Location of Sulafest Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
When I attended SulaFest in February 2020, the world was feeling energetic, carefree. Little did I know that a month later, the pandemic would change life as we knew it. Looking back, those two days at Sula Vineyards stand out – not just for the music, but for the allure of the festival: it’s a working vineyard, rolling hills and a place to come together for music, wine and celebration. Wale is a community of like-minded revelers. Life itself.
Unlike the massive music festivals that are packed with size, Sulafest has always been intimate. This venue, with its amphitheater, offers a unique indie vibe away from the commercial frenzy of larger festivals. And yes, there’s always wine tasting and grape stomping – a playful reminder of its roots.
a patient returned
While many festivals came back after pandemic restrictions eased, SulaFest organizers took their time. After a five-year hiatus, it is making a thoughtful, much-awaited comeback with new energy on February 1 and 2, 2025.
Ritwiz | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
This year’s lineup focuses on showcasing India’s thriving music scene, with acts like Divine, Ritwij x Karan Kanchan, Oof & Savera, When Chai Met Toast, Duelist Inquiry and Madboy/Mink taking the stage. The shift from the heavy international spotlight to homegrown talent reflects a conscious decision. “By highlighting local talent, we aim to create a platform that not only connects deeply with our audience but also supports and celebrates creativity within our own borders,” says Rajeev Samant, CEO of Sula Vineyards.
A new twist on an old favorite
Sulafest 2025 is not just about music. This edition introduces innovative Sula in wine cocktails and cans with both convenience and style in mind. For wine lovers, interactive tasting sessions with sommeliers provide a deeper appreciation for Sula’s wines and perfect pairings.
When tea met toast. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Rajeev says these innovations reflect their aim to enhance the guest experience: “We wanted to balance the timeless charm of our festival with new ideas, ensuring that regulars and first-time visitors alike have something to remember. “
Over the years, SulaFest has built a reputation as a must-see event on India’s festival calendar. Nirmika Singh, founder of MOX Asia and former executive editor of Rolling Stone India, recalls the spectacular performances of Jungle in 2019 and Bosnian band Dubiosa Kolektiv in 2017. “It created a sense of community. You’ll see people over seventy and teenagers enjoying themselves in one place – a rare feat for festivals.”
For journalist Amit Gurbaxani, Sulafest stood out for its programming of unexpected international acts such as Bloc Party and Young the Giant, which attracted fans who traveled merely to see their sets. “He had the ability to surprise attendees with an unexpected international act – artists you wouldn’t normally see performing anywhere else in India. Six years ago, a few of us on the set of Junglee hired a bus to go there. It was that rare blend of discovery and celebration that made it special.
The return of Sulafest is more than a comeback; It is a celebration of resilience, community and culture. By blending music, wine and immersive experiences, SulaFest 2025 offers not just an event, but a moment to be enjoyed – a perfect harmony of the familiar and the new.
Festival passes start at ₹2,999, and tickets are available now on BookMyShow
published – January 13, 2025 02:55 PM IST
