Diversity is here.

How did you become interested in wine?

My father. As a retired wine merchant, he propelled my interest in wine from a young age.

It was really significant to have my dad teach me how wine captured a sense of place and time tangibly. He was enamoured by the thought that wine was a way to experience history through taste and aroma, and wanted to share that passion with me.

As a collector, he opened his cellar to me when I was older and allowed me to try some of the iconic wines of Australia. Through this, I tried the very first wine that would lead me down this rabbit hole. That wine was a 1999 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz.

Why does the representation of a varied and diverse wine industry matter to you?

If you never see someone that looks like you in this industry, you'll always feel like you don't belong. It's important to have representation so people of different personal or cultural identities can feel a part of this wine community rather than an outlier or outsider looking into it.

If it wasn't for my own father being a part of this industry, I wouldn't feel as though this was an industry accessible to me. I want to ensure that others like me can enjoy all this industry has to offer without barriers of discrimination or exclusivity.

There can be a lack of awareness about the importance of equality and equity because those who haven't experienced it can be oblivious. Can you tell us about the challenges you've personally faced in this industry because you are not of the Caucasian persuasion?

Some of my biggest challenges have directly affected my mental health and mentality. It's incredibly tiring to be questioned about how someone of *my background* found themselves working in this industry.

Ive found myself as a consumer, not being taken seriously or being compartmentalised as cheap or uneducated in wine because of my Indian ethnicity. At Cellar Doors, I often receive the ‘short pour’, I often receive the neglected service, and I often have to ask more questions to be told anything about the product I want to purchase.

As a wine professional, to hear from a customer or colleague that it's "not normal" to see someone of my "nationality" in this industry is deeply hurtful, but unfortunately, all too common, even as an Australian citizen. That was also literally said to me yesterday!

I want to see more people like me getting involved as consumers or career professionals, so I don't feel like my heritage or identity in wine is a niche or anomaly.

Who has inspired you on our wine journey?

It'd almost be weird to not say my dad after the last few questions haha. So yeah, I'd say my dad, who's been a pillar at every stage of my life. As well as him, I've been inspired by others in the industry who I've had the privilege of working with or learning from.

Steve Flamsteed from Giant Steps, who was the first winemaker I ever worked with. He had such an intense love for wine and a passion he loved to share. He really helped my drive to learn more and never stop learning. The same applies to Anna Pooley and Justin Bubb, who's friendship and mentorship have helped me grow exponentially.

Curly Haslam-Coates. As a person of colour in the wine industry, you need to acknowledge one of the most inspiring educators and personalities in this industry. One of the strongest women I've had the pleasure of meeting and a champion for diversity and learning.

All the friends I've made through my time in the hospitality and wine industry. Anyone I've shared a drink with, anyone who's listened to my rants about Chardonnay, and anyone who's been kind, generous, and welcoming enough to share their knowledge and passion with me.

What is your favourite part of the wine world?

Chardonnay is by in large the love of my life. My favourite part of the wine world is my home, Victoria. How could you not love Victorian wines with the Yarra Valley, Beechworth, Macedon Ranges, Geelong, Gippsland, Mornington etc. I feel horrible lumping in tthe rest of Victoria's wonderful regions into an 'etc.' however I think I've used up all my characters!

At school, I thought my job would be...

Archeologist! Like most kids, I was obsessed with Indiana Jones as a kid as well as Ancient history and the pyramids. I loved history class throughout school, and I even had the chance to visit Petra in Jordan to recreate my Indiana Jones fantasies. I think my dream of this career ended when I realised the profession was nothing like Indiana Jones and whips were not socially acceptable.

I would tell my 10-year-old self this about my work today.

I get paid to do something I love. I get paid to talk about something I'm passionate about. I get paid to drink alcohol. You may not think that's cool now, but boy, will you be stoked about it.

In 2030, how would you like the wine industry across Australia and New Zealand to be?

Simple, more inclusive. More accessible. I want everyone to be winos and on the verge of high-functioning alcoholism. Okay... maybe not that last bit, but I want this industry to feel more welcoming to people from all walks of life. Wine gives a sense of community, and everyone deserves to be a part of it.