Founded 1998 Phone 0253 302 7777 | First vintage 1999 | |
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Key people Rajeev Samant (CEO & Founder)Kerry Damskey (Master Winemaker)Ajoy Shaw (Chief Winemaker)Cecilia Oldne (VP International Business) Varietals Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel Hours Open today · 11AM–11PMFriday11AM–11PMSaturday11AM–11PMSunday11AM–11PMMonday11AM–11PMTuesday11AM–11PMWednesday11AM–11PMThursday11AM–11PMSuggest an edit Similar York Winery, The Gateway Hotel Am, Hotel ibis Nashik, Ginger Hotel, Hotel Express Inn | ||
Sula Vineyards (or “Sula”) is a winery and vineyard located in the Nashik region of western India,180 km northeast of Mumbai. After the launch of its first wines in 2000, Sula expanded from its original 30 acre family estate in Nashik to approximately 1800 acres across Nashik and the state of Karnataka.
Contents
- A visit to sula vineyards
- History
- Facilities
- Wines
- Spirits
- Import and Export
- Business Decisions
- Sustainability
- SulaFest
- Awards and Recognition
- References
Sula introduced grape varietals such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Zinfandel to India and as of 2013, they hold a market share of almost 70% in the Indian wine Industry.
In addition to winemaking, the company has also diversified into hospitality, alcobev imports and spirits.
A visit to sula vineyards
History
Sula Vineyards was founded by Rajeev Samant in 1998. Samant studied engineering at Stanford University and worked at Oracle in San Francisco thereafter. After quitting his corporate job, Rajeev established Sula upon his return to India. He initially experimented with crops such as mangoes, roses, teakwood, and table grapes before realising that Nashik’s climate and temperature were well-suited for growing wine grapes. In consultation with Kerry Damskey, a Californian winemaker, Samant setup the first winery in the Nashik region of India.
Sula was named after Rajeev’s mother – 'Sulabha'. Samant steadily expanded the company over the next few years by introducing newer grape varieties and expanding the company’s offerings. Today, the Nashik region is known as the 'Wine Capital of India' and is home to almost 50 wineries.
Facilities
Currently, Sula operates two wineries at Nashik and Dindori in Maharashtra, and have taken over three custom crush facilities in Nashik and Karnataka.
Sula’s grapes come from their vineyards as well as from contract farmers across the region. The company's viticulture team trains and educates these farmers on best practices. In 2015, Sula announced a price increase of 10% for its contract farmers in order to support the farmers through unpredictable changes in weather as well as to meet the increasing demand for wine in India.
As part of their wine tourism venture, Sula operates a tasting room, 2 restaurants: 'Little Italy' & 'Soma', a 35-room resort: ‘Beyond by Sula,’ and an amphitheatre at their Nashik estate.
Wines
Sula’s domestic portfolio includes the following wines:
Red Wine
White Wine
Rosé Wine
Sparkling Wine
Dessert Wine
Spirits
As of July 2015, Sula ventured into the production of spirits and launched India’s first 100% grape brandy, 'Janus'.
Import and Export
Sula’s import arm, 'Sula Selections', partners with leading global wine and spirit brands and distributes them to the Indian market. Some of the import selections are Glenfiddich, Remy Martin, Asahi, and Hardy’s.
Sula exports to 26 countries and is listed with Marks & Spencers, an international UK-based retail brand.
Business Decisions
During the recession in India between 2008-2009, the Indian wine industry was heavily impacted because of large quantities of unsold wines and delayed payments. This affected not only the wine companies but also the Indian farmers. Samant decided to reduce next year’s grape crushing targets and to introduce a line of affordable wines at a lower price range in order to weather these losses. These decisions eventually helped the company to evolve their business model and to reach larger market segments.
Sula is on track to sell a million cases this year.
Sustainability
As per their "grow good wine with minimal environmental impact," Sula has undertaken the following environmental sustainable practices at their Nashik winery:
SulaFest
The annual live music festival ‘SulaFest’ takes place at their Nashik winery.
SulaFest is an annual two-day 'gourmet world music festival' held at Sula Vineyards in Nashik. Started in 2008, this festival offers music, drinks, food, and fashion. Some of the activities the festival-goers can engage in include grape stomping, wine tasting, and camping.
Awards and Recognition
-Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards (UK) (2011)
-Gold Medal, Indian Consumers Choice Award (2012) (2013)
-Bronze Medal, Decanter Wine Asia Awards (2012)
-Silver Medal, Indian Consumers Choice Award (2013)