 Having grown up in the generation where rock was music for the soul, I felt very nostalgic when I visited the Sulafest in 2011. So much that I planned a trip for the members of the Delhi Wine Club last year to visit the wineries in Nashik- Zampa, Sula, York, Reveilo and Mercury and culminating at the Sulafest with a dinner at the ‘Beyond’, graciously hosted by Rajeev Samant and Cecilia Oldne.
That was a mistake - not visiting the Sulafest; but taking the members for that dinner. They fell in love with the place so much that a few of them wanted to spend more time at the Resort next day rather than going for the Fest. But on my strong recommendations all of us ended up at the Fest and enjoyed the bonhomie, food along with the music and wine; and that’s when my problem started.
 The members, without exception, wanted to come again to the Sulafest 2013 but also wanted to stay at the Beyond... a near impossible task. When I tried to book the rooms at the Beyond for 2013 as we left the resort, we were told that the place was not available, next year. Apparently, the Resort is extremely popular and the reservations are through the back door and Cecilia Oldne whom I requested could not help either though she had been a darling in helping to make the visit of the members very enjoyable and thus resulting in an Encore.
While last year’s attendance varied from 5000-8000 depending upon who the figures were meant for, the amphitheater and the area around the winery were bursting at the seams and yet very well organised with no problem or major glitch one could see. Sula is pushing the button once again with the target being 8,000-10,000. To attract more and more people and offer them something new, ‘Band in the Bus’ will take music lovers of the bygone era or their millennial children to relive the moments of the '60s and the '70s and let them travel with the members of the rock band from Bangalore called Caesar’s Palace. They will have snacks on the way, entry to the Fest and return with the band members with whom they can interact and listen to them sing as well-all for Rs.5000, including the entry ticket of Rs.1400 each (Rs.2400 for both days).
 If you really want to relive the days of the hippie generation of those days, there is a camping option for Rs.4400 for one night or Rs.6400 for both, organised by ‘White Collar Hippie’. Blue Frog seems to be getting the Top Billing at the Fest and even though the Sula staffers don’t like it being called a music fest, music is finding its rightful play in the theme for the annual event which is scaling new heights with every vintage-both in terms of attendance, cost of tickets (it was Rs.800 barely a couple of years ago) and the quality and variety of the bands and the DJs. With 5 international acts, a total of 10 acts promised with an equal number of DJs of national and international repute, the event is a must-attend for the music lovers who love to get the right amount of wine. It is commendable that the organisers keep a tight leash on the drug abuse and one hopes it will always be the top priority.
Last year’s Sulafest was a very well organised wine and music event, and there is reason to believe it offers yet another opportunity in a scenario where after two attempts, York has decided to take a break this year. For a couple of related articles, please visit:
Sulafest-Mini Woodstock in Nashik
DWC: Celebrating 10th Year in Nashik Vineyards
Subhash Arora
Tags: The Sulafest 2013, Blue Frog, Band on the Bus, White Collar Hippie, Zampa, Sula, Reveilo, Mercury, Rajeev Samant, Cecilia Oldne, Caesar’s Palace, York |