California in search of a winemaker. Kerry Damskey, a well-known winemaker from California, was happy to assist in the establishment of a winery on Rajeev’s 30-acre family property in Sonoma County.
The pair made the groundbreaking move in 1997 of planting French Sauvignon Blanc and Californian Chenin Blanc, two varietals that had never been cultivated in India before. India’s greatest white wines were said to be the first Sula wines, which were released in 2000.
Sula has swiftly established itself as India’s top premium wine producer since its founding, promoting a wine revolution that has resulted in a 25% yearly increase in consumption and the emergence of numerous new wineries in the Nashik region. Wine Spectator, the most widely read wine publication in the world, published a five-page story on Sula in November 2002, marking the first time an Indian winery had ever been featured in such a way.
To meet demand, a second winery was built in late 2004 with three times the capacity of the first, and a third million-liter winery began production in 2006. Plantation has been established by Sula in both Nashik and neighboring Dindori, India’s up-and-coming wine area. It currently spans around 1,800 acres (owned and contracted) as opposed to the original 30 acre family estate. Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Zinfandel, and Merlot are among the varietals that have been planted. Sula imports and distributes wines from top producers around the world in addition to its extensive distribution network throughout India and its exports of wines internationally. The Dindori Reserve Shiraz, Sula’s first reserve wine, and India’s first dessert wine, the Late Harvest Chenin Blanc, were both launched with pride by the company in 2005.
The vineyard and winery are open to the public for informative tours, and the lovely Tasting Room welcomes guests to sample their favorite Sula wines while taking in breathtaking vistas of the vineyards and the surrounding lakes and mountains. The spectacular venue for events and social meetings is the nearby Sula amphitheater, which can be reserved. Visitors can now stay a few nights in paradise at BEYOND, Sula’s new upscale lodging on the vineyards, which offers stunning views of the lake.
Sula is still committed to being in the forefront of Indian wines and continues to experiment with new varieties, practice sustainable agriculture, support the local rural economy, and, of course, produce wines of exceptional quality and great value.
