USA

Sandeep Ghaey

Sandeep is the co-founder and managing partner of Vinic Wine Co. His passion for wine didn’t begin in the most classic of places: Champaign, in rural Illinois. A “young, brown wine enthusiast” and student at the University of Illinois campus in the town, Sandeep benefitted from the vibrant gastronomic and wine scene which developed around the campus, and began working in (what was at the time) Champaign’s only wine bar. To access certification, including Court of Master Sommeliers courses, he had to drive hours to cities such as St. Louis and Indianapolis. Following University, Sandeep began working for distributors for a number of years, beginning first with commodity brands, before then moving on to fine wines. It was during this time that Sandeep noticed something: without People of Colour at the leadership level, he was often passed up for promotion, despite his strong growth numbers and high level of certification. Undeterred, he decided to found his own wine shop, which he successfully grew and ran over the last 13 years. Sandeep is of South Asian heritage, and he is passionate about improving representation in the wine industry. Since joining the board of Second City Somms, a respected Chicago based study and tasting group, Sandeep has encouraged greater inclusivity and accessibility, encouraging conversations on anti-racism and equality in the industry. Already a student on the Master of Wine Program (and indeed, the only Stage Two MW student in the US Midwest), Sandeep feels that by succeeding at the program he will set himself apart as a role-model for other People of Colour in the wine trade, and hopes to make full use of the Internship and Mentorship Programme offered by the Taylor’s Port Golden Vines Diversity Scholarship to develop lasting contacts with producers.

“Winning one of the Taylor's Port Golden Vines Scholarships is surreal to me - I am truly honoured and thankful to have been chosen. There is this incredible mentorship and internship programmes with top professionals and wineries around the world”