This year, Sula Vineyards celebrates its 26th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of pioneering India’s wine industry and transforming wine tourism.
From the most-awaited return of the beloved Sula Fest 2025 to garnering international acclaim, this silver jubilee is a testament to innovation, success, and the exciting future of Indian wine.
This simple guide addresses all your inquiries about Sula Vineyards in Nashik, including its precise location, the best time to visit, and what to anticipate upon your arrival.
By the end, we will also touch upon the history of the vineyard and a little more to tie the strings together. Sula-tes get started!
Overview: Sula Vineyards
Sula Vineyards is a famed winery in India’s Nashik region, offering vineyard tours, wine tastings, and great food. Here is a table that quickly highlights what Sula Vineyard has to offer:
| Sula Vineyards, Nashik | Details |
|---|---|
| The Best Time to Visit | January to March |
| Entry Fee | Rs 600/- on Weekdays & Rs 1000/- on Weekends/Prime days |
| Timings | 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Monday to Sunday) |
| Types Of Wines | Red wine, White wine, Rose wine, Sparkling wine, Wine in a can |
| Resorts and Accommodation | The Source at Sula and Beyond by Sula |
| Activities | Wine tasting, winery tours, gourmet dining, a staycation at resorts, vineyard walks, and Sula Fest. |
| Other Locations | Domaine Sula, Bangalore |
| Map to Visit Sula Vineyards | Sula Vineyards Nashik Google Maps location |
Things To Keep In Mind Before Visiting Sula Vineyards
Sula Vineyards is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and travelers seeking a blend of nature, luxury, and indulgence.
Let’s look at what you need to know before visiting Sula Vineyards.
Sula Vineyard Entry Fee
The entry fee at Sula Vineyards costs Rs 600 on weekdays and Rs 1000 on weekends, which are considered peak days.
Location and How to Get There
Sula Vineyards is about 15 km from Nashik city and conveniently accessible by road from Mumbai (180 km) and Pune (205 km).
You can choose various transportation options, such as a private car, taxi, or bus, to ensure a seamless travel experience.
The nearest railway station and airport are located in Nashik, with the railway station situated 24 kilometers away and Nashik airport approximately 39.7 kilometers distant.
Best Time to Visit Sula Vineyards, Nashik
Sula takes utmost care to keep its vineyards beautiful all year round.
But, it is best to plan your visit between January and March to catch up with the Sula Fest and enjoy the leisurely summer morning strolls through the Vineyards.
The annual SulaFest, held in February, is a major attraction, offering a vibrant mix of music, wine, and gourmet food.
However, if you like monsoon or autumn, exploring the vineyard estate can also be a great season.
Sula Vineyards Dining
Great wines deserve great pairings! And Sula has the perfect dining options for the times when all the vineyard walks and exploration make you hungry.
You can savor the delicious Indian and Italian cuisine at Rasa or indulge in finger food at the country’s first Tasting Room, where you can gaze at the sunset while enjoying stunning vineyard views and Sula’s exquisite wines.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
These tips will ensure that your Sula experience is truly memorable. For booking overnight stays if needed, here is everything that you should keep in mind:
- Weekends can get crowded, so expect long queues for lunch reservations and wine tours.
- Sula features three restaurants: The Tasting Room, Rasa, and the Little Italy, pick one that meets your needs the best.
- For the best experience, book a table at The Tasting Room to enjoy the panoramic views of the serene vineyards.
- Don’t miss The Bottle & Gift Shop for Sula’s wine collection and unique souvenirs.
- Sula offers two luxurious properties for overnight stays: Beyond by Sula and The Source at Sula. Be sure to book well in advance, especially for weekends.
Winemaking at Sula Vineyards
At Sula, you can take a closer look at how India’s pioneering wine brand exactly does what it does and, most importantly, how!
1. Vineyards and Grapes
Sula Vineyards focuses on grape varieties, like Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which flourish in Nashik’s ideal climate.
These grapes are cultivated using sustainable viticulture practices, which promote eco-friendly growth while preserving the environment.
2. The Process
A visit to Sula offers an in-depth experience of the winemaking process, guided by an experienced tour guide who answers all the questions you might have.
From plucking the grapes to crushing, fermentation, pressing, clarification, aging, and finally bottling, you’ll gain professional insight into the entire process.
The tour includes a look at the warehouse, where you can spot wooden barrels aged up to 20 years.
Sula’s commitment to quality control and innovation ensures each bottle reflects their dedication to producing premium wines, blending tradition with modern techniques for exceptional results.
Sula Vineyards: Wine Tasting
Sula Vineyards offers a variety of wine-tasting experiences for all levels, from novices to connoisseurs. Guided tours provide insight into winemaking, from grape picking to bottling, with tastings of their finest wines.
For a more personalized experience, private tastings offer a deeper dive into the flavors and aromas of select wines.
In Sula’s wine tasting rooms, you’ll sample six award-winning wines and receive basic wine training, learning to identify good wines and the essentials of wine etiquette, like smell, temperature, and food pairings.
After the tasting session, you can enjoy a stunning sunset view over the vineyards while sipping your wine, which is accompanied by delicious finger foods.
Whether you’re enjoying Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon, each tasting experience at Sula is designed to deepen your appreciation of Indian wines.
Resort and Accommodation
Sula Vineyards offers two exceptional accommodation options for those who want to experience the best wine country.
The Source at Sula
The Source at Sula is India’s first heritage winery resort, located on the site of Sula’s historic first winery, marking the beginning of Nashik’s rise as India’s top wine region.
You can enjoy panoramic views of Sula’s vineyards, the Deccan hills, and Gangapur Lake.
Each room here is named after a renowned global wine region and offers a unique vinous experience, blending luxury and elegance for an unforgettable stay.
Amenities At The Source at Sula
- Outdoor Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi
- Spa & Fitness Centre
- Breakfast Buffet
- Wine Tasting & Tour
- Cycling
- Restaurants: La Bodega, Tasting Room, Rasa, and Starlight Terrace
Beyond at Sula
Nestled in the serene hills of Gangapur, Beyond redefines luxury with its tranquil, off-the-grid retreat. It is a perfect sanctuary where nature meets modern elegance.
Each room offers stunning views of Gangapur Lake and the lush Nashik countryside, providing an idyllic setting for relaxation.
Beyond is more than just accommodation; it’s an immersive escape into nature with all the comforts of contemporary luxury.
Amenities At Beyond at Sula
- Infinity Pool & Jacuzzi
- Spa
- Wine Tasting & Sula Vineyards Tour
- Breakfast Buffet
- Lake Views
- Café Rosé
Sula Fest, Nashik 2025
The 14th Edition Sula Fest is on the 1st and 2nd of February 2025. This year, the event will feature performances by renowned artists like Divine, Ritviz B2B Karan Kanchan, When Chai Met Toast, and more.
The festival offers much more than music, with wine-tasting sessions, gourmet food stalls, and a lively artisanal market.
Guests can indulge in a variety of wines from Sula and beyond, paired with exquisite culinary delights from popular restaurants.
Tickets start at INR 2,500, and the event will run from 12:30 PM onwards. Perfect for wine enthusiasts, music lovers, and getaway seekers.
Why is Sula Vineyards So Popular?
Sula offers a unique tourism experience, with vineyard tours, wine tastings, and gourmet dining set against a serene backdrop.
Moreover, the annual SulaFest, a music and wine festival, further cements Sula’s status as a must-visit destination for wine lovers and travelers.
Let’s take a look at some reviews below.
Prasanna left a review on Tripadvisor and described the experience as “absolute delight!” Image below.
A Quora User, Donna Graves, described her Sula experience as “delightful.” Read the full review below.
Rahul’s review on MakeMyTrip highlights his birthday experience at Sula Vineyard in his review below.
Founding and Early Days
Rajeev Samant’s journey into the world of wine began during his years at Stanford University and working at Oracle in California.
A visit to his family’s land in Nashik in 1994 sparked his interest in wine, given that the region was already known for growing table grapes.
His curiosity led him to spend three months at a small winery in California, working alongside his friend and mentor, Kerry Damskey, who later became Sula’s Master Winemaker.
Inspired by this hands-on experience, Samant founded Sula Vineyards in 1996, aiming to create India’s first winery focused on high-quality wines
Challenges Faced
Setting up a winery in India came with its share of challenges.
The concept of wine, particularly premium wine, was still foreign to most Indians, and the country’s wine industry lacked infrastructure.
Samant had to overcome skepticism about whether Indian soil and climate could support quality wine production.
Yet, with determination and innovative techniques, he succeeded in developing the Indian wine industry, setting a strong foundation for future growth.
Growth and Expansion
The winery gained recognition for producing exceptional wines using Indian-grown grapes, and its first wines quickly garnered praise.
Sula led the way in establishing wine tourism in India, offering wine tours and hosting the now-iconic SulaFest music festival.
The brand expanded into new wine regions and introduced a diverse range of wines, helping to establish India as a key player on the global wine stage
Sula’s Impact
Sula has a major impact on the wine industry culture and has played a role in the lives of other winemakers in India. Let’s take a closer look below.
Pioneering Role
Sula Vineyards has been a leading figure in India’s wine industry. By producing wine from Indian-grown grapes and focusing on quality, it has transformed India’s wine landscape and helped establish Nashik as the country’s wine hub.
Sula’s introduction of wine tourism sustainability, including vineyard tours and the iconic SulaFest, has further popularized wine culture in India, inspiring other wineries to follow its model
Influence on Other Wineries and Winemakers
Sula’s success has set the bar for the Indian wine industry, encouraging other wineries to focus on quality and innovation.
The winery’s emphasis on local grape varieties, sustainability, and global exposure has influenced new winemakers wineries and mapped India on the global map.
Promoting Wine Culture in India
Sula Vineyards continues to expand its reach within India and internationally. The company diversified its product line, introducing wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc while focusing on sustainability.
Samant, a strong advocate for the environment, integrated solar power into the winery’s operations, meeting over 60% of its energy needs from renewable sources, and continues to improve sustainability efforts.
Conclusion: Best Time To Visit Sula Vineyards is From January to March
The best time to visit Sula Vineyards is between January and March when it is the harvest season, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and vineyard strolls.
On the weekdays, you can get an entry pass for as low as Rs 600/-, which climbs to Rs 1000/- on weekends.
During the same time, you can also experience the Sula Fest 2025—a vibrant event that features music, wine, gourmet food, & a memorable blend of culture.
The journey to Sula is a spectacle in itself, thanks to the Deccan hills and the city’s landscape. Also, if you wish to stay at the Sula resort, make sure you pre-book for the best rooms.
FAQs
One day is enough time to visit Sula Vineyards in Nashik, India. You can spend a few hours or a full day exploring the serene vineyard, wine shop, and restaurants.
Sulafest 2025 is scheduled to be held on 1st and 2nd February 2025 at the Sula Vineyards in Nashik, Maharashtra. The festival will feature music, wine, and gourmet food.
The highest percent of Alcohol by Volume (ABV) in Sula vineyards is 13.5% ABV which is for the Rasa Syrah, Zinfandel, Chenin Blanc (12% ABV), etc.
Vineyard season is the annual cycle of grapevine growth, including spring bud break, summer ripening, fall harvest, and winter dormancy, influencing grape quality and winemaking.
The best time for wine tasting is early or mid-morning when your palate is fresh, your senses are heightened, and the environment is quieter, allowing for a more focused experience.
A vineyard is a land where grapevines are cultivated to produce grapes for winemaking. Wine is the final product made by fermenting these grapes, available in various types like red, white, or sparkling, depending on the grape and winemaking process.
