Sula to support tiger conservation through wine tourism in Karnataka

Sula is looking to replicate in Channapatna the wine tourism success it has seen in Nashik in Maharashtra

Sula Vineyards, which started off as a winery based in Nashik in Maharashtra, is also planning to bring wine tourism to Karnataka in another seven to eight months, a source within the company told IBT India. Karnataka is its second-biggest market in India after Maharashtra. Sula launched its Karnataka-based wine brand, Kadu, (“wild” in Kannada) around Diwali in 2017. Following the success of wine tourism at its vineyards in Nashik, Sula is looking to offer a similar experience to wine enthusiasts in Karnataka. Given the time frame, it is likely that Sula’s venture will kick off in Karnataka on or around Kadu’s first-year anniversary.

The Heritage Winery was bought last year in Channapatna, a town about 80 km from the state capital Bengaluru, which is known for its special kind of wooden toys.The deal included almost everything within the winery, although the source from Sula told IBT India that the company would prefer to put in its own customized machinery – whether imported or local – for use in the vineyard and winery as well as all the infrastructure required for wine tourism before its launch.

What will be offered, and how much will it cost?
Wine tourists to Karnataka will be treated to wine-tastings and tours of the vineyard where the grapes are grown and the winery where the wines are actually made. They will learn how different kinds of wines are made and get to interact with expert winemakers who work at the facility. How much will all this cost wine tourists? The price has not been decided as yet, but a similar tour in Nashik currently costs around Rs 375.

Four Kādu wines available across Karnataka in both 750ml and 375ml bottles.