Three Days At The Source At Sula Changed The Way I Think About Indian Wine

Somewhere between the vineyards of Nashik and the feeling of being transported to Tuscany lies The Source at Sula — Sula's former manufacturing plant, transformed into India's first vineyard resort in 2008 following the brand's expansion. For the longest time, a trip to Sula Vineyards had been on my bucket list, and finally, after years of waiting, I was fortunate enough to make the journey.

I'd always heard about the beauty of the vineyards and the quality of Sula's wines, but living in Delhi meant my access to both was fairly limited. After spending three days surrounded by greenery, sustainable living, and European-inspired aesthetics, all I can say is that the trip felt like Little Italy to me. An interesting fact, though, is that the visit to Sula reinforced the impression that India produces some of the finest wines, many of which remain undiscovered.

European-Esque Interiors

A seamless 2.5-hour flight from Delhi, followed by a one-hour drive from Nashik Ozar Airport, brings you to The Source at Sula. As you drive into the property, a long road with palm trees and vineyards on either side leads you to a striking cask installation bearing the Sula name.

To the right sits the bustling public area comprising the Tasting Room, restaurants, gift shop, and experience zones, often filled with lively music, cheerful conversations, and youthful energy. In sharp contrast, a wrought-iron gate on the left welcomes guests into The Source — a quieter, more serene sanctuary.

Upon entering the property, the EV buggies and no-air-conditioning architecture immediately caught my attention. Thoughtfully designed for natural ventilation, the reception and lobby remain cool with air coolers while allowing fresh air to flow freely from all sides. Large arches, wrought-iron detailing, European-style doors, narrow corridors, and tropical greenery add character to the space. Adjacent to the reception stands a cask-inspired treasure chest showcasing 14 of Sula's finest wines, ranging from reds and whites to rosés and sparkling labels.

Self-shot images by The Style List

The open architecture reminded me of Geoffrey Bawa's work, while the expansive corridors and intimate sit-out areas overlooking lotus ponds and vineyards brought a sense of calm to the property. The minimal aesthetic, understated chandeliers, and furniture that prioritised character over contemporary trends reminded me of how much I appreciate thoughtfully designed spaces.

While the pale yellow walls with skirtings and French-style boiserie remained elegant, paintings were replaced with posters with information about wine and Sula Vineyards, making it an interesting source of inspiration.

Source Courtyard

The property featured cobbled pathways shaded by towering trees, creating a natural canopy overhead. European influences appear throughout the resort, from vintage wall sconces and lighting fixtures to the architecture of the courtyard rooms. Yet, the space that instantly transported me to Tuscany was the Source Courtyard. Framed by bay-window structures highlighted with wrought iron, cobbled pathways, and a central fountain, all illuminated by fairy lights after sunset, it quickly became my favourite corner of the resort.

Thoughtful Living

Surrounded by lush greenery and sprawling vineyards, the property slows time down almost instantly. Mornings begin with birdsong, afternoons drift into long wine-filled conversations, and right beside the resort sits Sula’s iconic tasting room experience. Inspired heavily by traditional European and Italian architecture, the space feels charmingly old-world — think yellow creeper-covered walls, cobbled pathways, Parisian-style shutters, wrought iron balconies, and treehouses tucked quietly into nature.

Being a boutique property, The Source houses just 67 rooms spread across six courts, each named after a grape variety such as Cabernet, Zinfandel, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Chenin. The names reflect the vintage aesthetic of some of the world's most celebrated wine regions. The name "The Source" itself carries historical significance. This is where Sula's journey began in 1996 with the planting of its first vineyards, followed by the production of its first batch of wine in 2000. Today, the resort stands as a testament to Sula's role in shaping India's wine culture. In fact, the brand launched a wine collection named "The Source" in 2017, with labels illustrated using sketches of the original building itself.

Every room at The Source blends vintage-inspired interiors with either a courtyard or a balcony overlooking vineyards, gardens, or the surrounding landscape. Italian-style louvred doors allow air to circulate freely while blocking direct sunlight, helping rooms remain naturally cool even during the summer months. The Vineyard Suite features a private balcony overlooking the vineyards, making it the ideal place to watch the sunset while sipping a glass of wine. Meanwhile, the Grand Cru Room feels distinctly European, complete with crystal chandeliers, large windows, and a private balcony framed by wrought-iron railings.

Treehouse facade

Perhaps the most unique accommodations, however, are the Tree House Garden View rooms. Crafted from acacia wood by skilled artisans, these private wooden cottages are surrounded by lush greenery and connected by their own pathways. Guests can unwind on private decks overlooking the gardens, creating an ideal setting to reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort.

Treehouses at The Source

What makes the resort even more impressive is its sustainable design philosophy. The vineyards are chemical-free, solar panels are installed throughout the property, and transportation within the resort relies entirely on EVs and electric buggies. Apart from the guest rooms, most spaces are naturally ventilated, allowing the breeze and the surrounding landscape to become integral parts of the experience. Whether staying in a treehouse, vineyard-facing suite, or courtyard room, every corner feels warm, characterful, and thoughtfully designed.

Wine and Beyond

However, the beauty of the resort lies more in the outdoors than indoors. Surrounded by vineyards, a morning walk or bike ride through the vineyard offers a chance to spot grapes and even discover an unexpected addition: a Pickleball court nestled between the grape-growing area.

The Pavilion remains one of the property's standout attractions, with uninterrupted vineyard views from all four sides. Early risers are treated to tea, coffee, fruits, and cookies here before breakfast, but as the sun sets, you can book the space for a high tea or dinner experience under the stars. Even the furniture at The Pavilion pays homage to wine culture, with tables featuring cask-inspired bases. The sunset view is particularly beautiful — you see the tasting room ambience liven up, hear the music from the distance and see the sky turn from blue to hues of orange, pink and purple, making it truly mesmerising.

The Pavillion

Beyond the resort, a wine-tasting experience is an absolute must, whether you opt for a private or group tour. Our private tasting was led by Inder and began with a short film that traced Sula's journey from its early beginnings to becoming one of India's most recognised wine brands. From there, we were taken through the winery, where we saw the machines that crush black grapes and squeeze green grapes before the winemaking process begins. As we moved into the storage areas, we learned about how wine is stored, where it gets its colour, the limited production quantities of certain labels, and the different grape varieties used across the portfolio. The final production space we visited was filled with casks where the wines are aged. During peak seasons, the room is carefully temperature and light-controlled to ensure optimal ageing conditions.

We were then guided into a beautifully designed tasting room that felt as though it was hidden underground, despite being above ground. Here, we sampled six different Sula wines, beginning with the Sula Tropicale Rosé, followed by the Dindori Reserve Chardonnay, The Source Grenache Rosé, RĀSĀ Syrah, RĀSĀ Cabernet Sauvignon, and finally the Moscato dessert wine.

The RĀSĀ wines hold particular significance, as they are named after founder Rajeev Samant, and the RĀSĀ Cabernet Sauvignon stood out for its pronounced tannins and depth. While The Source Rosé and the RĀSĀ labels remained my personal favourites, the experience also taught me a great deal about wine appreciation. I learned the correct way to open a bottle of sparkling wine, how to identify tannins on the palate, and why cheese is often paired with red wine to soften them. I was also surprised to learn that red wine benefits from being chilled for around 30 minutes before serving.

Dining and More

Dining at The Source was largely centred around La Bodega, which strikes the perfect balance between comfort and indulgence. The ragi pancakes at breakfast are easily one of the best ways to start the day, while the chilli-garlic prawns and mutton keema pav are standout dishes. For vegetarians, the rawa upma, sandwiches, and Thai curry are all worth ordering.

A private patio dining setup, curated cocktails, chef specials, and the Rosé Bar further elevate the experience. What's more? Weekends are double the fun, with wines being served even at breakfast. During breakfast, I also had the opportunity to try Sula's Sparkling Shiraz, India's first and only sparkling red wine. Quite honestly, I couldn't think of a better way to enjoy red wine during the summer months.

For a more relaxed evening, Rasa Patio is the perfect dinner destination, serving a mix of Italian and Indian dishes alongside indulgent gelatos. The outdoor seating area, located beside the amphitheatre, comes alive in the evenings with music, warm lighting, and charpai-style loungers that encourage guests to sit back, relax, and linger a little longer.

During my stay, each day began with vineyard walks or cycling trails and ended with a golden sunset at the patio. To conclude the trip, I dedicated a day entirely to unwinding. A refreshing dip in the pool, time spent in the secluded jacuzzi surrounded by tropical greenery, and a Swedish massage at the spa.