The Young Wine King: Rajeev Samant
The Young Wine King
Rajeev Samant , Founder and CEO
Sula Vineyards
Text: Farzana Contractor
To address one so young as a Founding Father of the Indian wine industry seems odd, but he is exactly that! 30 years ago, when he returned from USA, after studying at Stanford University and chucking up a job, he was just 30 when he decided to grow high quality grapes at his family-owned land in Nashik and produce some decent wine. This makes him not only the youngest but also the only living founding father, with the others all gone to the Maker.
Born and brought up in Bombay, Rajeev went away to California to pursue an undergrad degree in Economics and then a master’s in Engineering Management. He worked for a few years at Oracle Corporation in Silicon Valley and then decided he has to return home. But not before wandering the world a bit. So he backpacked for a year gaining insight into life, garnering experiences which unbeknown to him then, were to hold him in good stead in the future.
Once back, he pondered on his own life and decided he liked the simple, rural life and so set shop at his family estate in Nashik, growing stuff; roses and teakwood trees. It was here, at the 20-acre property that it dawned on him that Nashik had the perfect weather and rich soil to grow not just the table grapes that were being cultivated by him and all the local farmers, but also other varieties used in making wine. So he zoomed back to California, connected with old friends and returned to India with Kerry Damskey, a renowned winemaker, in tow. Kerry, excited at the challenge to create a new winery teamed up with Rajeev and the two began their experiment at growing wine grapes in Nashik, in full earnest. The year was 1997.
They planted the French Sauvignon Blanc, Californian Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel and Reisling, and before anyone knew, the project was a success. Sula Vineyards was established the next year. And here comes the best part. Sula comes from Rajeev’s mum’s name which is Sulabha.
The first wine was launched in 2000 and since then on neither Rajeev nor Sula looked back. The plantations thrived, wineries produced wines non-stop, they grew in number, tasting rooms were added, wine tours began, and rewards, awards and recognition came their way.
Rajeev Samant was on a roll. Nashik was given the title of Wine Capital of India and Rajeev; The Indian Wine King! Sula Vineyards which went public in 2022 has a current IPO size of Rs. 960 crores. As of 2023, Rajeev Samant’s net worth amounted to nearly 500 crores. It’s not something we imagined happening 25 years ago! Today Sula Vineyards is globally recognised as India’s largest and most important wine producer, with more than 60% market share. It has exported to 20 countries including the US, UK and Japan.
That’s a pretty good track record. But apart from figures what’s equally impressive are other facts. Like single-handedly Rajeev put Nashik on a wine trail. Hordes of people, wine enthusiasts and regular tourists flocked to Sula to experience rural life, learn about the winemaking process, indulge at their tasting rooms, eat at their restaurant, spend a couple of nights at the vineyard resort. The location is picturesque and the entire place with ivy growing on the cottage walls, rather charming. So it’s not surprising that everyone took to it.
Rajeev’s efforts uplifted the financial status of local farmers, too. The prosperity is pretty evident, all around. A revolution which began 25 years ago in a tiny spot on the map culminated in world-wide recognition. Today Sula Vineyards is synonymous with a quality product and has found its way on shelves of international wine shops.
A feather in Rajeev Samant’s hat.
Talking about hats, one wouldn’t know where to tuck this feather because Rajeev actually never ever wore a hat. And ever since we remember, his head has been this nice and shiny skull! Days when we drank joyfully the perfectly chilled Sula’s Chenin Blanc at Rahul Akerkar’s Indigo which had also just been launched at Colaba. And we danced and raved about the goodness of life, cheering each other along. With Rajeev at the helm. He never could have enough of life. And music. It was all rather good. Rajeev’s love for music also got him to start SulaFest, a music festival, right there at his vineyards.
Here was Rajeev, a confirmed bachelor or at least leading a life which pointed in that direction. But his eligibility was not understated. He had his fun times but never showed signs of slowing down or getting settled. Until Margarita Andronova happened. Our man, Rajeev was finally smitten. Beyond a point of no return. He had to marry this beautiful woman. And he did. Popped the question to her in Udaipur and got married at a quiet wedding in his beloved Goa!
Today, this dynamic entrepreneur and lovable maverick leads a peaceful and happy life as an infatuated husband and doting father to a darling six-year old girl, balancing life beautifully, living in Dubai.
But long lives the businessman in him. Rajeev Samant’s first love is still wine and vineyards. He controls his burgundy empire from Dubai. Returning to India every other fortnight or more frequently, depending on the need.
Way to go. We approve. And here is a bugle call for the young wine king. From 25 year-old UpperCrust, with love. He made it happen 25 years, setting his dream in motion. It’s only fair that he enjoys the fruits of his labour. Even if he has to drink it!