Saturday 23 June 2012

The Woodstock of the Valley – Sula Fest 2012


Wine TourismSula Fest 2012 made sure it got etched in the memories of people as two whole days of absolutely brilliant music, wine and merrymaking, thereby making it a benchmark of a good festival.
SULA FestSula which happens to be India’s pioneer in brewing world class wine has been organizing its annual fest since 2008 in an attempt to promote wine-culture and wine tourism in the country.
Wine TourAlways known for providing a platform for people to unwind, relax and loosen up, this year, the fest which has been an annual tradition since its inception in 2008 was easily the best musical experience with performances of Reggae Rajahs, Ankur and the Ghalat Family, Dualist Inquiries all put together on one massive stage set up to entertain the 10,000 odd crowd that crooned to their music at the Greek-style amphitheatre.
Wine & Dine
SULA Fest 2012The two days that Sula Fest lasted, revellers enjoyed a plethora of activities that started off with wine tasting, grape stomping and shopping creatively crafted items of all shapes n sizes made for many a purpose.
Kicked off by a group of Harley bikers who rode from Mumbai to Nashik on their motorbikes, this fest, which happens to be among the most looked- forward-to fest in India had quite the stylish opening.
Wine TourA wine tour was arranged through the cellars where the wine is prepared and stored, keeping in mind different factors and monitoring its progress right up to the point when it’s bottled. This was followed by the wine- tasting event where we were invited to taste a selection of Sula wines, which included Sula Brut, a Sauvignon Blanc a spiced, dry white wine, the Sula Blush Zinfandel a fruity, floral and fun Rose and the Rasa Shiraz, which is only produced in the best years and hence is considered a collector’s wine.
Wine TourismIt wouldn’t have been a Sulafest if the wine and spirits didn’t flow in the midst of the grape stomping and entertainment. Visitors were spoilt for choice ranging from Rémy Martin, Balvenie and Hendrick’s Gin to Cointreau, Mount Gay Rum and Asahi, not forgetting Sula wine.
Remy Cointreau which happens to be a premium spirit conjurer made elaborate cocktails and shots available for connoisseurs whereas a rum bar set up by Mount Gay (one of the finest and premier rum brands) enthralled people with their great mix of mohitos.
Food Stall - Wine TourismFood Stall - Wine TourismThe food stalls also offered plenty of choice with Indian and international cuisines to go with the drink. The Sulafest Bazaar with many recognizable brands was a further attraction.
Music & More
UK based acclaimed musician, NitinSawhney performed his first live act in India at the fest, adding all the more charm to the tranquilizing music that echoed in the picturesque valleys that house Nasik’s vineyards.
Live Band - Sula 2012 - Wine TourismLive Band - Sula 2012 - Wine TourismAs the evening progressed, the pulse increased with the Reggae Rajahs featuring Steppah Style and Etienne Mbappe and Su La Take. The next act, Papon and the East India Company got the crowd grooving to theirbeat.The performance that got the whole valley grooving in unison was Papon and the East India Company’s performance of ‘Damadam Mast Kalandar.’
One could just not hold back from breaking into a jig!
Band Performance - Wine TourismAyushShrestha from the Roc Fresh Crew thentreated the crowds to a mind-blowing B-Boying performance.
This amazing line-up which had charismatic performers from across the globe like Etienne Mbappe and Su La Take, Blackstratblues featuring Nikhil D’souza, TaalInc and DJ Sasha was set up by Mumbai’s premier place for music performances, Blue Frog (which did not surprise anyone at all!)
Aptly nicknamed the Woodstock of Nasik, these two days of wonderful wine, mesmerising music and a superb platform for camaraderie in the breezy valleys surrounded by nothing but sultry mountain tops and a breathtakingly vast expanse of vineyards gave exactly what the enthusiasts were looking for and in some cases even more!
SULA FestSula Fest 2012 celebrated great food, wonderful choices in wines and mesmerising music in an open-air setup which was highly appreciated by the crowds.
For those who were inspired by the vigour and music to get themselves inked, the fest had a tattoo stall to help people etch the memories in their skin forever!
The end of the days were marked by people who were high and happy wishing for more but wait, not before they filled up on delicacies exclusively prepared by restaurants like Maroosh, Amore, Little Italy and so on.
How often do you get to sip your wine in a breezy valley with a bunch of people with talented performers presenting just the right music for your mood?!
If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

2 comments: