Rojita Tiwari’s journey through the world of wine and spirits has positioned her as one of India’s most influential voices in beverage culture. Her work in storytelling, education and brand strategy aligns seamlessly with Women Raise the Bar, MONIN’s CSR initiative committed to advancing opportunities for women in hospitality. She recently brought her expertise to our panel in Mumbai, offering clear and compelling insights on women’s financial empowerment and the growing importance of personal branding.

Read more about her journey in the interview below

1. Your Journey Begins

How did you first step into the world of bartending or hospitality?

Was there a moment early in your journey when you thought, “I’ve found my calling”?

My journey into this industry was unplanned. In 2006, after working in journalism and contributing to a few publications, I became the Associate Editor of a liquor magazine. It opened the door to a world filled with tastings, certifications, interviews, travel and constant learning. I also helped organise an All India Bartending Competition each year, which gave me a closer look at the skill and passion within the bartending community.

The defining moment arrived during a visit to a wine region in Italy in my second year at the publication. It was not the travel that stayed with me. It was the stories rooted in the
 
vineyards, the people behind the bottles and the sense of identity carried in every wine. That connection felt powerful. Somewhere on that trip, the idea of Drinks & Destinations was born, even though I did not know it yet.

In 2014, I finally took the step. I left my job to launch my own consulting firm, Drinks & Destinations. My first independent assignment was curating India’s first jury-based wine competition. Soon after, I worked on taking a premium Indian rum to the international market. Those early projects set the foundation for everything that followed.

2. Challenges and Turning Points

What has been the hardest part of your path?

What helped you push through when it felt overwhelming?

Being an early female voice in the drinks industry came with real challenges. When I started, the idea of a woman writing about spirits, educating on drinks, consulting for brands or judging competitions was extremely rare.

Over the years, I have taken on many roles: journalist, educator, sommelier, consultant, podcast host, international judge and brand strategist. Some days those roles felt empowering. On other days, they felt heavy. Gender bias created roadblocks, and there were moments when stepping back would have been easier.

What kept me moving was resilience, built quietly through strong industry relationships, consistent work and a reputation grounded in integrity. I did not wait for someone to offer me space. I created my own.

3. Milestones That Matter

What achievement are you especially proud of?

Has your definition of success changed over time?

My career is shaped by a series of milestones rather than a single turning point. Curating
India’s first jury-based wine competition was a moment of pride and responsibility. Supporting the launch of a premium Indian rum in the global market helped me understand the depth of brand storytelling. Contributing to the creation and introduction of a new international spirit category in India remains one of the most meaningful opportunities of my career.

Awards and recognitions along the way acted as gentle confirmations that my unusual path had value. Each one arrived at the right moment.

“My definition of success has evolved. Today, it is
not about visibility. It is about impact.’’

My definition of success has evolved. Today, it is not about visibility. It is about impact. It is about creating meaningful work, uplifting others and watching the industry grow into a more diverse and imaginative space.

4. Shifting the Narrative

How has the role of women behind the bar changed? What does true inclusion mean to you? What mindset in the industry needs to change now?

When I entered this field, women were almost invisible in the drinks space. Today, I see women behind the bar, leading distilleries, consulting, judging, educating and shaping how brands speak to the world. The change is not only in numbers. It is in attitude.
Inclusion, for me, is not a slogan or a panel topic. Real inclusion is when a woman walks into a tasting, a bar or a boardroom and her expertise is recognised immediately. It is when opportunities follow talent, not tokenism.

The industry urgently needs to redefine how it views credibility. Expertise cannot be measured by gender, age or stereotype. It comes from skill, passion, experience and honesty. It is time the industry aligned with that reality.

5. On Women Raise the Bar

What does this movement mean to you?
How do we ensure it leads to real opportunities?

Women Raise the Bar resonates with me because it mirrors the journey many of us have lived. We entered a space that was not fully ready for us and watched it slowly evolve.

To me, the movement is about building an ecosystem where women not only participate but thrive. Where they lead, influence and innovate. Where their presence is normal and their voice is valued.

“Real progress requires steady action’’

Real progress requires steady action. Mentorship, equal pay, leadership pathways, safe workplaces and opportunities that are consistent and long term. Change becomes real when the next generation of women does not inherit the struggles we faced.

6. Quick Hits

Your favourite drink to make:
A Negroni. Three simple ingredients that create depth and balance. It reflects what I

What “raising the bar” means to you in one sentence:
Raising the bar means elevating standards while lifting people with you, never at their expense.

Discover more inspiring industry stories on our Women Raise the Bar blog channel, and follow our platform for upcoming conversations, insights and initiatives.