Last week I was invited to visit The Source at Sula Vineyards, the beautiful Tuscan-style boutique resort situated at the site of Sula’s historic first winery which heralded the birth of Nashik as India’s premier wine region. The Source at Sula has 23 unique rooms, including one tower suite, ten vineyard view rooms, four courtyard view rooms, four vineyard view suites, four charming ‘closer to nature’ Tree Houses and I decided to make one of these my home for the two days I was hosted at The Source. Our visit began with a lunch hosted by Sula’s Chief winemaker Karan Vasani followed by a tour of the resort conducted by Head of Sula’s Hospitality Operations Monit Dhavale.
The Source is an initiative by Rajeev Samant-founder and CEO of Sula Vineyards, India’s leading wine company. Sula’s award-winning wines are available nationwide at the finest hotels and restaurants, and are also exported throughout the world. Sula is also a pioneer in India’s wine tourism opening the country’s first winery Tasting Room in 2005 and first vineyard resort, Beyond by Sula, in 2007. With over 230,000 visitors last year, Sula is one of the most visited wineries in the world and the first place where Indians first taste wine.
Sula Vineyards recently won the prestigious Drinks Business Award 2016 for the ‘Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism’! This is the first time an Indian company has won a Drinks Business Award. Firmly committed to remaining at the forefront of Indian wines, Sula continues to experiment with new varietals, engages in sustainable agriculture and supports the local rural economy. Sula is well on its way to becoming one of the world’s most sustainable wine producers. In addition, the company is also a leading wine and spirits importer, with Sula Selections, a portfolio of prestigious brands like Remy Cointreau, Hardys, Cono Sur and Asahi.
With facilities like a swimming pool, tennis court, spa, gym, and restaurant, along with Sula’s signature wine tourism activities such as winery tours and tasting sessions with the winemakers, there’s lot to keep one busy while at The Source. Located closer to the resort, the Tasting Room is a vibrant structure playing some of the most popular music, coupled with fantastic views of the vineyards and some great food to taste while sipping on a glass of Sula wine. Sula Vineyards also houses Soma and Little Italy for those who prefer a full fledged lunch or dinner.
While on my way inside The Source, I noticed cheerful yellow colored bicycles lined up, I was informed that guests often went cycling up and around the vineyards. Monit Dhavale, Head of Sula’s Hospitality Operations said, “People from all over the world want to come stay at our vineyards which are now world famous. Our other properties Beyond by Sula with also Sky Villa are very popular and have their own charm but we could not think of a better place and experience to offer than one at the building of our very first winery.”
Cecilia Oldne, VP- Marketing and Global Brand Ambassador, Sula Vineyards said: “We have retained much of the Rahul Mehrotra designed winery’s original structure and added a Tuscan twist to it! You really feel a part of history spending time at The Source at Sula. It’s truly a stunning property and a must visit!”
During a wine tasting session in the evening, we were introduced to Sula Vineyard’s latest offering, The Source Grenache Rose which comes in an elegantly created bottle with minimalistic design elements on the label! The Source Grenache Rosé comes from the lush vineyards of Sula, and this beautiful dry ‘Grenache’ has been named after a historic site being Nashik’s first winery now turned into a luxury resort. The launch of this new wine marks the introduction of a Super Premium Rose to the Sula portfolio. The Source Grenache Rose has a pale coral hue with inviting aromas of white peach, citrus and tropical fruits. With a luxuriant mouth feel, bright acidity and an elegant finish, this dry rose is the perfect wine for every occasion and can also serve as an aperitif on a warm day. It’s great for a backyard barbecue with salad, fish or chicken and goes really well with spicy Asian cuisine. The soon to be released, The Source Grenache Rose, is available exclusively at the winery in Nashik and is available in 750 ml bottles priced at INR 800.
Address: Sula Vineyards Gat 36/2, Govardhan Village, Off Gangapur-Savargaon Road,, Nashik, Maharashtra 422222, India
Phone: +91 78755 55735
