Picture Credits- Gaurav
SulaFest, it’s all regarding youth. With free-flowing wine and drinks united with music, varieties of cuisine, shopping, vibrating energy and a tremendous outdoor ambience, the grand celebration of the natural grape has become a must-see, a must-do event for many wine experts and music enthusiasts.
The carnival takes place at Nashik, the base of Sula Vineyards, which is one of India’s foremost wine yielders. A 170-km journey from the commercial capital of India i.e. Mumbai, Nashik enjoys sensational climate from mid-September until March. Therefore, SulaFest always organised on the first weekend of February. The timings on both Saturday and Sunday are from 12PM-11PM. The Sulafest(3rd February2018-4th February 2018) would be their eleventh edition.
Sula is apparently the first site to have started wine tourism in India when it opened the country’s first winery, Tasting Room, and the first vineyard resort. The demand for Sula has grown tremendously that Sula Vineyards warmly receives many customers every year, making it one of the most toured vineyards in the world.
The winemakers have created liveliness around the process of winemaking and, of course, wine-drinking.
List of things to See and Do?
For wine enthusiasts and experts, The hosts conduct special voyages and tastings, which may only be available for VIP tickets. The VIP tickets tariff are higher than standard tickets.
As the name says, Tasting Room is where the tastings take place. The rustic new Tasting Cellar is another place that gives enthusiasts an appropriate ambience to sample the wines.Fest-goers can also experience a wide variety of drinks from around the world by Sula’s import arm Sula Selections. The brands include Asahi Super Dry Beer, Budweiser and many more. Visitors can participate in their quirky games conducted around the grounds as well as the trendy selfie game.
SulaFest is a perfect combination of wine &music. The vineyards have two music platforms. For two days, musicians and bands from across the world make the visitors swing to upbeat songs. SulaFest invites foreign troops that have never performed in India.With a massive stage, state-of-the-art music system and breathtaking light effects, the arenas turn into concert venues as partygoers enjoy the energetic ambience that only live and rock music can create. Leading DJs from across the world also play their sets of dance-worthy playlists.
Where to Shop?
For souvenirs, head to the hoppers market at SulaFest. It has a variety of quirky and fun products on sale, such as trinkets, party props, displays, paintings, clothes, home décor, wooden toys, and of course, wines and all accessories related to it.
Where to Eat?
Overwhelming aromas go well with robust wine at SulaFest. From a unique menu crafted using organic produce to quick grab-and-go items such as burgers, nachos and shawarmas, the festival’s dishes are both palate-pleasing and plentiful.
Apart from the food counters at the fest, there are few restaurants as well in Nashik.
The Gateway Hotel Ambad – Panchratna.
Curry Leaves serves varieties of delicious Mughlai meal. Radhakrishna is famous for its seafood; Sadhana Restaurant serves the best misal in the city.
Where to Stay?
Soma Vine Village Resort
Soma Vineyard Resort offers a 29 room’s cosy resort, for a comfortable getaway- The perfect piece of a haven for the stressed-out city folk. Take a dip in the vineyard pool, go the for a laid-back bicycle ride on the winding country roads, soak up the peaceful view and enjoy delicious food while sipping Soma wines.
Beyond By Sula – near Sula Vineyards, is set amidst wonderful grape vineyards by the Godavari river. Guests take a tour of the wineries, enjoy the tasting sessions, walk or cycle to the nearby dam, stay in comfy villas and eat good food.
Hotel Ibis-they offer all amenities and have comfortable rooms to stay.