Meet man who quit high-paying job, mortgaged everything to build Rs 4186 crore firm, produced India’s first…

Leaving a high-paying job abroad to pursue entrepreneurial dreams is a courageous and challenging decision that many individuals face. The allure of stability and financial security overseas often tempts individuals to settle down after completing their education. However, there is a growing trend of individuals who choose to forego the comfort of a lucrative job abroad in favour of building something of their own in India. Such is the story of Rajeev Samant who is today known as India’s wine king because of this successful business. 

Rajeev Samant who is called the 'Wine King of India' founded Sula Vineyards in 1999 in Nashik. It was the first winery to open in Nashik. At present, Sula Vineyards is one of the largest wine producers in India that boasts a whopping market capitalisation of Rs 41.86 billion. Rajiv is the MD, CEO and promoter of this company. 

Born in Mumbai, Rajeev completed his early education in the city. He later went to the US for his further education, successfully earning his undergraduate degree in Economics, followed by a Master's in Engineering Management - both prestigious achievements from Stanford University.

After completing his graduation, Rajeev worked in a big Computer software company like 'Oracle.' in US. 

In 1993, he decided to leave his job and made his way back to India and wanted to enter the agriculture sector. Channeling his time and energy into farming, he started the cultivation of mangoes, roses, and grapes on his family’s 20-acre farmland located in Nashik. Eventually, he realized that the weather conditions of Nashik were perfectly suited for the growth of wine grapes.  According to a report of the Mint, Samant said, “We had to mortgage everything. If the wine business didn’t work, we could lose all of the Rs 3 crore and some more. It was all or nothing." 

He then went to California and met a famous winemaker. He agreed to help Rajeev start a winery. After a considerable amount of determination and hard work, he started 'Sula Vineyards'.

Apart from his soaring success in the business world, Rajeev has a deeply rooted passion for saving the environment. He is married to Margarita Andronova and has a daughter.

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