A Personal First Impression of Sula Vineyards
“Wine is like a good friend; it makes everything better.” I could relate to this when I visited the great Sula Vineyards located in the Nashik District of Maharashtra. Wine may be like a good friend, but enjoying a glass of wine with your childhood friend is one of the most cherished moments of my life. I visited the Sula Vineyards for a 1-day staycation with absolutely no expectations about the place. It was a family trip, and I must admit that every moment of that trip is worth a memory.
Reaching Sula Vineyards, Nashik
India’s first vineyard, which started in the year 1999, has been one of the most famous places to visit for a comfortable experience of a wine tour and tasting. Sula Vineyard is located approximately 20 km from Nashik and surrounded by the Sahyadri Mountains. Whether you travel by train or car, the time to reach Sula from Mumbai takes approximately close to 4 hours. The travel time from the train is approximately 3.5 hrs, and the nearest railway station is Nashik Road. You can get multiple private taxis or auto rickshaws from the station to reach the vineyards. Ola and Uber’s services are also active. Alternatively, you can choose to travel by your vehicle or a rented vehicle and go on a road trip. We chose the second option and left Mumbai around 11 am. (Our departure time was dependent on the check-in time of the resort, which I have discussed in the upcoming sections.) Most of the journey had smooth roads, and once you enter the territory of Sula, you can witness the charm of a traditional village.
Staying Options at Sula Vineyards
There are two ways by which you can have a trip planned for Sula. You can stay at Nashik or any nearby hotel at Sula and plan a full-day trip inside the vineyards. Alternatively, you can stay inside the Sula Premises and enjoy the Royal way of living in one of the most beautifully decorated properties. Sula offers two distinct staying options. If you enjoy staying among a group of tourists or family then “The source at Sula” may be opted else if you are seeking perfect seclusion from the daily hustle of life then “Sula the beyond” Is what you can look for. Both the properties have their charm and depending on your budget you can book them. Since it was my first trip with my childhood friend and our families, we chose the source at Sula.
Exploring the Vineyards at Sula
If you are staying as a guest then you can go for a cycle ride in the morning or evening to take a full tour of the campus. The cycles are available for children also. There are designated cycle tracks inside the grape fields where you can have a closer look at the activities of grape farming. Also, the entire campus can be visited step by step by taking your own sweet time. There are huge replica statues of wine bottles installed in the fields. It is one of the most frequent spots at Sula for photography lovers.
Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour Experience
The wine-tasting and tour sessions are organized in batches every 45 minutes. Therefore, if you are visiting for a same-day visit or as a staying guest, you will get many time slots at your convenience. For non-guests, the tour costs INR 600/- at the entry gate, which is redeemable upon purchasing souvenirs or wines. For resident guests, the tour is complimentary.
Sula produces altogether a total of 36 varieties of wines, which consist of Sparkling wines, white wines, Rose wines, and red wines. You will get to taste 6 of the finest wines produced in Sula. Before the tasting session, the guide will provide information about the step-by-step process of winemaking and its associated pieces of equipment. The next step will be visiting the wine cellar, where huge oak barrels are kept for the aging of the wine. The aging is done for a maximum of 18 months. Some wines need aging, and some don’t,
Exploring the Sula Resort Property
The entire property has been beautifully designed and decorated. You will get an ample number of spots that are ideal for photography. The alleys, corridors, lotus ponds, vineyards, selfie spots, viewing deck, courtyard, swimming pool, cobblestone street, tree houses, and many more instagrammble locations are present within the premises.
We chose the vintage rooms for staying. The rooms are spacious and decorated with vintage pieces of furniture. The most interesting part of the room was its flooring which was kept as old concrete blocks. The flooring enhances the charm of the room. A huge french door opens on a porch overlooking the lawn where a coffee table and a pair of chairs are kept. The entire property is peaceful and occasionally you will hear a variety of birds chirping. The room also has a minibar where one of the finest wines of Sula is kept for your consumption. The entryway of the resort is designed aesthetically and is a well-lit property. Upon arrival at the parking, the entry for the guests is done through a separate entrance. There are battery-operated vehicles that will take you inside the premises. The various sections of the resort have been divided into different styles of architecture. There are tree houses, courtyard rooms, vintage rooms, Cobblestone streets, a swimming pool, and a jacuzzi. A brisk walk in the morning or watching the sunset from the vineyards will complete your staying experience.
Dining Experiences at Sula Vineyards
The property houses 3 restaurants viz. ‘La Bodega’ which is only accessible to the guests, ‘RaSa’ for some fantastic Indian Food Experience, and ‘Little Italy’ for exploring Italian Cuisine. Also, the viewing deck overlooking the vineyards serves some lip-smacking snacks and cheese platters along with the wine of your choice to complete your wine and dine experience. The breakfast buffet was elaborate and offers a variety of Indian as well as European Breakfast options.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting Sula Vineyards
- Plan your arrival time based on check-in if you are staying inside the premises.
- Morning and evening are ideal for vineyard walks and cycling.
- Book wine tasting sessions early during weekends and holidays.
- Comfortable footwear is recommended as the property is expansive.
- Sunset views from the vineyards and viewing deck are worth planning your day around.
- If visiting with family, staying inside the premises allows a more relaxed experience.
Final Thoughts on the Sula Vineyards Experience
In conclusion, wines are more than just a beverage; they are a representation of culture, history, and art. From the vineyards where the grapes are grown to the barrels in which they are aged, each step of the winemaking process contributes to the final product’s unique taste and character. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a beginner exploring the world of wine, there is always something new to learn and discover. So, the next time you uncork a bottle, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and complexity that went into creating it. Cheers!
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