel schooling at IHM Mumbai. I kept my passion alive by focusing on beverages during my stints at The Orchid and Renaissance, Mumbai, by managing bars at both hotels. Another turning point came during my tenure at the Soho House London where I topped a wine course curated by a consulting Master Sommelier. I was the only Asian in that group and my inhibitions about Indians not understanding wines were overcome. I pursued my studies in wine, a level 3 from WSET (London) and have been teaching their courses in India since 2010.

What were the initial challenges and opportunities faced during the journey?

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