Nitin Sawhney and group performing
With the January 2012 grape crush season finally underway, it was celebration time again at the Sula Vineyards near Nashik. Two days of music, dance, wine and leisure in the midst of picturesque vineyard provided the heady cocktail which Sulafest has been known for since its inception.
The 2012 edition of Sulafest lived up to its promise of being one of the foremost musical extravaganzas, if not bigger and better. Into its fifth year, Sulafest 2012 witnessed the first live performance by UK-based Nitin Sawhney in India.
Modeled on the famous Woodstock Fest of USA, Sulafest provided delectable food and wine tasting in addition to live performances. The carnivalesque ambience provided the perfect setting for the crowds which had come from Mumbai, Nashik and Pune to unwind at the two-day fest held on February 4th and 5th.
Sulafest is known for its free flowing music and wine tasting sessions
The venue was the Greek-style amphitheatre at Sula Vineyards. India’s most iconic and must-visit vinery, Sula Vineyards has been at the forefront of the Indian wine revolution. The music fest was conceived to promote wine culture and a visit to the vinery is an integral part of the festival.
The fest also provided opportunity for many to give vent to their creative talents. Nikhil Advani, who directed Kal Ho Na Ho and Chandni Chowk to China, was seen capturing the vibe of the festival with a camera in an attempt to make a Woodstock-esque documentary of the fest.
Sula Vines CEO Rajeev Samant with a friend
The 2012 event was a breaking ground for many more records in addition to the Nitin Sawhney jig. Wine and Harley Davidson bikers can never be said in the same breath as wine has often been associated with fine dining and delicate stuff.
Breaking with traditions, the music fest was flagged off by the Mumbai gang of Harley Owners India. The group rode from Mumbai to Nashik to flag off the event. Look at it carefully and you will find a similarity between wines and Harley Davidsons. Both are new and trying to find place in the Indian mindset. Harley Davidson, which aims to pioneer the rise of a strong leisure riding culture in India, was launched at the Auto Expo held in Delhi in January.
Music Fest
The line-up set up by blueFROG, the Mumbai club which features live music performances, included Blackstratblues featuring Nikhil D’souza, Reggae Rajahs and Etienne Mbappe & Su La Take. Papon & the East India Company performed on their interesting rendition of ‘Dumadum Mast Kalandar’ which had the crowd grooving.
More music followed on the second day by Ankur and the Ghalat Family and Soulmate. Taal INC’s Drum Circle worked up the crowds by inviting a select group to jam with them. DJ Sasha performed some upbeat mixes while Dualist Inquiry led by Sahej Bakshi performed the final jig of Sulafest.
Apart from music, there was also some B-boying on display for the crowd by Ayush Shrestha, famous as a singer and a songwriter.
Grape Stomping
In a scene straight from A Walk in the Clouds, couples and the young at heart struggled to find their feet as they stomped upon the grapes, la Keanu Reeves and Aitana Sánchez-Gijón from the 1995 Hollywood movie. The sight of crowds stomping on fresh grapes and watching the juice flow out from the barrel was a visual treat. The grape stomping event was held as part of the fest.
[showhotels id="7926" name="Nasik"]
Food, wine, shopping and fun
The Sulafest Bazaar combined the pleasure of music with a range of lip-smacking Indian, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, Lebanese and Japanese cuisine. Freshly prepared food like kebabas on offer kept the crowds satiated.
A variety of delectable wine – international and local brands – was also available. Great desserts were also on available, especially at Soma & Vinoteca.
Crowd which had gathered for the festival
Foot massages, tarot reading and a plethora of fun-filled activities rounded off the event.Eclectic mix of music, wine and food provided the perfect carnival atmosphere for the crowds. The open air venue surrounded by vineyards added to the beauty of event.
Overall, the energy and vibe of the festival was alive and felt.