Weather: 17 - 32°C
Label: Top Attraction
Tags: Winery, Vineyard, Wine Tasting, Garden & Park
Category: Wine Tourism, Culinary, Nature
Timings: 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee:
- INR 150 pp (Touring & Tasting 4 wines)
- INR 250 pp (Touring & Tasting 6 wines)
- INR 100 pp (Touring)
Overview of Sula Vineyard, Nashik
Nestled in the beautiful region of Nashik, approximately 180 km northeast of Mumbai, Sula Vineyard is one of India’s most renowned wineries. The vineyard spans an impressive 1800 acres, and it’s celebrated for its exquisite collection of wines including Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Zinfandel. Established in 1998 by Rajeev Samant, the winery has grown from a modest 30-acre estate into a thriving business and is often regarded as the Wine Capital of India.
A visit to Sula Vineyard offers a unique combination of nature, winemaking heritage, and leisure. You can take a tour of the vineyards, engage in exclusive wine tasting sessions, and even experience grape stomping during harvest season. The vineyard also boasts beautiful restaurants, a gift shop, and a resort to make your stay comfortable.
Sula Vineyard: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
For those who wish to delve deeper into the art of winemaking, the Sula Vineyard offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the history of the vineyard, the grape-growing process, and the intricacies of wine production. These tours end with a wine tasting session in the Tasting Cellar, where guests are educated about the five steps of tasting wine. The experience is guided by experts, ensuring a rich and informative session.
The vineyard offers several tour packages:
- Touring & Tasting 4 wines: INR 150 pp
- Touring & Tasting 6 wines: INR 250 pp
- Touring: INR 100 pp
Grape Stomping & Special Events
One of the highlights at Sula Vineyard is the Grape Stomping, a traditional Roman practice that takes place between January and March. During this fun and unique event, visitors can experience the joy of crushing grapes with their feet—an exciting activity that adds to the charm of the place.
Sula also hosts the SulaFest, a renowned live music and gourmet food festival that takes place every year. Started in 2008, it features food, wine, music, and grape stomping. It's a great time to visit if you want to experience the energy of live performances and meet fellow wine lovers.
Dining & Other Facilities
For those with a hunger for more than just wine, Sula Vineyard has two excellent restaurants:
- Little Italy (Italian Cuisine)
- Soma (Indian Cuisine)
Both restaurants serve delicious meals, offering everything from mouthwatering pizzas to rich curries. The Tasting Room overlooks the picturesque vineyards and the backwaters of Gangapur Dam, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal or wine tasting.
Additionally, the Gift and Bottle Shop offers exclusive Sula wines that you can purchase as souvenirs to take home.
How to Reach Sula Vineyard
-
By Air: The nearest airport is Ozar Airport, located about 15 km from Nashik. You can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach the vineyard.
-
By Rail: The closest railway station is Nashik Road Railway Station, which is around 4 km from the vineyard. From the station, local transportation like taxis or auto-rickshaws are readily available.
-
By Road: Nashik is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai (180 km), Pune (210 km), Nagpur, and Bangalore. You can drive, take buses, or hire taxis to reach the vineyard. The drive offers scenic views, making the journey a part of the experience.
Tips for Visiting Sula Vineyard
- Weekday Visit: To avoid crowds, it’s recommended to visit on weekdays, especially during peak seasons.
- VIP Tasting: You can opt for VIP tasting or a premium tasting experience for a more personalized and luxurious tour.
- Taste and Buy Package: The Taste and Buy Package (INR 37) includes an exclusive tasting session of six wines.
- Book in Advance: If visiting during festivals like SulaFest, it's best to book tickets in advance.
