At first glance, the abundance of vineyard posters at Nashik International Airport might mislead travelers into thinking they’ve arrived in California’s wine country. However, this city in Maharashtra, approximately 160km north of Mumbai, is quickly cementing its place on the global wine map.
Over the past two decades, Nashik has evolved into the heart of India’s burgeoning wine industry. Sula Vineyards, the country’s leading wine producer based in the region, has played a pivotal role in this transformation. In May 2024, Sula’s cabernet sauvignon earned a gold medal at the Global Wine Masters, the most prestigious award ever granted to an Indian wine at that competition. Earlier in January, a viognier from Grover Zampa — which operates vineyards in both Nashik and Bengaluru — was named Best of Show at the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America competition.
Sula Vineyards alone produces more than half of all wine consumed in India. Its contributions extend beyond accolades; it has become a driving force behind the growing domestic appetite for wine in a country where alcohol consumption traditionally leans toward whisky and is often restrained by cultural and fiscal barriers. India’s high taxation on imported alcoholic beverages has further propelled interest in homegrown wines.
Luxury tour operators have begun to take note. Lisa Alam Shah, director at Micato Safaris India, reports a growing demand among international travelers for experiences beyond conventional Indian landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Rajasthan’s palaces. In response, Micato launched a new tour to Nashik in 2024. “Authenticity is what travelers crave,” Shah explained, “and Nashik offers just that.”
While the modern highway from Mumbai provides smooth access, parts of the journey wind through rustic roads dotted with free-roaming cattle — a reminder that Nashik’s charm lies in its blend of tradition and modernity. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings of brut rosé and cabernet shiraz before taking in a sunset boat ride on the Gangapur Dam reservoir, one of Asia’s largest.
The region also boasts rich cultural and historical attractions, including Trimbakeshwar — a sacred Shiva temple from 1755 — and the 2,000-year-old Pandav Leni Caves, historically frequented by Buddhist monks.
Sula Vineyards was established in 1999 by Rajeev Samant, a former Oracle engineer who, inspired by California’s Napa Valley during his time at Stanford University, returned to India with a vision. Upon seeing a parcel of land his father intended to sell, Samant recognized its viticultural potential and persuaded him to keep it. That land became the foundation of Sula.
Today, Sula produces over 70 wine labels, ranging from sparkling rosé with pineapple notes to robust oak-aged chardonnay and tannin-rich cabernet sauvignon. Its tasting room — India’s first when it opened in 2005 — can accommodate up to 100 visitors and includes a gift shop and a short film screening room that chronicles Sula’s journey. Since 2010, the estate has also featured The Source, a resort styled after Spanish and Tuscan architecture, complete with an elephant sculpture in the lobby.
Visitor numbers have surged. As of April 2025, more than 331,774 people had visited Sula’s tasting room that year alone. According to Kinjal Mehta, a Sula representative, the increase reflects India’s growing interest in wine tourism, particularly during the cooler months. While domestic tourists dominate, the international segment is steadily rising.
Beyond Sula, Nashik is home to Vallonné Vineyards, located roughly 30 minutes away. Founded by local winemaker Sanket Gawand, Vallonné is a smaller but acclaimed operation. Gawand, who trained in Bordeaux and Bologna, manages every aspect of production and leads tastings in the winery’s cellar. His team of ten hand-harvest grapes from nine lakefront vineyards.
Vallonné’s four-room inn, offering scenic views and priced at approximately US$70 per night, remains in high demand. Its restaurant serves regional and fusion cuisine, with dishes like lamb kebabs and Hakka noodles paired with its crisp chenin blanc, widely considered some of the best food in the area.
The growing popularity of Nashik’s wine scene culminates each February with Sulafest — a vibrant wine and music festival that draws approximately 20,000 attendees. Comparable to California’s Coachella, the event significantly boosts local tourism and economy, with hotels increasing rates and residents renting out space for parking.
“There is enormous potential for India to produce far better wines,” says Gawand, emphasizing that the country’s wine industry is only at the beginning of its evolution. As more Indians travel abroad and develop a palate for premium wines, domestic producers will be compelled to raise their standards in response to a more discerning market.
Nashik’s transformation into India’s wine capital is no longer just a local success story — it is a cultural and economic shift that is capturing global attention.
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