When music is not confined to a stage but drifts through endless vineyards as thousands of strangers celebrate like old friends, wine glasses in hand and the winter sun slowly melting into the Nashik hills- that’s Sula Fest for you. It’s back in Action since 2025, after a 5-year break following COVID.
It is one of those rare weekends where the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination. A beautiful drive from Mumbai or Pune, vineyards stretching across rolling hills, India’s finest wines, world-class artists, gourmet food, grape stomping, and conversations that somehow continue long after the music ends.
If you’re wondering whether SulaFest deserves an entire weekend road trip, the answer is yes, and by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly why.
Before You Read Further, Here’s What You Need To Know
Mumbai to Sula Vineyards distance: ~170 km
Mumbai to Sula Vineyards time by car: ~3.5–4 hours. With breakfast or refreshment stops, plan for around 4.5 hours.
Pune to Sula Vineyards distance: ~240 km
Pune to Sula Vineyards time by car: ~5–6 hours depending on traffic and your chosen route.
Best route:
From Mumbai, take the Mumbai–Nashik Expressway (NH160) via Thane, Shahapur, Kasara Ghat and Igatpuri before reaching Nashik. From Pune, the fastest route is via NH60 through Chakan, Narayangaon, Sangamner and Sinnar before entering Nashik. Both routes offer excellent road conditions, scenic landscapes and plenty of food stops.
Best time of the day to travel:
Leave early in the morning between 6 AM and 7 AM. You’ll avoid city traffic, enjoy the pleasant winter weather, and reach Nashik well before the festival gates open. This also leaves enough time to check into your hotel, relax, and freshen up before heading to the vineyards.
Sula Festival Dates and Timings: SulaFest 2026 was held from 31 Jan–1 Feb 2026. Typical timings are 12:30 PM to around 10:00 PM over two days, giving you ample time to enjoy live music, vineyard experiences, gourmet food, wine tastings and the sunset over the vineyards. Dates for 2027 have not been officially announced yet, but if you bookmark this post, it’s my promise you will be the first ones to learn the updates and all booking information. Come back and plan for the fest around the year-end.
Accommodations or hotels: Hotels, vineyard resorts and homestays near Sula Vineyards sell out quickly during the festival weekend. Book your stay 2–3 months in advance for the best choice and prices.
Luxury Stays For the Complete Vineyard Experience
Beyond by Sula – The closest premium stay to Sula Vineyards, offering vineyard-facing rooms, an infinity pool and direct access to the wine estate.
The Source at Sula – One of Nashik’s finest boutique vineyard hotels with elegant rooms, award-winning restaurants and exclusive wine experiences.
Mid-Range Hotels – Comfort Without Overspending
Some excellent choices include:
Most are located around Gangapur Road and the city centre, approximately 15–25 minutes from Sula Vineyards.
More hotel booking portals:
What is the Nashik Sula Fest?
There are countless music festivals across India, but SulaFest has always enjoyed a character of its own. Set amidst the rolling vineyards of Sula Vineyards, Nashik, it beautifully blends music, wine, food, fashion, art and travel into one unforgettable weekend. Instead of concrete arenas and crowded stadiums, your backdrop here is endless rows of lush vineyards, cool winter breezes and spectacular sunsets over the Nashik hills.
Unlike conventional concerts where the performance is the only attraction, SulaFest is an experience that unfolds throughout the day. As you stroll through the vineyard estate with a glass of Sula’s signature wine, you’ll come across live bands and internationally acclaimed artists performing across multiple stages, gourmet food counters serving cuisines from around the world, vibrant flea markets showcasing local crafts, stylish fashion pop-ups, interactive art installations and countless corners that seem designed purely for photography.
One of the festival’s most-loved experiences is wine tasting, where both beginners and wine enthusiasts can discover Sula’s award-winning wines under the guidance of experienced sommeliers. For those wanting to understand the journey of wine from grape to glass, guided vineyard and winery tours offer an engaging behind-the-scenes experience through the vineyards, fermentation facilities and barrel rooms.
No visit to SulaFest feels complete without participating in the iconic grape stomping sessions, a cheerful tradition that has become synonymous with Nashik’s wine culture. Whether you’re joining in or simply cheering from the sidelines, the laughter and energy are infectious.
As daylight gradually fades, the vineyards transform into an entirely different spectacle. The golden hues of sunset paint the vines, fairy lights begin to illuminate the estate, music grows livelier, and thousands of festival-goers gather with wine glasses in hand to witness one of the most picturesque concert settings in India. It is this magical transition from a relaxed vineyard afternoon to an energetic evening celebration that makes SulaFest unlike any other festival in the country.
For visitors looking to elevate the experience, the festival also offers premium hospitality areas and exclusive lounge experiences, providing enhanced comfort, premium seating, curated food and beverage offerings, and excellent views of the performances. If you plan to indulge in the wines throughout the day, these upgraded experiences can make the weekend even more memorable.
Photography enthusiasts will find no shortage of inspiration. Every corner of SulaFest feels photo-worthy, from endless vineyard rows and colourful décor to artistic installations, beautifully curated food platters, glowing sunsets and the lively festival atmosphere. It is one of those rare events where the journey, the destination and the celebration all become equally photogenic.
Booking Tips Nobody Tells You
The difference between an average SulaFest weekend and a truly memorable one often comes down to planning. A little preparation before you leave home allows you to spend the entire weekend enjoying the vineyards instead of standing in queues or searching for accommodation at the last minute.
Book Your Festival Tickets the Moment They Go Live
SulaFest tickets are released in phases, and the Early Bird passes almost always offer the best value. As ticket phases progress, prices generally increase and popular categories tend to sell out first. I would recommend following the official SulaFest announcements and booking your passes as soon as sales open instead of waiting for the artist lineup to be revealed.
Best booking portals:
Book Your Stay Before Your Tickets
Most first-time visitors do exactly the opposite.
They buy the festival ticket first and only then begin looking for accommodation.
By then, many of the best vineyard resorts, boutique hotels and lakeside stays around Gangapur Road, Sula Vineyards and Gangapur Dam are either fully booked or significantly more expensive. I have mentioned recommended stays or hotels earlier in the blog.
Don’t Be the Designated Driver After Wine Tasting
This may be the most important tip in this entire guide.
If you plan to enjoy the wine tastings, and you absolutely should, avoid driving afterwards.
Book a cab, arrange a designated driver within your group, or choose accommodation close enough to the vineyards that you can simply return on foot or with a short taxi ride. Good planning lets you enjoy the festival responsibly without constantly worrying about the drive back.
Parking Is Available, But Arrive Early
Parking facilities are available near the venue, but they fill up quickly as the afternoon progresses. Reaching the vineyards before noon not only gives you a better parking spot but also allows you to explore the estate before the largest crowds arrive. You’ll enjoy shorter queues at the entry gates, wine tasting counters and food stalls.
Digital Payments Work Almost Everywhere
Most food stalls, wine counters, merchandise shops and activity zones accept UPI, cards and digital wallets, making the festival largely cashless. Even so, I always keep a small amount of cash for parking, roadside cafés, local vendors or unexpected situations where mobile networks become unreliable.
Leave Room for Another Day in Nashik
If you’re already making the journey from Mumbai or Pune, give yourself enough time to experience the destination, not just the festival. That’s when SulaFest transforms from a concert into one of the finest long-weekend road trips in India.
Plan an extra day to explore Nashik’s award-winning vineyards, enjoy a leisurely wine-tasting session, visit Gangapur Dam, or simply unwind among the vines before driving home.
Why SulaFest Feels Different from Every Other Music Festival
Most music festivals leave you counting down to the headline act. At SulaFest, you’ll find yourself slowing down instead.
There is no rush to stand closest to the stage or spend the entire day weaving through crowds. Here, the vineyards themselves become part of the experience. Conversations linger a little longer, wine glasses are never in a hurry to empty, and every performance seems to blend effortlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Perhaps that’s the charm of celebrating music in the heart of India’s wine country.
Given the Fest Timing, the cool January breeze carries the aroma of vineyards through the estate, while the afternoon sun gently warms the rolling hills. As evening approaches, the entire valley begins to glow in soft shades of gold and amber. It is that magical golden hour when almost everyone instinctively pauses to take photos and admire.
One moment you’re exploring an art installation, the next you’re tasting a newly discovered wine, browsing handcrafted souvenirs at the flea market, or sharing a leisurely meal overlooking endless rows of grapevines before returning to the music.
Friends reconnect over long conversations, couples find quiet corners overlooking the vineyards, and families enjoy an outing where every generation discovers something to enjoy. There is an effortless elegance to the festival, vibrant yet never overwhelming, lively without feeling chaotic.
What to Expect Throughout the Day
When you are at the SulaFest, believe me, there would never be a moment to ask, “What should we do next?” The day unfolds naturally, and every few steps offer a new experience waiting to be discovered.
You’re immediately welcomed by cheerful volunteers, vibrant décor, smiling faces, and an infectious energy that sets the tone for the day. The excitement is unmistakable, yet unlike many festivals, it never feels overwhelming. Everything seems to move at its own relaxed pace, allowing you to explore rather than rush.
The first thing I would recommend is exactly what most people come here for, pick up your first glass of wine and take a slow walk through the vineyards. Don’t hurry to the stage just yet. Wander around, absorb the atmosphere, admire the beautifully maintained estate, and let yourself settle into the rhythm of the festival.
As acoustic performances and energetic live bands gain momentum, the irresistible aroma from the gourmet food stalls starts competing with the music. From international cuisines and artisanal delicacies to local favourites perfectly paired with wine, the food is an experience in its own right. My advice? Don’t settle for one meal. Walk around, share dishes with friends, and keep discovering something new throughout the day.
After lunch, some visitors join wine-tasting sessions, others head for the grape stomping, while many simply relax on the lawns. The flea market, fashion pop-ups and artistic installations are equally inviting, making it impossible to cover everything in a single walk.
The warm golden evening glow instinctively makes you grab cameras and get ready for the transformation into louder peppier music. Fairy lights sparkle across the estate, people dance with wine glasses in hand. The energy is lively without ever feeling chaotic, creating a celebration where you can dance, sing, or simply sit back and soak in the ambience.
By the time the final performances conclude, you’ll probably realise that the day passed far too quickly. Yet, unlike most concerts where the journey ends as soon as the lights go out, SulaFest leaves you with one more beautiful experience, the peaceful drive back to your hotel through Nashik’s quiet vineyard roads, replaying the day’s memories long before you replay the music.
How to Dress-Up for the Sula Fest?
I added a few lines on what to wear for the Sula Fest, just to acquiaint you of the ‘vibe’ there. Think breezy dresses, linen shirts, floral prints, light jackets, comfortable denims and smart casuals. The vineyard itself becomes your backdrop, so earthy colours, whites, beige, olive green and pastel shades look particularly stunning in photographs. It’s no surprise that Instagram feeds are flooded with pictures from SulaFest every year.
Sneakers, loafers or cushioned flats would keep you comfortable, but, do not swallow your love for heels.
Carry a light jacket, shrug or denim layer that you can easily put on once the evening performances begin, as temperatures drop noticeably after sunset in January.
Don’t forget the essentials that often get overlooked:
- Sunglasses for the bright afternoon sun.
- Sunscreen, even during winter.
- A hat or cap if you plan to spend a lot of time exploring the vineyards.
- A small sling bag or crossbody bag to comfortably carry your phone, wallet, sunglasses and festival essentials.
What the drive to Nashik, Sula Fest feels like
For travellers from Mumbai, the drive to Nashik is one of the most enjoyable weekend escapes in Maharashtra. The route through Kasara Ghat and Igatpuri gradually replaces concrete skylines with rolling hills, lakes and lush greenery. Depending on the season, you’ll either witness mist-covered mountains, monsoon waterfalls or golden winter landscapes accompanying you all the way to Nashik.
If you’re travelling from Pune, the journey through Chakan, Narayangaon and Sangamner offers its own unique charm. The roads are smooth, the countryside unfolds beautifully, and the anticipation builds as vineyards begin appearing closer to Nashik.
The midway breakfast and changing landscapes along the way mark the beginning of celebration much before you reach.
If you’re planning this journey, don’t miss my detailed Mumbai/Pune to Nashik Weekend Road Trip Guide, where I’ve covered the best driving routes, breakfast stops, hidden gems, scenic viewpoints, vineyards, accommodation options, budgeting tips, and everything you need to plan the perfect road trip before heading to SulaFest.
After all, destinations deserve more than just reaching them.
They deserve to be driven to.
Years from now, you probably won’t remember every song played on the main stage. But you’ll remember laughing with your friends while driving through the vineyards, watching the Nashik sunset paint the vines in gold, clinking your first glass of wine, and taking the long way home simply because nobody wanted the weekend to end.
That, perhaps, is the true magic of SulaFest. It is not just a music festival. It is one of India’s finest road-trip weekends, where every kilometre adds another memory before the first note is even played.
Related Guides
Planning a vineyard getaway? These guides may help:
- Mumbai to Nashik Road Trip Guide
- Pune to Nashik Road Trip Guide
- Best Weekend Getaways from Mumbai
- Best Weekend Getaways from Pune
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SulaFest worth travelling to from Mumbai or Pune?
Absolutely. SulaFest is much more than a music festival, it is a complete weekend getaway. The scenic drive to Nashik, vineyard atmosphere, live performances, gourmet food, award-winning wines and the relaxed ambience make it one of the finest long-weekend experiences in India. I recommend extending your trip by another day to explore Nashik’s vineyards and nearby attractions instead of returning immediately after the festival.
I’ve never tasted wine before. Will I still enjoy SulaFest?
Without a doubt.
Many visitors attend SulaFest for their very first wine experience. The tasting sessions are designed for beginners as well as enthusiasts, and the staff are always happy to explain the different varieties, flavour profiles and food pairings. Even if wine isn’t your preference, the music, food, vineyards and overall atmosphere are reason enough to visit.
Is SulaFest suitable for couples?
It is one of the most romantic festival experiences in the country.
Imagine strolling through endless vineyards with a glass of wine, watching the golden sunset over the Nashik hills, enjoying live music under the open sky and ending the evening with dinner overlooking the vineyards. If you’re planning an anniversary, birthday or simply a memorable weekend together, SulaFest makes for a wonderful escape.
Can families visit SulaFest?
Yes. While wine is naturally the centrepiece of the festival, SulaFest is equally known for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent food, art installations, shopping stalls and live entertainment. Families often spend the afternoon exploring the estate together before the evening performances begin. Check the official festival guidelines each year for the latest age and entry policies.
How many days should I plan for SulaFest?
I recommend a three-day itinerary.
- Day 1: Drive from Mumbai or Pune to Nashik, explore a vineyard and enjoy a relaxed evening.
- Day 2: Spend the entire day at SulaFest.
- Day 3: Visit a few more vineyards, enjoy wine tasting, explore Gangapur Dam or Trimbakeshwar, and then begin your drive back.
This way, the festival becomes a complete road trip rather than just a one-day event.
Can I stay inside a vineyard?
Yes.
Several beautiful vineyard properties in Nashik offer accommodation overlooking the vines. Staying at places like The Source at Sula or Beyond by Sula lets you wake up surrounded by vineyards and reach the festival within minutes. Vineyard stays are extremely popular during SulaFest, so booking well in advance is highly recommended.
Can I drive back to Mumbai or Pune on the same day?
Technically, yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
After spending an entire day walking around the vineyards, enjoying live music and wine tasting, a long drive back can be tiring. If you plan to enjoy the wines, it’s always safer to stay overnight in Nashik and begin your return journey the following morning. The extra night also gives you an opportunity to explore more of what Nashik has to offer.
Is one day enough for SulaFest?
One day is sufficient to enjoy the festival itself, but not enough to experience Nashik properly.
If you’re already making the drive, take an extra day to discover the region’s vineyards, lakes, cafés and scenic viewpoints. The road trip deserves as much attention as the festival.
Which wines should I try at SulaFest?
If you’re visiting Sula for the first time, these are excellent choices to begin with:
- Sula Brut Tropicale – A refreshing sparkling wine that’s perfect for celebrations.
- Sula Riesling – Light, fruity and ideal for beginners.
- Sula Chenin Blanc – One of Sula’s most popular white wines with fresh tropical notes.
- Sula Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and refreshing, especially during a warm afternoon in the vineyards.
- Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz – A rich, full-bodied red wine for those who enjoy deeper flavours.
- RASA by Sula – A premium range crafted for Red Wine connoisseurs looking to explore Sula’s finest offerings.
If you’re unsure where to begin, simply ask for a guided tasting. The sommeliers can recommend wines based on whether you prefer sweet, fruity, dry or bold flavours.
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