Our first visit to Avani Wines wasn’t planned—it was serendipity. The small, biodynamic vineyard in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula was closed the day we arrived, yet Shashi and Devendra Singh welcomed us in, opening their tasting room and sharing their wines and beautiful story.
That day, a kinship was formed. Fast forward eight years when we returned, they greeted us like old friends. Some things had changed—their son Mohit had returned from the fast pace of London, joining his mom working the land and making wines. Sitting with them and sharing stories felt more like visiting family than visiting a winery. And it was through that lens we experienced their wines.
Beyond the wine, what stands out most about Avani is Shashi herself—her warmth, her quiet determination, and her journey as a woman in winemaking.
Shashi Singh is not your typical winemaker. Born in Haryana, India, she moved to Australia through an arranged marriage, supporting her husband’s restaurant while raising their children. Yet, a love for the land and an inquisitive scientific mind led her to an unconventional path.
At 38, she began working under Phillip Jones, a pioneer of biodynamic winemaking at Bass Phillip. She pursued a double degree in Viticulture and Oenology and, in 2009, completed her first solo vintage. Avani Wines was born.
Shashi’s wines reflect her character—gentle yet determined, precise yet soulful. Her approach follows minimal intervention, letting nature guide the process. Their estate Syrah, grown biodynamically, is a true expression of the land and the rhythm of nature.
⸻
A Nurturing Spirit in Winemaking
Winemaking is more than a career for Shashi; it is a return to her roots. In India, she learned how to work with nature —a philosophy that defines Avani Wines today.
Avani means “the earth” in Sanskrit—a name that speaks to Shashi’s respect for the land. With a scientist’s mind and a farmer’s intuition, she embraces biodynamic viticulture, believing that a healthy vineyard produces the best wines. Chemicals are never used; the land is nurtured through natural cycles, allowing the soil and vines to thrive naturally, building strength and resistance, and resulting in vibrant, expressive wines. She believes wine should tell the story of its origin, and at Avani, every bottle does just that.
In this season of celebrating women—mothers, entrepreneurs, and those who pave the way for future generations—Shashi Singh stands as a soft yet powerful force. In a world where winemaking is often about control, Shashi takes a different path: she listens, adapts, and trusts nature. This patience and gentle strength, makes Avani special. Shashi’s journey proves that it is never too late to embrace a calling, that motherhood and ambition can coexist, and tradition and innovation can work hand in hand.
For us, Avani is more than a winery. It’s a place where we feel at home, where we connect around the table, and each visit feels like picking up where we left off—as it should when you’re among friends.
In July, we are excited to feature Avani Wines on our Spoken Wines YouTube channel, sharing this remarkable story of passion, perseverance, and wines that speak of the earth.
“Shashi Singh’s journey proves that it is never too late to embrace a calling, that motherhood and ambition can coexist, and that tradition and innovation can work hand in hand.”