Vineyards - Sula or York?

One of the smaller trips I did recently with a bunch of close ones (6 of us) was to Nashik. The idea was to visit the vineyards and as popular demand suggests we tried to get a reservation at Sula. As usual Sula was booked out and honestly out of our budget aswell. So we stayed at the Taj Gateway. I know it sounds absurd that we couldn’t afford Sula but landed up at Taj. That’s because we got a pretty good deal (Rs 6500 per night per couple- all meals inclusive + a complimentary spa) – Isn’t that a steal?

Secret tip: Book through the Taj Ambagad in-house reservation desk itself and not the common Taj Reservation – it’s always easier to negotiate prices or get an extra meal / extended checkout etc.
Well, we booked a car, jumped on it and drove right away. Undulating through the lush greens and mild rains, good music and great company, the journey just 3 hours away from Bombay makes for a perfect weekend get-away!

Fact File:

• The months between August and March are ideal to visit these vineyards as they are LUSH green. But if you are flexible, then we would suggest visiting during harvest months (January- March). This is the best time to visit because the vineyards are laden with grapes and there are lots of activities and events (grape stomping, wine master classes etc) scheduled for those months

• Whilst the wine tasting tour at Sula is way more technical and comprehensive, it’s also extremely touristy and crowded (especially if you pick the long-weekends to travel).  The tasting at Sula includes the tour and 7 wines - a sip each. The cost of the tasting is Rs 375 per person. But I must admit that there are a lot of fun photo spots around the place, so go enjoy them!

• I strongly recommend visiting The York winery which is just about 5 mins away from Sula on the same road. It’s undiscovered, less touristy and more scenic.
• York has a beautiful sit down restaurant on the ground floor overlooking the gardens. Sula too has a restaurant named Soma which is worth a visit.

We did go all desi with this rumali papad thing which is supposedly their famous dish, and trust me - it goes really well with Rosé

The highlight of the weekend is that you’re really not doing much other than enjoying the lush greens, sipping some wine and enjoying the weather. Find yourself a nice villa, stay at the vineyard, cycle around the lakes, visit the Gangadhar dam … eat, sleep, discover!

The wine-making process, is after all interesting but the drinking process certainly is even more fun! The 6 of us took a tour both at York and Sula, and need I say – that we made wine disappear? – Whats your super power?

Also, I really did want to visit the Vallonne vineyards, especially after they were featured in ''Little Things'' - my all time favorite web series, but I ran out of time. If any of you have visited it/ plan to visit, do leave us comments on how your trip was!

Website Links :

1. https://www.sulawines.com/
2. http://www.yorkwinery.com/
3. http://www.vallonnevineyards.com/