A Joy for Small Wine Producers

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

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?