Established in 1999 by Rajeev Samant, Sula Vineyards was the first winery in Nashik region, known as India’s very own Napa Valley. It has two beautiful properties in its premises, where you can stay, savour wine and just relax amidst nature.

Rajeev Samant’s introduction to wines took place during his early years studying at Stanford University and working at Oracle in California. But neither grapes nor wine were at the top of his mind when he returned to India in the early 90s. It was a chance visit to his family’s land in Nasik - a region well-known for growing table grapes - in 1994 led to the seed of an idea. Before he knew it, he began pursuing the idea of growing wine grapes in in Nashik. 

Samant spent three months at a small winery in California that belonged to his friend and mentor - and now Sula’s Master Winemaker - Kerry Damskey. Working on the frontlines of wine production gave him an inside look into the world of wines and what it would take to setup a successful business. In 1999, Rajeev established Sula Vineyards, Nashik’s first winery. Rest as they say is history! Today Sula is the most recognized Indian wine brand in the international sphere and the vineyards in Nashik is a place to be if you are looking for an exotic wine vacation.

After your tour of the vineyards, unwind with a glass or two at The Tasting Room overlooking rolling vineyards with panoramic views of the Gangapur lake in the distance. With decor inspired by Californian wineries, the Tasting Room is a great place to sample wine, as you take in the sunset view from the balcony. The vineyard also has two restaurants serving delicious food – Little Italy uses organic ingredients to create wood-fired pizzas, pastas, etc paired well with the wines and Soma offers specially curated Indian recipes paired to perfection with wines. 

They have a luxury vineyard property, Beyond By Sula tucked behind rolling hills of Gangapur and surrounded by the serenity of its calm waters. It consists of a superb, minimalistic 3-bedroom SkyVilla with unparalleled lake views and a feeling of peace and privacy as well as 7 Lakeview rooms that are a little haven of peace and quiet. The other option is to stay at heritage winery resort with a Tuscan twist, The Source at Sula. It’s the perfect weekend getaway where you can soak in the view, relax by the pool, play a little tennis, bicycle through idyllic fields and enjoy the full vineyard and winery experience. 

Next time you need not head abroad for a vineyard vacation. Just pack your bags for Nashik! 

How to reach there?

Book a flight or train to Mumbai or Pune. Nashik is 180 km from Mumbai, reachable by car, bus or train and 210 km from Pune, reachable by car or by bus.