Sula Vineyards - India's Pioneering Winery

Asia's most-visited vineyard offers stunning lake views, multiple tasting experiences, and boutique accommodation. Their RASA Cabernet won Gold at Global Cabernet Masters 2024.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Find the Name That Started Everything History · Free

   The name "Sula" - named after founder Rajeev Samant's MOTHER, Sulabha. In 1993, this Stanford MBA left Oracle in Silicon Valley. His dad wanted to SELL the family farm. Rajeev saw wine country instead. At Sula entrance gate or any branded signage, ask any staff member: "Who is Sula named after?" Watch them smile. They tell this story with pride.

   Backup: The welcome center has the founding story on display panels.

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2. 2 Taste Where 350,000 Pilgrims Come Each Year Wine · Price: low

   6 wines in one tasting - you're one of 350,000 annual visitors. That's MORE than Napa's biggest wineries. Asia's most-visited vineyard. Book the "Best of Sula" tour (Rs 600-700) online at sulawines.com or walk into the main tasting room. Ask for the Dindori Shiraz story - it won Gold at Global Cabernet Masters 2024.

   Backup: The basic tasting (Rs 350) gets you 4 wines - still legendary.

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3. 3 Hear the Story Banks Laughed At History · Free

   Rajeev Samant took 2+ YEARS to get a wine license. Banks said he was crazy. Only one person believed: Kerry Damskey, a California winemaker who said "this could work." Ask any tour guide or check the welcome center panels: "How long did it take to get the first license?" The answer will make you appreciate every glass more.

   Backup: Look for the framed Wine Spectator 2002 article - first 5-PAGE FEATURE ever for an Indian winery.

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4. 4 Walk Where India's Wine Revolution Began Adventure · Free · Optional

   The exact soil where Rajeev planted his first experimental vines in 1996. His father's farm that almost got SOLD. Walk the vineyard path near the lake (free access, no tour needed) at sunset. Rajeev once said: "I am the only living founder of a wine region." You're standing in it.

   Backup: Even the parking lot overlooks the original vineyard blocks.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Best of Sula tour (Rs 600-700) includes 6 wines - best value

• January-March for grape stomping experiences

• Stay at The Source boutique hotel on-site for sunset vineyard walks