From Mumbai to Marlborough

Ajay Munde

KAT DUGGAN

WHEN COVID-19 hit New Zealand in 2020, Mumbai native Ajay Munde was stranded. But there were worse places he could be.

Having only arrived in Marlborough the year prior, Ajay was at Matua Wines for vintage 2019 and 2020, and was lucky enough to be kept on as a cellar hand when vintage was over. “I think Marlborough is the best place to stay. It has the sunny days [and] similar warmth to home,” he says. “I like it here, the people are really nice. The work everywhere in the wine industry is the same, so it’s nice to be where the people are very good.”

Ajay completed his winemaking studies in Mumbai, India, after being introduced to the industry by his father. “My dad, he’s a farmer; he’s into agriculture [and] we had some wine varieties and table grapes… I’m more interested in winemaking and making my own wine,” he says.

After completing his winemaking degree, Ajay travelled to the United States, and then to New Zealand. This harvest will mark his fourth vintage with Matua Wines, one he predicts will be very different from typical vintage periods.

“Harvest is really fun, there are lots of people from different nationalities and it’s really good,” he says. “Last year there were less people from around the world and this year will be even more different - not many people from around the world.”

A lack of experience in the cellar during vintage

2022 has the potential to slow progress, but Ajay says it’s very dependent on the individual learning the role.

Most wineries will be in the same boat, he adds. “We should be okay.”

Ajay’s favourite wines aren’t typical Marlborough drops, leaning more toward the sweet, spicy flavours found in Indian cuisine. “My favourite wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, and also Riesling,” he says. “I like the more aromatic, spiciness in the Cab Sauv. And with Riesling, I like the late harvest, it has more sweetness and more characters.”

Ajay’s original move to Blenheim was only meant to last a year, and he feels lucky to have been able to stay on as an employee with Matua to ride out the pandemic.

He hopes to be able to return home to see his parents and younger brother and sister at some point within the next year, before doing some more travel.

Later, he envisions returning home to India for good to work in the family vineyard and make wine.