A Joy for Small Wine Producers
Sommelier India|Spring 2023
Ajoy Shaw is a veteran wine consultant based in Nashik, the wine capital of India. He has been working with wineries for 25 years and is a fervent advocate of small producers.
Brinda Gill
A Joy for Small Wine Producers

What drew you to the wine industry?

In 1992, during my graduation in Microbiology at Garware College, Pune, I did a project on wines for a competition. It involved a lot of study and scientific analysis. The project won the competition and in the process I got drawn to wines!

What has been your work experience in wine?

In 1999, I saw an advertisement for the post of an assistant winemaker at Sula Vineyards. I applied and got selected. I joined Sula and worked there till 2017. From winemaking to making out the first invoice for Sula, to adding automation and barrels, I learnt and did a lot in those 18 years. I continue to have a great relationship with the company. I also worked on harvesting in California, Bordeaux and Burgundy during my Sula days which added to my winemaking knowledge. In 2004, I went to London at my own expense and did the WSET Level 3 exam and passed with distinction. After leaving Sula I have been working as an independent wine consultant to many wineries, including making wines from fruits other than grapes. I have also judged many domestic and international wine competitions.

How would you define small producers and why did that segment catch your interest?

This story is from the Spring 2023 edition of Sommelier India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Spring 2023 edition of Sommelier India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SOMMELIER INDIAView All
Uncorking The Past: Exploring The Fascinating World Of Wine
Sommelier India

Uncorking The Past: Exploring The Fascinating World Of Wine

Shalini Singh takes us on a tour of four unique wine museums that create an interactive and immersive wine experience

time-read
5 mins  |
Autumn 2023
Cure, fine Irish cuisine at its best
Sommelier India

Cure, fine Irish cuisine at its best

Chef Andrew Walsh draws on his Irish roots to create his own brand of Nua Irish Cuisine at Cure restaurant

time-read
2 mins  |
Autumn 2023
SARPOSH - A Kashmiri Oasis in Bengaluru
Sommelier India

SARPOSH - A Kashmiri Oasis in Bengaluru

An unusual restaurant, styled after a living room in a Kashmiri home, Sarposh presents a new style of dining as it explores a vast and nuanced regional cuisine. Sarposh introduces a different kind of restaurateur. Azmat Ali Mir, an engineer by training, left corporate life to take on the challenging role of showcasing a cuisine that is frequently misrepresented. Her interest lies in sourcing the best ingredients and presenting a menu that is embedded in the wider culture of Kashmir. Kaveri Ponnapa speaks with Azmat Ali Mir, who is slowly changing people’s perceptions of Kashmiri cuisine and through it, of Kashmir itself.

time-read
6 mins  |
Autumn 2023
Indian whiskies to the fore
Sommelier India

Indian whiskies to the fore

Indian single malt whiskies have come into their own winning international awards. Here, Gagan Sharma lists the whiskies to keep in your drinks cabinet

time-read
7 mins  |
Autumn 2023
WINE AUCTIONS - The Collective Napa Valley program raises funds year-round
Sommelier India

WINE AUCTIONS - The Collective Napa Valley program raises funds year-round

The wine fraternity in Napa Valley is known for giving back to the community generously, reports Mira Advani Honeycutt who attended its latest Auction

time-read
5 mins  |
Autumn 2023
Historic Wine Cellars
Sommelier India

Historic Wine Cellars

Britain’s famous universities have long held prized wines, estimated at millions of pounds in their venerable cellars

time-read
4 mins  |
Autumn 2023
The Women in Wine Network
Sommelier India

The Women in Wine Network

The international Women in Wine Expo brings women from around the world together to collaborate and exchange experiences. Ruma Singh attended the Expo in London this year

time-read
5 mins  |
Autumn 2023
Spring frost - A Burgundian winemaker's singular cross
Sommelier India

Spring frost - A Burgundian winemaker's singular cross

Raymond Blake on winemakers’ battle against dreaded spring frosts in Burgundy – just one of the many nasty curveballs that nature hurls from time to time

time-read
6 mins  |
Autumn 2023
BORDEAUX EN PRIMEUR BORDEAUX 2022 - A Collectors Vintage
Sommelier India

BORDEAUX EN PRIMEUR BORDEAUX 2022 - A Collectors Vintage

Namratha Prashanth shares her personal experience of the wines at the 2022 En Primeur tastings in April

time-read
5 mins  |
Autumn 2023
WINES OF HUNGARY - LIQUID GOLD
Sommelier India

WINES OF HUNGARY - LIQUID GOLD

Tokaji Aszú is a sweet botrytised wine from northeastern Hungary, prized by connoisseurs around the world.

time-read
6 mins  |
Autumn 2023