Nashik based Sula Vineyards are reported to have doubled their grape production from 700 tons to 1300 tons in 2005 according to their CEO, Mr. Rajeev Samant. ‘This landmark achievement establishes Sula Vineyards' leadership in the premium wine market. Today, Sula Chenin Blanc is the highest seller in the domestic market while the Sauvignon Blanc is our export leader, said Rajeev.' He further added that ‘Domestic sales have increased by over 150%, while our exports have grown by 94% in 2004. It's a great time to be in the wine business.'

‘The Indian wine industry is currently poised at about Rs. 250 crores, and has been steadily growing at nearly 30% p.a. What is exciting is that this rate has been consistent for the past five years. This is a very positive sign for an industry that is not only bringing in revenue but also playing a major role in providing rural employment, explained Mr. Adrian Pinto, General Manager, National Sales and Marketing.

Sula has also added two new wines in 2005 - its first reserve red wine, the 2003 Dindori Reserve Shiraz, matured in oak barrels, and the 2004 Late Harvest Chenin Blanc which is the first Indian dessert wine. To promote wine tourism they had also opened a modern looking tasting room with a balcony bar and spectacular views of the vineyards and the surrounding lakes and hills.

Sula already has over 300 acres under plantation in Nashik and Dindori, a 1000% increase in 10 years when the winery was started. To keep up with demand, a second winery, with three times more capacity than the first, was completed in 2004. The construction of a third winery - with a capacity of 1 million litres - is already underway. Sula is already targeting a production of a million bottles in 2005. For further details visit: http://www.sulawines.com

Subhash Arora