
Feast your eyes on the rolling vineyards set in the foothills, watch the grapes being picked, crushed, blended and perfectly bottled; and then sample the finished product in the tasting room – we bring you the best of the wine tours!
Sit by the wood-and-mosaic balcony, ride on bicycles past the hills, or picnic by the nearby lakes. Better yet, share the sunset amidst the vines as you sip on the ruby-red wines. If lavish retreats are your thing, a wine tour in the exotic vineyards of Nashik and Napa Valley may just be your answer.
1. Sula Vineyards, Nashik
Whether you are a true wine aficionado or a nature enthusiast, Nashik would fascinate you for sure. The pioneer of the Indian Wine revolution, Sula Vineyards in Nashik is the producer of the award-winning Sauvignon Blanc wine. Surrounded by hills and the quaint Gangapur lake in the distance, the vineyard makes for a perfect luxury retreat. Plan a dreamy vacation to this exotic winery, opt for a private guided tour, attend wine-tasting courses and learn how to appreciate each unique flavour.
The best times to visit the vineyard are the harvesting months of January to March. You can enjoy the wine stomping and also be a part of Sula Fest music concert.
Where to Stay
For a more lavish experience, stay at Beyond by Sula, which has a private villa set amidst the vines and overlooks the lake. You might want to saunter around the area, barbeque by the lake or just sit at the balcony bar with a glass of sparkling wine.
Getting There
Flights to Mumbai are available from all major cities. From the Mumbai airport you can book a luxury cab to Sula Vineyards, which takes approximately 3 hours.
Places You Can Visit Around the Area
- Apart from the Vineyard trip, you can visit the ISKCON Temple.
- Nashik Planetarium, Coin Museum and the Pandav Leni Cave are places of historical interest and make for fascinating pit-stops along the way.
- Zampa Wines and Chateau d’Ori are the nearby wineries which are worth visiting.
- You can also take a quick excursion to the Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre, in Igatpuri which is just 50 kms away.
Where to Eat
- SOLEIL by La Plage serves the French classics along with Chef Morgan’s interesting spin on Goan and North Indian cuisine. The restaurant sources fresh dairy products and organic ingredients, and is known for its irresistible ‘farm-to-fork’ dining experience.
- Beyond’s all-day dining restaurant, Café Rose is a multi-cuisine restaurant which offers an array of global delicacies.
2. Napa Valley, California
Rolling hills, swaths of vineyard, excellent cuisine and breathtaking views. Top it up with the world’s best wine. That’s Napa Valley for you!
Famous for its Cabernets and Meritage wines, the valley offers some of the most extravagant wine tours and tasting experiences. The best time to visit this Northern California wine region is in spring, or better yet fall, if you want to indulge in ‘the crush’ (wine-pressing session). With more than 230 wineries, the valley is America’s premier viticulture region. Opt for a horse-drawn carriage and enjoy a three-hour tour around the vineyard. Later, sip on the finest wines against the backdrop of the spectacular valley.
Where to Stay
You can choose from the various inns in the valley which boast of impeccable services and facilities.
Some of our favourite hotels include: River Terrace Inn Napa, Westin Verasa, The Carneros Inn, Milliken Creek Inn & Spa
Best Western Premier Ivy Hotel Napa Valley, Churchill Manor, Inn on First and Old World Inn are some historic Bed and Breakfasts.
Getting There
Flights to San Francisco are available from all major cities. From the San Francisco airport you can hire a luxury cab to Napa Valley, which takes about 90 minutes.
Places You Can Visit Around The Resort
- You can visit the Barlow – a hub of cafes, restaurants and wine-tasting workshops. Barlow also hosts a street fair, wherein you can enjoy live music.
- At the valley’s westernmost edge is Tres Sabores, an elegantly structured winery that serves great wine.
- For art lovers, a visit to Hess Collection Art Museum is a must. The galleries display remarkable canvas works, including pieces by Francis Bacon .
For both, Tres Sabores and Hess Collection, reservations are recommended.
What to Eat
- The French Laundry in Yountville serves an array of American and French cuisine.
- Tra Vigne in St. Helena and Ciccio in Yountville are popular for their Italian Spread.
- Oxbow Public Market is recommended for its Northern California food.
From being driven around in classic convertibles and horse carriages, to wine tastings in the most romantic set-up, Napa Valley is the answer to all your luxury cravings!
Treat yourself to the finer things in life by booking your holiday today. Your senses will thank you later.