'Sometimes, I prepare Indian food at home'

Wine connoisseur

No matter which part of the world he is in or what he is doing, Kerry Damskey always has one thing running through his mind and that is wine. He drinks wine, speaks wine and thinks wine.  

The connoisseur has helped Sula Vineyards take wine making in India to new heights. And that’s probably why he is known as a ‘wandering winemaker’and ‘Indiana Jones of winemaking’. Hailing from California, USA, Kerry visited Bengaluru recently. In a chat with Anila Kurian, he talks about his fine journey so far.

How did you get into wine making?
My family has always had wine enthusiasts, so I visited many wineries even before I turned 21. I thought I would become an anthropologist but later realised that it was not my calling. So I studied wine making and here I am.
 
What’s the coolest thing about being a winemaker?
(Laughs) That is the cool thing! Having said that, I like the lovely mix of craft and science that the drink provides. You can use it in different ways as well.

Is this your first time in Bengaluru?
Oh, no! I have been coming here since 1995 on short visits. This time, I am staying in India for two months.

Do you like the city?
It was boiling hot when I landed last week. Thank goodness it rained; it’s absolutely gorgeous!

Where else are you travelling to in the country?
I will also be in Mumbai for work. I’ve been there a couple of times; I’m excited to see what it is going to be like this time.

Have you tried the street food there?
I’ve heard it is really good but I haven’t tried it out yet. Maybe this time.

Do you like Indian food?
Oh, yes! When I’m in the US, I eat a lot of meat-based dishes. But I prefer to have vegetarian dishes here — they are so delicious. Sometimes, I prepare Indian food at home.

What do you cook?
I make a lot of curries — shrimp curry is one of my favourites. If I find time, I want to attend some cooking lessons and go back home with more recipes to try out.

Any other souvenir you’d like to take back home?
I have come to India several times. I think I have about everything I need as I have been collecting various things over the years. I have Indian carpet rugs and Ganesha idols all over my house.

How do you make the most of your time in a new city?
I try to interact with as many locals as I can, go for a walk around the neighbourhood and just enjoy the place to the fullest. There’s no better way to soak in the goodness of
any city.

Apart from wine, what else are you passionate about?
That’s pretty much all I do! (laughs) However, I do enjoy cooking. The process is similar to wine making.