Sula expands to Karnataka

The wines produced at Domaine Sula have helped Sula Vineyards further establish its presence in Karnataka and other states in South India, writes Brinda Gill who visited the winery recently

-  Brinda Gill

T he Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway unfolds smoothly soon after we drive out of Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, heading towards Channapatna in Ramanagara district, Karnataka. The cityscape slowly peters out into an expansive rural landscape. We pass Bidadi, a town that offers travellers a pit-stop for a quick plate of its famous thatte idli, massive rock formations, the Silk City of Ramanagara and stores with handmade wooden toys that Channapatna is synonymous with. Signboards, to the side of the road, indicate Domaine Sula is near. Turning off from the expressway, the road is quiet and flanked by fields. We are soon at an arched gated entrance inscribed with the words “Welcome to Domaine Sula” with the Sula’s joyous sun logo in the centre.

Stepping into a path lined by hedges and greenery, a charming 15-acre estate opens up, featuring a restaurant with an airy veranda edged by a lawn, a retail outlet, tasting room, winery, bottling unit and, in the distance, a vineyard with some delightful selfie spots! Keen to relax and have a meal first, we instinctively opt to sit at a lovely stone pergola, draped with creepers shading a stone table and benches, in the lawn. A light lunch of flavourful Italian specialities is deliciously rejuvenating, especially when accompanied with a glass of The Source Moscato and Sula Sparkling Shiraz, both light, slightly sweet and nicely bubbly that complement the meal and lunch hour well.

The bottle labels indicate that the wines were produced at Domaine Sula, with identical designs and a similar flavour profile to the wines produced at Sula Vineyards in Nashik, where Sula is headquartered. Sula was founded in 1999 and its exponential growth over the last 25 years has seen it emerge as India’s most successful and largest wine producer, as well as the world’s most visited winery.