Sulafest evokes the words ‘massive crowds’, ‘grape vineyards’, ‘good music’, all set within the charming and spectacular Sula Vineyards. In its fifth edition, this year was truly bigger and better than ever. Organised as a two day event for the first time, the show was completely sold out and received an overwhelming response on both days. It was an intoxicating mix of music and wine, so often that you cannot mistake this festival for anything other than the feel good, smiling and fun spirit it brings about in anyone who attends it. Held on February 4 and 5, on the wineries majestic grounds in Nashik, the annual festival saw over 8,000 music worshippers making the pilgrimage on both days.
The event was flagged off early on Saturday morning in Mumbai when a group of bikers of Harley Owners Group rode down to Nashik on their favorite Harley Davidson bikes. After a guided tour of the winery and a wine tasting session, we are greeted by an extraordinary mix of music rising up from the festival stage… a Greek styled amphitheatre, with DJ Sasha in attendance. This was followed by some amazing performances by Mumbai boys Blackstratblues featuring Nikhil D’Souza, Delhi group Reggae Rajahs featuring Steppa Style, Cameroon singer – bass guitarist Etienne Mbappe and his band Su La Take, the latter being the first ever international act to perform at Sulafest. The final performance of the day was Angaraag Mahanta aka Papon, the man who made the crowd dance to his Hindi and Assamese folk songs, literally explaining in detail what each song meant. His backup band the East India Company gave him the needed impetus to end the night with a rocking rendition of ‘Dumadum Mast Kalandar’. Festival goers also had the opportunity to witness some amazing dance moves by Ayush Shrestha (Roc Fresh Crew) B-boying earlier in the evening.
Day 2 began with DJ Mescalito spinning some funky urban and techno sound, followed by rockers Ankur and The Ghalat Family, moving onto some blues by Shillong’s ever famous duo Tips and the lightning paced guitarist Rudy Wallang of Soulmate. Despite the proceedings beginning a tad early at half past three under the blistering Nashik sun, both bands managed to get the crowd to groove with them. Nearing sundown, the stage was set for TAAL INC’s Drum Circle who enthralled the audience with their drum wizardry. The group handed over drums to a select audience who played the thundering drums along with them. The performance by Dualist Inquiry led by Sahej Bakshi was a fitting end to the Sulafest. But, the highlight of the day was definitely Nitin Sawhney’s 90-minute capsule of world music, superbly charged by two female vocalists. His first ever live performance in India was truly memorable.
Speaking on the Sulafest, a visibly excited Rajeev Samant- Founder and CEO, Sula Vineyards said. “I cannot recall any festival in India like the Sulafest. This is a place where youngsters not just taste the wine but enjoy the event with classy music, dance and few distinct fun activities like wine stomping. It goes to prove that you can have a music festival with wine as your liquid, good friends, a great location and great music. The fest has caught on, and I am happy I can give youngsters a chance to unwind and enjoy themselves not far away from their home.” Samant began the winery about 15 years ago after he returned from America, tending to the vineyards himself, then with a staff just about a dozen. Eminent personalities such as Narendra Kumar Ahmed, Yash Birla, Kajal Agarwal, Monica Dogra, Tara D’Souza, Nick and Santino Morea, Vickey Goswami, Eddie Cruzet, Simran Mulchandani, Mitali Kakkar were also seen enjoying themselves at the extravaganza, which also had wine sorbets for those who are non – alcoholic, along with some lip-smacking desserts.
Fashion was high at Sula. Many a young lady were spotted in spaghetti strap dresses, maxi dresses to micro minis, short pants, with equally low necklines. A few young ladies (and a few gents as well) adorned themselves with sporty fedora hats. Broaches, designer bags and shoes were the order of the day, each person outdoing the other. Surely one can say that their looks were global and trendy, keeping the fest in mind.
Vinod from Mumbai, who has attended all Sulafests so far remarked. “Sulafest is fun even without alcohol. Music and wine is a good combination especially if you have the right bands and the right ambience, you can end up having a really good time. The place also has really great weather too. That’s all you need for a splendid weekend”.
Nashik originally known as the ‘City of Pilgrimage’ across the country is also known as the ‘Wine Capital of India’ thanks to its largest production of quality wine grapes and number of wine exports as well.
In making wine consumption more popular, Sula Vineyards in collaboration with an overseas partner, is soon to open in Mumbai a wine bar (Vinoteca) which will serve a Spanish menu that will go along with all wines. So Mumbaiites, lookout for the new restaurant which promises great wines and gourmet, without making a hole in your pocket.