My passion and joy for wines began while working on a project on wines during my graduation days. My foundation in science was built when I studied microbiology for my graduation and biotechnology for post-graduation. I also did a brief research in molecular biology before returning to my love of winemaking. Not satisfied with the knowledge available in India on the subject, I looked outside and I was the first Indian to get a Diploma in Wines and Spirits from WSET London. As early as in 2007, I started judging in many international wine competitions. Again my quest for knowledge of wines remained unquenched and I put in almost 7 years to study for the Masters of Wine program to learn about the different wines of the world in great detail. The degree still remains elusive but I have not given up.
I started working with Sula Vineyards in September 1999 and this was the changing moment of my life as it gave me the opportunity to learn on the job. The great faith put in by Rajeev Samant saw me work almost 18 years with the winery. I made wine for 18 harvests in Sula and also had the opportunity to be part of another 4 harvests at some wonderful wineries outside India – 2 in California and one each in Bordeaux and Burgundy. Working with different winemakers helped me learn different winemaking styles and use them on making new wines. I worked with different grape varieties and different winemaking styles incorporating this knowledge and the latest technologies into winemaking.
Still on my quest to do something new, I am now using my experience to do winemaking consultancy for different wineries, improving the quality of Indian wines and also working to make some iconic wines to come out of India. I would like to be the change for the Indian wine industry trying to provide information on various current topics using this website. I would be happy to interact with consumers, wine industry professionals and people in general using this forum.
Articles in media featuring Ajoy Shaw
Proust Q&A: Ajoy Shaw
Ajoy Shaw is the chief winemaker at Sula Vineyards in Nashik, Maharashtra. Sula is the largest producer of Indian wines and exports to over 22 countries worldwide… Read more
Confessions of a Winemaker
As a wine maker my number one asset is my experience, which improves year after year and gives me many more ideas on how to handle the fruit… Read more
Sommelier India Magazine
What made you want to become a winemaker? I never planned or set out to become a winemaker and was doing research work in biotechnology… Read more
A Year in an Indian vineyard
January 1 It is the first day of the New Year and it seems everything is new and has changed overnight. Most of the vineyards have grapes that are growing… Read more
Hindustan Times – A grape toast
The job of a winemaker involves taking decisions and managing the process of winemaking at various stages. It also involves visits to far flung or local vineyards… Read more
Exclusive tasting session with Chief Winemaker
Sula Vineyards, India’s #1 wine company and largest wine producer in the country hosted an exquisite wine and food pairing event yesterday… Read more
Sula’s Chief Winemaker, Ajoy Shaw Tells Us
Be it summer, the monsoons or winter, it’s always a good season for wine. In India, mention the words ‘local wine’ and most people’s minds will automatically… Read more