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Nashik is making vineyard tourism a hit in India
Next time you’re unsure about what snacks to serve with wine at a home get-together, try bhaji (onion fritters). Believe it or not, this is a combination recommended and endorsed by the experienced winemakers at Sula Vineyards. An assortment of cheeses or processed meat is not the only option, they say.When we tried this striking combination ourselves during a wine ageing masterclass at their vineyard in Nashik, we couldn’t help but agree.
Every weekend (even on weekdays, tbh), people from Mumbai and Pune drive to Nashik, a tropical wonderland better known as the wine capital of India, to see scenic vineyards and learn more about the winemaking process. At the forefront of this growing vineyard tourism is Sula, one of the world’s most visited wineries. It hosts almost 400,000 people annually in Nashik for guided tours and wine tasting.
Nashik - the wine capital of India
An hour’s drive from Nashik airport, Sula Vineyards welcomes you with verdant views all around. Never-ending rows of grapevines meet the gaze, and you might be lured to run towards them right away.
Whether you can see wine grapes growing or not depends on the time of your visit. The time of the harvest is from January to March, in contrast to many other countries like France, California, Italy, and Turkey, where harvesting is done around September and October.
Owing to the proximity to the equator, weather conditions in India (in this case, Nashik) are different, and hence the winemaking process runs on a completely different cycle, which brings along its own set of challenges. Yet, Sula has an international presence in over 25 countries.
“One of the primary challenges we face is changing the perception of Indian wine. Traditionally, when people think of wine, they think of regions like Europe, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. Positioning Indian wine alongside these established giants requires a dedicated effort to highlight the unique qualities and craftsmanship of our products,” Karan Vasani, COO, Sula Vineyards tells India Today, while adding that only 2 per cent of the production is currently exported.
“Another significant challenge is the competitive price point. International wine markets often operate on high volume and thin margins, which can make it difficult for us to compete directly on price. However, we have found success by focusing on the premium and elite segments, where the quality and distinctiveness of our wines can truly shine,” he adds.
Sula - leading wine tourism in Nashik
Sula is credited for turning Nashik into the wine capital of the country. Founder Rajeev Samant set up the first winery in Nashik in 1999 and is now championing sustainable viticulture by generating around 60 per cent of the electricity used with solar panels and using recyclable packaging. In 2021, the company was accepted as a member of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA).
As one takes a round of the vineyards in Nashik, one can see solar panels etched atop the wine-tasting area.
Wine tasting is among several activities visitors explore at the vineyard, which hosts a young crowd as well as families from nearby cities of Mumbai and Pune each day. One can also take a look at the fermentation tankers in which the grape juice is stored and peek inside the barrel room where the ageing of premium wines takes place in French and American oak barrels.
Vineyard resorts for weekend getaways
However, this vineyard in Nashik is not limited to being a day-out spot. It is a fabulous weekend getaway as it also boasts a stay property – The Source – a luxury vineyard resort comprising a mix of well-built suites, cottages, and crowd-puller tree houses. Each of these accommodations has a distinctive vibe and build, but making you feel in the lap of nature is a common element.
For instance, the suites are built in a palatial setting where lush green trees not only serve as spectacular surrounding scenery but also grow through the stair alleys within the resort. The treehouses, also built with a luxurious aesthetic, boast glass walls to ensure scenic delights.
Source: India Today
