Sula Vineyards

The basics

Nashik’s climate is conducive to grape growing, and the inland Maharashtra region has gained a reputation for its fine wines. Around 40 wineries now produce tropical white and fruity red wines, and Sula Vineyards is the most prominent. Some travelers visit independently while staying in Nashik, a city otherwise known for its ancient riverside temples. You can also see the vineyard on a day trip from Mumbai, which is about a 3-hour drive away.

Things to know before you go

• Sula Vineyards’ Rāsā Restaurant serves Indian cuisine, while Little Italy plates up pasta and other Italian dishes. The Tasting Room also serves light snacks.

• A range of hotels are available in Nashik, but if you’d like to stay at the winery, The Source at Sula offers upscale accommodations, with a pool and spa.

• The legal drinking age varies by state in India. In Maharashtra, there’s no age restriction for wine, but there is for beer (21) and other liquors (25).

How to get there

Sula Vineyards is on the western outskirts of Nashik, in the green farmland irrigated by the Godavari River and Gangapur Baandh Sagar Lake. Unless you’re on a guided tour, the easiest way to get there from central Nashik is by taxi, which takes about 20 minutes.

When to get there

Tours and tastings are offered every day from late morning until evening, with slightly extended hours on the weekends. The two restaurants, Rāsā and Little Italy, are open from late morning to late evening. The Bottle Shop keeps the same hours as the restaurants.

Other Indian wine regions

Nashik is the most prominent wine region in India, but there are others, all in Central–Southern India, so wine enthusiasts could plan a trip around them. The other wine regions are Pune, not far from Nashik; Bijapur and Northern Karnataka, near tourist-favorite Goa; and Bangalore and Hampi. All are at slight elevations, making them great hot-weather getaways.