Sula Vineyards: India’s Finest Wines

Sula Vineyards:

India’s Finest Wines

Sula Vineyards was founded by Rajeev Samant in 1999. It is a leading winery in India today, that entwines wine business and wine tourism. The impressive portfolio of this brand enfolds 56 wine brands and 21 international third-party spirit labels.

Sula Vineyards presently have a total of six production plants in Karnataka and Maharashtra with an installed capacity of 16.7 Mn liters. The grapes for wine-making are sourced from over 2,800 acres of land cultivated by more than 500 farmers.

Sula Vineyards Ltd. (SVL) holds 52 percent of the unfortified market share in terms of volume within the Indian subcontinent. The wine tourism sector of the brand achieved about 17 percent CAGR growth during the first quarter of this year.

SVL also has been able to increase its plant capacity by 14 percent in FY23. It is also estimated that wine consumption of the brand will grow at 15 percent by volume in FY24. And that it will be able to maintain its leadership in the market.

From the Beginning

Sula Vineyards in It was1999 when Rajeev Samant established the first SVL winery in Nashik. This paved the way for a sleepy town to emerge as the Wine Capital of India. SVL today spearheads the charge of Indian wine around the world. Sula has since been successfully guided by a sustainability and protectionist expert to save the environment.

Spend a day to explore Sula Vineyards

How about a day or two of wine, food, tastings along scenic views, and serene sounds? Plan a perfect weekend to Sula Vineyards and visit them to have a good time with your loved ones. You deserve to have a memorable time with your best friends and family.

A Selection of the Best Wines

Everything Sula does is guided by core values aiming at preserving and enhancing the art of winemaking. They love to make wine and are happy to have a team of talented winemakers to help them accomplish this. You will be delighted to discover and spend some time with them. 

Tours & Tasting

It is a special and mesmerizing experience to walk through a bustling winery and understand the process of winemaking from grape to glass. And to top it up by tasting award-winning Sula wines. You are welcome to the exclusive wine-tasting room at the brewery. Join a guided tour or undertake a private experience while watching the facility. And have a great time learning!

Domaine Sula

Domaine Sula Vineyard is located near Bangalore. There is an enthralling winery surrounded by nature. It is an ideal picnic spot for wine lovers exploring wine tourism. A journey here comes along with winery tours, wine-tasting sessions, and gourmet dining options.

Domaine Sula offers a perfect space for experiencing delicious wines. Domaine in French stands for a vineyard. A facility producing and bottling its wine is located alongside. And Sula is determined to spread cheer with every sip! 

The Domaine Sula Story 

Sula decided to rebrand its Karnataka winery to Domaine Sula. This South Indian state is the second-largest grape-producing region after Maharashtra. And Domaine Sula near Bangalore beautifully encapsulates all things related to making wine. It depicts the rich heritage of the Indian way of sustainable winemaking. 

The SVL logo displays a rising sun from the Domaine vineyards. The Sula portfolio consists of the most loved and the best wine brands marketed in India for over two decades now. Wine tours are yet another step towards building a strong connection with patrons and promoting wine tourism in India.

Celebrate a Special Day

And yes, you heard that right! Domaine Sula is one of the most unique destinations for you to laud events. It makes sense to move beyond the offbeat beaches, mountains, and palaces to celebrate weddings. Just imagine getting hitched in a beautiful amphitheater. Coupled with hills on one side and vineyards on the other. It would be delightful to frame a memorable sunset coupled with some free-flowing best wines.

Domaine Sula is what dreams are made of. And the teams assisting you here have tremendous experience when it comes to events. They ensure that your day here remains flawless. You can comfortably celebrate any special occasion here in this unique setting. And remember that all your guests will be talking about this event for years to come!

The lavish Sula vineyard resorts offer big spaces under the sun along with the best wines. This is an exciting way to make your occasion a memorable event. And don’t forget that pictures speak a thousand words. You’ll cherish to have plenty of them in your album forever.

Wine Tourism In India

Sipping on and clinking a sparkling glass of wine makes the world shine. This is what some wine lovers would like to do when they have the time. And thanks to the booming wine tourism in India, it is now easy to access such moments.

And you don’t have to plan an international tour to make it possible. We feature the 5 best places in India that are superb for wine tasting. So that you can have the best, while you rest. Quite a few of these vineyards also have resort facilities for a sparkling staycation. 

• Sula Vineyards @ Nashik:

This is one of the most famous names when it comes to wine tourism in India. Established in 1999, Sula Vineyard today is the top producer of wines in India. And the annual Sula Fest adds to its fame. Often termed the Mecca of Wines, this festival is organized every February along with palatable wines, delicious cuisine, and plenty of festivities.

An exciting artist lineup is the highlight of this occasion. Beyond Vineyard Resort at Sula anyway always stays open for wine tours even if you are unable to find time during the fest. The charge for the Sula vineyard tour is just INR 250 per person. And entry to this savory winery in Nashik is absolutely free.

• Four Seasons Vineyards @ Pune:

Four Seasons Vineyards is located 25 km away from Pune City. It is your own little heaven when you feel like it. Featuring 14 grand rooms, a swimming pool, a spa and a party hall this resort cum vineyard is inspired by the Great Gatsby. It can accommodate up to 1,000 people at one time.

Out here, you can never have enough of the wine trails, tasting room, and related merchandise. Go ahead and take a tour if it sounds fancy. And the package pricing is also quite decent. You get the swing for INR 3,500 per person along with food, a night stay, and drinks on the house. Four Seasons is a great place for vacation!

• Chateau D’Ori @ Dindori:

Located in the Dindori District of Madhya Pradesh, this dome-shaped winery is watered by three artificial lakes. The Chateau D’Ori is a good bundle of vineyards located in the middle of a vast network of routes. Right from guided tours to maintenance, it offers plenty of things in the package.

Built in 2007, this vineyard houses one of the largest merlot grape plantations in India. Considered amongst the premium wine brands, you can taste the best of Chateau D’Ori in the intimate tasting room. Wine tourism in India would definitely be desolate without this one around.

• Grover Vineyards @ Bengaluru:

Established in 1988, this brand is one of the oldest wine producers in India. However, Grover Vineyards tied up with the famed Zumpa Wine producer Vallée de Vin in 2012. And since then, it has become an even stronger brand to compete with Sula. The Grover vineyard spans over an area of 410 acres.

Wine tours here are indeed quite extensive. Normally, they last for as much as 3.5 hours and conclude with lunch. You may also choose to visit the barrel room if you like. Moreover, you can opt for a Grover Vineyard tour inside Maharashtra, if you are looking for a shorter wine trail. Brut, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and sparkling Rose are among the chic wine varieties to look forward to during this tour.

• York Winery @ Nashik:

This is yet another popular brand name located near Sula Vineyards in Nashik. York Winery looks over the sublime Gangapur Dam and the rolling hillocks alongside. York is an award-winning winery that is applauded for both its red and white wines.

Their Sparkling Brut is one of the most appreciated wines that is made entirely from the Chenin Blanc grape variety. The wine tasting room in York Winery stays open on all days between 12 pm and 10 pm. The tours are only offered between 12:30 pm to 6 pm.

Nashik surely is a favorite weekend getaway from Mumbai. And with many vineyards in the vicinity, it wins the game for wine lovers. Make sure to add it to your list if you are looking forward to experiencing some of the best wine tourism opportunities in India.

Wine Tourism In The World

Wine tourism is a big business now in the entire world. It is also known as Enotourism and Vinitourism. And this phenomenon transpires all around the globe. Go on to find out where it happens best and why is it so important. 

Wine tourism in fact is a focused branch of food tourism. Dining and wining come along! And it is all about knowing the world of wine as you wander and wonder. These activities typically include vineyard and winery tours along with getting to see the wine production line. Wine tasting of course is an essential element of the package. You can even choose to visit wine museums on the side.

However, you don’t have to particularly travel much to engage in wine tourism. In a way wine-tasting sessions at your local pub or bar are also a wine tourism activity. 

How big is the wine tourism industry?

Wine tourism simply put is massive in nature. It is a big deal across the globe. And its growth does not show any signs of fading or slowing down. Statista says,

The wine tourism market worldwide was estimated to be around 8.7 billion U.S. dollars a few years back. But unfortunately, the entire global tourism industry was hit hard by the COVID pandemic. As of now, the wine tourism market size is expected to bounce back and touch 29.6 billion euros in 2030.

There are plenty of places you can visit in order to enjoy some of the best wines across geographies. Read on to find some incredible destinations, tours, and wineries that are perfect destinations for wine tourism.

• Germany:

The German wine country covers around 102,000 hectares of land. Although it is not the biggest, but is one of the most popular in the world. Riesling is one of the most popular wines produced in this region. The landscapes covering the wine region in Germany are amazing. They offer some of the finest spaces to experience wine tourism in Europe. 

Rheinhessen in the German wine country is the largest area producing some very rare grape varieties. And winemaking here has been since the ancient Roman times. Some of the best vineyards located here are in the Rheinterrasse riverbank area along the Rhine. 

Palatinate is yet another region famous for making Riesling wines. It is also the region that is well-known for organizing wine festivals that draw huge crowds of enotourists. Moreover, Palatinate is also home to some of the best food in the country.

Another place where wine lovers seek to go is Mosel. This region is famous for making sweet wines that are made on heat-storing slate soil. It is a unique and fascinating experience to learn more about this as a wine tourist.

• California:

California in the United States is yet another region offering excellent wine tours. And you must visit this area if you have a penchant for wine. Two areas in particular within this region are well-known for wine tours. One is Sonoma and the other is Napa Valley. And the best way to explore them is to join an organized tour. 

Some of these tours include picnics. And for others, you can ride an e-bike. While some tours are deliberately combined with hiking. Moreover, you can also choose from luxury private tours to big group tours.

Nonetheless, whatever you choose to do, don’t miss out on discovering the vineyards and wineries of this region. Make the most of your vacation in California if you love wine.

• France:

Wine tourism in France is for you if you want to experience some of the most famous types of wines. Right from Bordeaux to Champagne, there are many regions in France with wines named after them. Other regions that are ideal for wine tours include Alsace, Beaujolais, Bourgogne, Catalogne, Jura, Languedoc-Roussillon, Paris, Provence, Sud-Ouest, Val de Loire, and Vallée du Rhône. And you can explore them all by hopping on to wine tours, vineyard visits, and tasting sessions. 

Selectively indulge in wine-and-golfing weekends to champagne workshops. There is so much you can do to undertake wine tourism in France. There are plenty of day trips as well if you are not interested in a wholly wine-focused holiday. But still want to have a taste of the good stuff.

• Georgia: For good reason, Georgia is known as the ‘Cradle of Wine.’ It has re-emerged as a star in the wine world and shows no signs of fading. Georgia has a rich history spanning over 8,000 years in viticulture. It has been producing some of the most delicate wines in the heart of the Caucasus region. And recently there has been a surge in popularity for these wines particularly those made from white grapes of this region. Georgian wine exports in key global markets during 2022 increased by about 15 percent. And around 28 percent to the United States.

Located on the coast of the Black Sea at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia is considered to be a transcontinental country. It is home to over 500 indigenous varieties of grapes. It is, therefore, easy to guess how Georgia began the art of winemaking. Kakhuri Mtsvane and Rkatsiteli, the two white grape varieties, grown in the Eastern part of the country in the Kakheti Region, are best known for producing exquisite Georgian wine. 

• New Zealand: With a colossal 40,000 hectares of vineyard space across the country, wine tourism is a rapidly growing industry in New Zealand. It is presently known as the ‘second home’ of Sauvignon Blanc. Marlborough is one of the best places to visit for wine tourism in New Zealand. It is the largest grape-producing wine region in the island nation. Wine production down here is diverse in nature. And the scenery out here is astonishingly green. However, the area here is split into three subzones. These are known as the Awatere Valley, Southern Valley, and Wairau Valley. Enotourists here have the choice to opt for hop-on hop-off bus tours, fully guided wine tours, or self-guided tours in the region. 

Otago is yet another part of the South Island. Central Otago, the wine producing region, is located in the inland part of the island. It offers a cheerful treat for wine lovers. The vines on narrow little terraces located here on sloping snow-capped mountains are astonishingly stunning. This region produces some of the best Pinot Noir wines in the world. As an enotourist in New Zealand, you can visit multiple wineries, eat lunch, and witness the dazzling terrain. But most importantly, do not forget to taste some of the best local wines.

What are the benefits of wine tourism?

There are many benefits associated with wine tourism. This event as such has a positive impact on wineries and winemakers. And wine tourism also brings along an alternative income. It allows people to share their passion with people who appreciate it. Enotourism also introduces people to different styles of wines. And wineries can move on to have a regular customer base from these visitors.

What are the benefits of Wine Tourism for tourists?

As with any form of tourism, wine tourism also provides an educational opportunity for guests. Especially for those who want to learn more about wine, and winemaking including brand specialties. It adds a deeper meaning to your tour. Wine tourism is definitely a little bit different from simply lounging by the pool.

You can experience so many benefits as a wine tourist on specific wine tourism trips, including getting to know a specific region. Vineyards and winery locations for one are usually beautiful spaces where you can experience gorgeous views that take your breath away. Right from Germany to New Zealand, wine tourists get to see and experience some of the nicest destinations across the continents.

It’s a fact that good food comes along with good wine. And wine tourists usually eat well! Whether it is food provided at a vineyard by the winery, or at restaurants normally recommended by guides. Good food, as we all know, is one of the best things we can have in life. And making friends alongside finding new wines to enjoy for wine lovers means a lot!

Winemakers around the world love to experiment with small lots. They get more artistic on the way and need not necessarily take it to the market in a big way. Grapes and wines typically turn out different from time to time depending upon the weather, processing method, and age.