Slumdog Millionaire isn’t the only winner to come out of India recently. Sonoma County’s own Mushal Winery & Vineyards won a bronze medal for its Merlot out of more than 4,700 entries at the San Francisco Chronicle’s wine competition earlier this year.
Medaling at the largest American wine competition was even more surprising because the wine that won, a 2006 single-vineyard Merlot, was the winery’s first attempt. That doesn’t mean owner Avtar Sandhu, California’s only Sikh grower, is a novice to the business of wine.
For more than 30 years, he has grown and cultivated Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, And Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for the region’s finest winemakers on his Dry Creek land. Sandhu made the Merlot with the assistance of master winemaker Kerry Damskey.
The result is a soft, highly drinkable red wine that manages to stay interesting from the beginning of the bottle to the end. Only 3,000 cases are available but, with this first success, he aspires to add Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc to his repertoire in the near future.
Originally hailing from New Delhi, but long active in Sonoma County’s civic and agricultural affairs, Sandhu has felt it is his responsibility to acquaint India with the unique qualities of California’s varietals. By hosting events and tastings for India’s connoisseurs and curious from Mumbai to New Delhi, he and daughter Sonia have prevailed upon many five-star hotels to stock Sonoma wines.
Avtar as a Hidustani name means much more than a just a name-almost Prophet. Avtar Sandhu by producing an award winning wine has demontstrated the farming genes of a Punjabi Farmer have determination and hard work in the right direction, an integral component and pride in ones deeds.
Rotarians all over the World have a lot in common with Sikh faith and Principals.
Fourth object of the Rotary reads:-
The advancement of International understanding,goodwill and peace through a World fellowship of bussiness and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
The Four-Way Test(of the things we think,say or do)
1st Is it the truth?
2nd Is it fair to all concerned?
3rd Will it build goodwill and better friendship?
4th Will it be benificial to all concerned?
CONGRATULATIONS AVTAR SANDHU
Congratulations Avtar. Looking forward to a wine tasting. Keep the Armidillos away from those fine grapes. Norma
Can we have the judges’ comments ? Congratulations again!!!
Well done Avtar- especially as the competition was tough and it is a very resepectable Challenge. But you cannot sit on the laurels. Gold is what you are capable of producing-so go for it next time!
Avtar and Sonia: Congrats on your “first” public bottling. I am very much looking forward to your new endevours.
At a wine tasting at the Yeti Restaurant in Glen Ellen, we paired your wine with various Indian dishes. People loved it!
Maud