Myne Wines is another example of the indomitable Indian entrepreneurial spirit where ‘young Davids’ are willing to take on the established ‘Goliaths’ of the industry to try and make a mark for themselves.
Founded by Prashanth Nair, an ardent wine enthusiast, the company aims to redefine the potential of Indian viticulture on the global stage.
Myne Wines’ journey began with a partnership with Ajoy Shaw, one of India’s leading winemakers, who brought extensive expertise after a long tenure as Chief Winemaker at Sula. Ajoy’s transition marked a significant moment for Myne, unlocking invaluable insights into the Indian wine industry.
“Myne is the newest brand on the block and believes in making the best expressions of wines from the sunny weather here in India,” Ajoy states. “The goal is to create wines that showcase the essence of Indian climatic conditions, rather than imitating old-world European styles.”
This philosophy is central to Myne’s approach, striving to capture the warmth and rich flavours of tropical fruits produced in Indian vineyards.
Craft and vision
At Myne, the belief is that 90% of winemaking happens in the vineyard. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, grapes are meticulously handpicked at their peak to ensure richness in flavour and character.
The small state-of-the-art boutique winery (capacity 1 lakh litres) in Vinchur Wine Park, Nashik, blends traditional winemaking artistry with modern technology. Since the focus is on quality, limited batches are produced at the winery.
This enables the production of wines like Myne Reserve Shiraz, Myne Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Myne Shiraz Cabernet and Myne Chenin Blanc – each one expressive, balanced and uniquely Myne.
Myne Wines envisions elevating Indian wines to a prominent position within the global wine industry. The aim is to showcase the unique characteristics of Indian terroir while championing sustainability and pioneering methodologies.
Myne employs a model of contractual farming, which is common among wineries in India. The vineyards are primarily located in the Deccan Plateau, along the Bhima in Maharashtra.
This strategic sourcing allows Myne to work closely with local farmers, guiding them through viticulture best practices to ensure optimal grape quality. Myne provides detailed guidance on pruning schedules, which are adjusted according to monsoon patterns and seasonal temperature variations.
The winery maintains close communication with farmers to monitor vineyard health, thereby determining the ideal time for harvest. This collaborative approach not only enhances grape quality but also fosters sustainable agricultural practices within the local community.
Myne’s commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of farming, as they work to empower farmers with knowledge and resources, ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership
The wines
The Myne Reserve Shiraz is a full-bodied, barrel-aged red wine with a fruit-forward profile and ripe, soft tannins. Its balanced acidity enhances the overall experience, leaving a memorable aftertaste.
The Myne Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted with precision and aged to perfection. With a smooth and fruity flavour complemented by ripe tannins, it delivers a long-lasting finish that captivates the palate.
The Myne Shiraz Cabernet is celebrated for its easy-drinking character, featuring a unique fruity flavour derived from a blend of grapes from selected farms. Balanced acidity and a smooth finish make it a delightful choice for any occasion.
The Myne Chenin Blanc tantalises the senses with floral aromas and tropical fruit flavours. Its well-balanced acidity results in a long, enjoyable finish.
Recognition has not been far behind. Myne bagged the Silver Medal at Syrah du Monde 2024. Held in Rhone Valley in France the home of Shiraz wine. It has also been awarded the GRAND GOLD at Spritz Selection as the best Indian Red wine in INR 1000- 2000 category.
Currently available in Maharashtra, Myne plans to expand distribution to Karnataka, Goa, Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana. With prices ranging from INR 1,150 to INR 1,650, the goal is to provide premium quality wines to Indian consumers.
Discussions are also underway for exports to overseas markets including the US, South Korea, West Asia and Africa.