The Happy High: Raising the Bar for India's Beverage Culture
Founded in 2014, The Happy High is a Mumbai-based beverage education, consultancy and drinks media company dedicated to elevating India's beverage culture. Operating at the intersection of beverage education, bar consulting and industry journalism, we help individuals, hospitality businesses and beverage brands build knowledge, create memorable drinking experiences and stay ahead of industry trends. Over the years, The Happy High has also evolved into one of India's important wine and spirits publications. Through our editorial platform and growing social media presence, we reach thousands of hospitality professionals, beverage enthusiasts and premium consumers every month with news, analysis, educational content and industry insights from India and around the world.
Beverage Education
Professional courses in wine, spirits, bartending and sake designed for aspiring professionals, hospitality teams and enthusiasts.
Beverage & Bar Consultancy
Wine lists, cocktail menus, sake lists, brand advocacy and bar takeovers for restaurants, hotels and beverage brands.
Drinks Publication
Independent news, market trends and expert insights on wine, spirits, beer, cocktails and hospitality from India and around the world.
Trusted by Leading Wine, Spirit & Hospitality Brands
Founder
Ajit Balgi
Wine, Sake & Spirit Educator | Editor | Sommelier
Ajit is one of India’s foremost wine and spirit educators. A seasoned mixologist and certified sommelier, Ajit brings over a decade of international experience, having worked across Mumbai and London in the dynamic world of wines and spirits.
He holds advanced qualifications from the prestigious Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), London, and has trained over 5,000 professionals and enthusiasts over the past 10 years. Ajit is India’s only active BNIC Cognac Educator—one of just 90 recognized globally—and a Certified Wine Educator, adding to his credibility as a top-tier trainer and consultant. To add, He is also certified by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association and also a WSET level 3 in Sake.
Ajit’s expertise has earned him Indian and international recognition:
Ajit is an alumnus of IHM Mumbai and holds an MBA in Marketing from S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai. Complete profile here
Wine, Sake & Spirit Educator | Editor | Sommelier
Ajit is one of India’s foremost wine and spirit educators. A seasoned mixologist and certified sommelier, Ajit brings over a decade of international experience, having worked across Mumbai and London in the dynamic world of wines and spirits.
He holds advanced qualifications from the prestigious Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), London, and has trained over 5,000 professionals and enthusiasts over the past 10 years. Ajit is India’s only active BNIC Cognac Educator—one of just 90 recognized globally—and a Certified Wine Educator, adding to his credibility as a top-tier trainer and consultant. To add, He is also certified by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association and also a WSET level 3 in Sake.
Ajit’s expertise has earned him Indian and international recognition:
- Indian participant at ESPAI Priorat 2017 in Spain, Austrian Wine Summit 2017
- Recipient of the U.S. Cochran Fellowship in wines and spirits in 2016
- Indian judge at the Michelangelo Wine and Spirit Awards in South Africa, 2018
- Indian Sommelier of the year 2022 by FCIC
- Speaker at Masterclass Prowine, Vinexpo, Chef's Connect by WICA, India Bartender Week on wines and Spirits
Ajit is an alumnus of IHM Mumbai and holds an MBA in Marketing from S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai. Complete profile here
