A day of monsoon tasting at Sula Vineyards

As a dedicated gin enthusiast, with the occasional switch to vodka, I’ve always considered wine a mere indulgence for moments when I’m feeling fancy. However, a trip to Sula Vineyards changed my perception. From drinking wine from a can to crafting my own wine blend with the pleasure of learning from the best lot, Sula had a lot to offer!

How did the journey begin?

For years, fine wine was synonymous with regions like France, Spain, Italy, and the USA, but India has now proudly earned its place on the global wine stage. And a major chunk of the credit for putting the country on a global pedestal goes to Sula, whose relationship with merging India and winemaking goes back in time. What began in 1999 as a passion project by Rajeev Samant, alongside celebrated winemaker Kerry Damskey, has now blossomed into a world-class vineyard putting Indian wines on the map. They introduced grape varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, previously unexplored in Indian winemaking, and planted the seeds of what would become a ground-breaking venture.

Monsoon tasting events at Sula

Sula Vineyards recently marked its 25th anniversary in style, hosting an engaging Monsoon Wine Tasting event in the scenic city of Nashik. We began the celebration with wine aficionados, hoteliers, and fellow journalists for an immersive experience led by Sula’s Deputy General Manager of Winemaking and Exports, Rahul More, alongside Rupali Bhatnagar, AVP & Senior Winemaker, and other members of the winemaking team.

The day began with an engaging session titled ‘Vinorama and Unfiltered Discoveries: Tank Edition,’ where Rahul More took the stage in Sula’s Vinorama Tank Room to delve deep into the world of winemaking. He shared fascinating insights into the history of wine, various wine types, and the humble beginnings of Rajeev Samant, Sula’s founder. A particularly captivating story was how Rajeev, after discouraging his father from selling their land, dabbled in growing tomatoes and other crops before realizing the land’s potential for vineyards. Grapes had been grown in Nashik since Independence, and inspired by his exposure to Californian wines during his stint at Oracle, Rajeev decided to venture into winemaking. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Next up, the serene surroundings of Beyond by Sula set the stage for ‘The Source Code’ session, offering breathtaking views of the Gangapur Hills. The highlight of the event came with The Source Masterclass, where wine experts Rupali Bhatnagar and Yogesh D. Patil led an exquisite tasting of seven premium wines: The Source Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc Reserve, Grenache Rosé, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, a sparkling wine, and the much-anticipated dessert wine, The Source Moscato. Look at me, writing all the wine names with precision, after almost three weeks of attending the masterclass…! Though what stood out just as much for me was the unusual pairing of Alu Vadi, a scrumptious snack prepared with Colocasia leaves.

For an added touch of creativity, there was a ‘Maturation Masterclass’ arranged for us in the Barrel Room, allowing the participants to blend their own wines, leading to the final ‘Craft Your Blend’ session at the RASA Tasting Room. While my team didn’t walk away with the coveted ‘winner’ title, the experience taught us ample about the art of winemaking and plenty of stories to boast about among friends. *wink wink*

Ever heard of wine in a can?

While the canned drinks trend has been taking centre stage, have you ever thought of drinking wine from a can? Sula has made an unexpected yet exciting move by launching wine in cans, breaking away from traditional norms. With a focus on reaching a younger, more dynamic audience, Sula is redefining people’s first thoughts on wine. “People often associate wine with specific glassware and etiquette,” says Vikas Pardhi, Experience Manager at Sula Vineyards. “They feel uncertain about how to serve it or think, ‘I don’t have the right glass at home, so how should I drink it?’ Our answer is simple: drink it however you like-even straight from the can.”

Sula’s approach strips away the pretension around wine culture, making it more accessible to those who might feel intimidated by formalities. Vikas believes that once you start enjoying wine enough, you’d naturally want to learn more about it. Wine is a subject where you can dive deep, but you don’t need to.

If you’re a newbie to the world of wines or simply want to explore it, Sula is the perfect start to the journey!