Travel Counsellor Sejal Majithia-Jaswal hosted the club’s first event on Friday evening, having been inspired to launch the series following a “life-changing” visit to India.

The fortnight-long trip saw the London native and her husband Ash explore Rishikesh, Varanasi and Agra, with stops along the way to iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple and the Leopold Cafe.

It also ignited her passion for Indian wine, which is currently one of the fastest-growing wine markets in the world.

“I’ve always had an appreciation for wine, but I fell in love with Indian wines during this trip,” Sejal told TTG Luxury. “It was my first time tasting Sula and Fratelli and I saw how thriving their domestic wine scene is.”

Shortly after returning to the UK, she contacted her DMC in India to discuss the potential of hosting wine trips for her clients. It was during this conversation, however, that she realised these guided tours didn’t need to be exclusive to one country.

“It may sound obvious, but there’s a synergy between luxury travel and wine. Wine can be found across the world: Chile, Argentina, California, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa.” Once this connection had been made, Sejal saw that the topic could be a gateway to talking about different destinations with clients – but only if she knew her stuff.

“I decided I needed to educate myself further on it, so I’ve enrolled in a Level 2 WSET course in May,” she revealed. “I want to have a concrete understanding of the subject.”

For the first instalment of her wine tasting series, Sejal was keen to keep things as “relaxed” as possible. She invited just nine guests, hosting the event in her own kitchen rather than booking a restaurant table.  

“It was lovely but also surprisingly inexpensive,” she said. “We didn’t have to spend a fortune eating out.”  

Though a fan of most wines, Sejal chose to focus on Pinot Noir after realising the global grape would be the perfect conversation-starter.

“I thought it could tell an interesting story, because it grows everywhere from Burgundy to New Zealand.” She also picked an English Pinot Noir Rose from the North Downs, hoping to highlight the red wine grape can also be sourced domestically.

Once all her guests had arrived, Sejal provided background details on each wine – supported by a comprehensive guide – before letting the tastings begin. The drinks were paired with food made by her husband, Ash, as well as a champagne toast in celebration of the club’s launch.

Though there was plenty of discussion around the wine, Sejal says the topic of the conversations inevitably progressed onto travel: “It was pretty natural because each wine was from a different region.”

Sejal also says the tasting allowed her to connect with her clients in a non-transactional way, thus building the trust that so often generates high-value bookings. 

"I always try to be as open as possible so my clients can see the face behind the business,” she explained. As for hosting clients in her own home, Sejal says this gesture is simply an extension of her hospitable nature: “We love having people over!”

Sejal’s hopes for these tastings are twofold; firstly, to support her ongoing wine education, and secondly, to shift clients’ preconceived notions about certain destinations. 

“I want people to realise you can visit the Taj Mahal and the vineyards in the same trip,” she explained. It helps, she notes, that her clients are already interested in “bespoke” trips and value her proposals of new ideas. 

Sejal’s next wine tasting will take place on 17th April, in honour of World Malbec Day. She plans to host the evenings every couple of months, with the longterm goal of escorting clients on her own wine tours. 

“It’s been so fun, and if people come to me naturally because they want to book with me, then that’s a bonus,” she added. “I’m just wondering why it took me eight years!”