Akshay Baboo.

Dr. Akshay Baboo is a wine research and curriculum consultant at Plumpton College in Sussex. He has a background in botany, zoology, and chemistry, and began making wine at the age of seven. After studying viticulture and oenology, he worked in Bordeaux and Champagne before taking on a role at India's Grover Zampa Vineyards. Dr. Baboo is passionate about teaching oenology and debunking the misconception that winemaking requires little formal education. He has received recognition for his work, including creating a range of Shiraz expressions and contributing to the education and research of the UK wine industry. Dr. Baboo advises aspiring winemakers to embrace hands-on experience and continuously learn new skills. He believes that a curious and analytical mindset is essential for success in winemaking. Plumpton College, where Dr. Baboo works, has played a significant role in the growth of English winemaking, with many industry professionals having attended the college. Dr. Baboo's current research focuses on wine chemistry, wine aging, and rootstock-site compatibility. [Extracted from the article]