Rakesh was born and raised in Mumbai and graduated from a university in London. He is a certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers and currently pursuing his advanced Sommelier with the intent to teach, and perhaps becoming a Master Sommelier Designation.

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Professionally, Rakesh has been involved in all aspects of wine management from training to tasting. He has created full wine and beverage programs, worked as a Sommelier, taught wine education, as well as helped build many wine bars and restaurants. Rakesh has worked for Oberoi Hotels, India, one Michelin star Launceston Place, Cinnamon Club & Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill in London.

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Rakesh flourishes when he is connecting with people, and drinking local wines. Rakesh was voted as Best Sommelier in Delhi NCR in 2019. He is the only ambassador for the Champagne Krug Ambassador program in India, a part of the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and also one of the brand ambassadors for Bergner Europe, Cook & Chef Institute who promotes technological innovation in kitchenware.

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Rakesh hosted ‘The Fine Wine Affair’, a 3-day extravaganza event featuring renowned wines with a series of wine tasting experiences, educational inputs & curated master classes. He was a tutor of WSET Level 2 at Oberoi School of Learning & Development (OCLD) for academic excellence. He has participated in articles on wines for specialist magazines like Sommelier India, Brews & Spirits, Delhi wine club and etc.

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