Restaurant India News: Sula Vineyards Acquires Chandon Nashik Estate to Boost Wine Tourism

Sula Vineyards Limited has signed a definitive agreement with Moet Hennessy India Private Limited to acquire Chandon’s wine production facility and estate in Dindori, Nashik, marking a strategic move to strengthen its hospitality and wine tourism portfolio.

The 19-acre estate includes a wine production facility with an annual capacity of 4.5 lakh litres, which can be scaled up to 13 lakh litres. The property also features a visitor centre, banquet infrastructure, and 5 acres of vineyards, positioning it as a ready platform for expanding experiential wine tourism offerings. The acquisition reflects a growing trend in India’s hospitality sector where wineries are increasingly integrating production with destination-led experiences.

Sula Vineyards will take over operations of the existing hospitality facilities and tasting room immediately after the handover, ensuring continuity of on-ground operations. The location offers logistical advantages, being a 20-minute drive from Nashik Airport, which is expected to see higher traffic ahead of the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Its proximity to Sula’s current facilities in Dindori is also expected to support operational efficiency and integration.

The transaction is structured as an asset purchase agreement covering land, buildings, and winemaking infrastructure, while excluding all brand-related assets. The deal is being executed through Sula’s wholly owned subsidiary, Artisan Spirits Private Limited, and is expected to close by the end of Q1 FY27, subject to regulatory approvals. Post-acquisition, Chandon will discontinue wine production in India, and output from the facility will be marketed under Sula’s existing portfolio, without the use of the Chandon brand.

Rajeev Samant, Founder & CEO of Sula Vineyards, said, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a truly world-class estate. When I first visited the property, I was immediately struck by its beauty and potential. The team at Chandon has built an exceptional foundation, and we are excited to unlock its full value. Dindori is widely regarded as the home of India’s finest wine grapes, and this acquisition strengthens our presence here. Building on the success of our flagship wine tourism destination near Gangapur Lake in Nashik, the most visited vineyard globally attracting over 3 lakh visitors annually, we see strong potential to develop another landmark destination wine resort in Dindori. Leveraging its strategic location and picturesque setting, we believe this estate will play a key role in the next phase of growth for our wine tourism business.”

The acquisition highlights Sula’s focus on scaling its integrated wine tourism model, combining production capabilities with hospitality infrastructure to capture higher consumer engagement and drive incremental revenue streams in India’s evolving experiential travel market.