Rupali Bhatnagar General Manager & Sr. Winemaker – Sparkling Wines

Rupali Bhatnagar

General Manager & Sr. Winemaker – Sparkling Wines

Rupali Bhatnagar is a seasoned winemaker at Sula Vineyards. A wine enthusiast, she has dedicatedly focused on improvising intrinsic processes involved in wine-making including cellar management, tank management and harvest planning. Rupali’s proficiency lies in creating new varieties and improving existing flavors of wine. Her expansive experience in winemaking has allowed her to be actively involved on several projects focusing on the development of novel, varied varieties of wine and related products at Sula. Her in-depth experience across different levels in wine-making has enabled her to showcase her leadership qualities resulting in heightened business sustainability and increased productivity. Her passion to familiarize and get the Indian palate acquainted with the different flavours of wine has had her supervise as well as facilitate several wine tasting sessions at the vineyards. Through her ten year experience in the winemaking industry, she was worked closely with several departments including business development, process management and promotions of wines.

Fervent about developing new flavours and varietals, she has also initiated the process that led to the production of Sula Vineyard’s ‘MethodeChampenoise’ sparkling wine. Under her leadership, the production of 35000 cases per year was achieved. She also went on to spearhead the Asti-Spumante method Sparkling process to produce 75,000 cases per year.

Laying specific emphasis on quality, Rupali has ensured premium quality fruit is harvested and used for winemaking at Sula. While she has handled winemaking processes for varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Viognier, Roussane, Riesling. Zinfandel red and Rose wine, Pinot-noir, and Chardonnay amongst others, her note-worthy accomplishments include creation of India’s first sparkling Blanc de Noir better known as the Tropicale. She is currently working on developing India’s first Sparkling Shiraz. She has also successfully blended India’s first Blanc de Blanc (100% Chardonnay) in 2015.

On the educational front, Rupali has completed her Bachelors in Microbiology with top honours from the University of Mumbai. She has also successfully cleared level two of the certified course by (WSET) Wine & Spirit Education Trust and aims to clear levels 3 & 4while continuing to develop some of India’s finest wines at Sula Vineyards.