RED’N WHITE
Established in 1999 as the first winery in Nashik—the region has since become India’s wine capital—Sula also pioneered the concept of wine tourism in the country with a tasting room, restaurants and guest rooms. This year, sales crossed one million cases for the year to July 31, 2018; the company now accounts for almost 65 per cent of the total wine sold across India. Last year, they launched their first wine made from grapes grown in their vineyard in Karnataka.
The grapes come from Sula’s own vineyards and contracted ones in Maharashtra, and the brand produces 11 million bottles per annum. Sula exports almost 10 per cent of its annual production to over 30 countries.
According to Karan Vasani, chief winemaker, “We have farmers who specifically work for us and we have contributed much in terms of boosting agriculture in the area. We work hand-in-hand to secure supply, provide on-ground training and support, and share the latest in sustainable winegrowing practices. A large number of Sula’s workers come from disadvantaged communities and they have seen a significant change in living standards through their employment with the company.”
“A large number of Sula’s workers come from disadvantaged communities and they have seen a significant change in living standards through their employment with us” Karan Vasani, Chief winemaker