The Source at Sula Vineyards
INDIA’S FIRST HERITAGE WINERY RESORT
Recently I was invited to visit The Source at Sula Vineyards- India’s leading wine company in Nashik in India, a beautiful Tuscan-style boutique resort situated at the site of Sula’s historic first winery which heralded the birth of Nashik as India’s premier wine region.
Sula Vineyards is a wine company in India that has pioneered several unique concepts in the wine industry, including wine tourism. Rajeev Samant founder and CEO- Sula Vineyards came up with Beyond Vineyard Resort in Nashik. Close to Sula Vineyards, at the edge of Gangapur Lake, the Sky Villa is a great choice for those looking for a uniquely luxurious holiday in the vicinity of vineyards. Three tastefully designed suites overlooking the lake comes with a personal caretaker.
The Source used to be Sula’s first winery that has been now converted into a 23 room boutique retreat with a spa, one that is located within the vineyards so that visitors can have a holistic experience all at one place, under one roof. A wine enthusiast can be part of the wine making process, understanding how grapes are chosen and how wines are made. Cecilia Oldne, Vice President, Marketing and Global Brand Ambassador, Sula Vineyards says, “Besides being the largest wine producer in India, we have pioneered wine tourism in the country.
Over the years, we have emerged as one of the most visited vineyards in the world and have established ourselves as the #1 spot globally where people drink their first glass of wine. We also play a significant role in putting Nashik on the world wine map with Sula Vineyards being the biggest non-religious tourist site in Maharashtra today. The growing number of annual visitors and the many prestigious awards for our contribution to wine tourism in the country is testimony to our efforts in this direction. Nashik is only a three hour beautiful drive from Mumbai through the stunning Western Ghats and our vineyards are a must visit for anyone who hasn’t been yet!”
The Source at Sula has 23 unique rooms, including a tower suite, ten vineyard view rooms, four courtyard view rooms, four vineyard view suites, four charming ‘closer to nature’ Tree Houses. Our visit began with a lunch hosted by Sula’s Chief winemaker Karan Vasani followed by a
tour of the resort conducted by Head of Sula’s Hospitality Operations Monit Dhavale.
Sula’s award-winning wines are available nationwide at the finest hotels and restaurants and are also exported throughout the world. Sula is also a pioneer in India’s wine tourism opening the country’s first winery Tasting Room in 2005 and first vineyard resort, Beyond by Sula, in 2007. With over 230,000 visitors last year, Sula is one of the most visited wineries in the world and the first place where Indians first taste wine. Sula Vineyards won the prestigious Drinks Business Award 2016 for the ‘Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism’! This is the first time an Indian company has won a Drinks Business Award. Firmly committed to remaining at the forefront of Indian wines, Sula continues to experiment with new varietals, engages in sustainable agriculture and supports the local rural economy. Well on its way to becoming one of the world’s most sustainable wine producers, the company is also a leading wine and spirits importer, with Sula Selections, a portfolio of prestigious brands like Remy Cointreau, Hardys, Cono Sur and Asahi.
With facilities like a swimming pool, tennis court, spa, gym and restaurant, along with Sula’s signature wine tourism activities such as winery tours and tasting sessions with the winemakers, there’s lot to keep one busy while at The Source. Located closer to the resort, the Tasting Room is a vibrant structure playing some of the most popular music, coupled with fantastic views of the vineyards and some great food to taste while sipping on a glass of Sula wine. Visitors can also find their preferred wine by tasting several wines varietals and they can later buy their choice of wines. Sula Vineyards also houses Soma and Little Italy for those who prefer a full fledged lunch or dinner.
While on my way inside The Source, I noticed cheerful yellow colored bicycles lined up, I was informed that guests often went cycling up and around the vineyards. Monit Dhavale, Head of Sula’s Hospitality Operations said, “People from all over the world want to come stay at our vineyards which are now world famous. Our other properties Beyond by Sula with also Sky Villa are very popular and have their own charm but we could not think of a better place and experience to offer than one at the building of our very first winery.”
Cecilia Oldne, VP- Marketing and Global Brand Ambassador, Sula Vineyards said, “We have retained much of the Rahul Mehrotra designed winery’s original structure and added a Tuscan twist to it! You really feel a part of history spending time at The Source at Sula. It’s truly a stunning property and a must visit!”
During a wine tasting session in the resort, we were introduced to Sula Vineyard’s latest offering, The Source Grenache Rose which comes in an elegantly created bottle with minimalistic design elements on the label! The Source Grenache Rosé comes from the lush vineyards of Sula, and this beautiful dry ‘Grenache’ has been named after the historic site being now turned into a luxury resort where I was hosted. The launch of this new wine marks the introduction of a Super Premium Rose to the Sula portfolio. The Source Grenache Rose has a pale coral hue with inviting aromas of white peach, citrus and tropical fruits. With a luxuriant mouth feel, bright acidity and an elegant finish, this dry rose is the perfect wine for every occasion and can also serve as an aperitif on a warm day. It’s great for a backyard barbecue with salad, fish or chicken and goes really well with spicy Asian cuisine.
A stay at The Source in Sula Vineyards in the city of Nashik in India was a fabulously unique experience in the midst of nature, great food and excellent Indian wine. Worth several visits when in India!