- 03 March 2022
Sula Vineyards (or "Sula") is a winery and vineyard located 180 kilometres northeast of Mumbai in the Nashik area of western India. Sula is the dominant participant in the Indian wine market, introducing grape varieties such as Chenin blanc, Sauvignon blanc, Riesling, and Zinfandel. Sula has risen to become India's most popular and award-winning wine brand.
Sula Vineyards was founded in the late 1990s. After graduating from Stanford University, founder Mr Rajeev Samant worked for Oracle in the United States before returning to his native India, where he saw a demand for premium wine. With a combination of international experience and an understanding of Indian tastes, Mr Samant built Sula into one of the largest wineries in India — as well as one of the most admired by its customers.
Sula was given the name 'Sulabha' after Samant's mother. Over the following few years, Samant steadily built the firm by introducing different grape varieties and extending the company's services. As a result, Nashik has changed dramatically over the previous several decades and is now known as "India's Napa Valley."
Sula carries an impressive selection of the best wines and spirits. Imported from all over the world, these luxury wine and spirits brands are available for our guests to choose from at all times. These includes Torres, Trapiche, Gruppo Italiano Vini, Hardy's, Bouchard Aîné et Fils, Le Grand Noir, Cap Royal, Cono Sur, Beluga Vodka, Asahi, and others.
Sula is passionate about making the world a better place through its wine. Sula's solar panels power 60 per cent of its vineyard, which helps cut down on the vineyard's carbon footprint. In addition, the company planted over 30,000 trees in the last several years, intending to reduce its environmental footprint. Every package of Sula wine is fully recyclable, and Sula has achieved high standards of sustainable cultivation.
Achievement
1. Sula is regarded as a pioneer in Indian winemaking, having reached several milestones during the previous few decades. These are the accomplishments -
2. In 1999, Sula Vineyards was the first firm to open a winery in Nashik. Nashik has earned the title of "India's Wine Capital" because of the firm's efforts.
3. Sula was the first to plant Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc in 2000 and Zinfandel in 2003 and Riesling in 2008.
4. Brought India's first Grenache Rosé to market.
5. Brought India's first and only sparkling Shiraz to the market.
6. Maker of India's most famous red wine.
7. In 2020, Sula Sommeliers hosted almost 1300 tastings for consumers and institutions.
8. Sula is also one of India's few WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) accredited training providers.
9. WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) is a global organization that organizes courses and tests on wine and spirits.
10. Dia, India's first wine in a can, was launched in two red and white varieties.
11. TASMAC - The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation - has classified Sula as the first national wine brand.
12. Sula's wines are offered aboard Air India, India's official carrier.
13. Sula is Marks & Spencer UK's first Indian wine to be featured in 2013.