This year has been generous in terms of long weekends, but if you’re already checking the calendar for the next one, don’t worry. We’re with you. And while Mumbaikars are blessed with a multitude of choices, thanks to the verdant Western Ghats that flank the coastal state, Nashik continues to be a choice option.
The lush green city on the banks of the Godavari River has been frequently referred to as the ‘wine capital of India,’ an epithet afforded to it by the presence of 29-plus wineries, which is, interestingly, patented by the Geographical Indication in India. The valley has been home to many wineries, including the ever-so-popular Sula Vineyards. That list now becomes longer with the addition of Chandon India, which has opened its doors to oenophiles for a curated tour and tasting experience.
Set inside a 19-acre property, the winery is located on the outskirts of Nashik’s Dindori district. The gorgeous estate features a massive vineyard and a factory where the tour takes place, followed by a tasting session with sommeliers inside their luxe banquet hall, overlooking a lawn. The educational tour is designed to help you understand the process and science behind wine-making — right from harvesting and crushing the grapes to stabilisation, filtration, bottling and fermentation of the wine. Guided by their chief winemaker, Kaushal Khairnar the tour proves to be greatly informative, punctuated by Khairnar’s light-heartedness and humorous charm.
For the wine-tasting, you will be offered two lovely sparkling wines — Chandon’s rosé and a brut, paired with an array of delectables, such as fresh fruits, crackers, entrees, and cool homegrown cheeses from the Indian brand, Eleftheria Cheese.
Besides that, it’s a great way to spend a weekend, regardless of whether it’s long or short, in the lap of nature and a setting that makes sure that your glass is never empty.
After the winery tour, if you wish to extend your stay and make a trip out of it, here are a few recommendations worth noting.
Stay:
Book a room at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, which has exquisite rooms, a sprawling buffet and a couple of restaurants to unwind at after a long day of sightseeing.
Eat:
Start your morning with misal pav at Shamsunder Spiceyard, followed by a traditional thali lunch of spicy Maharashtrian food at Divtya Budhlya Wada. If you’re planning to settle down with a bottle of Chandon inside the room, consider the juicy kebabs at Barbeque Ville. Or, if stepping out for dinner, treat yourself to pasta, along with wine at Little Italy. Vegans, worry not. For plant-based treats, head to Café Novo.
Do:
If you’re the adventurous type, head over to Kalsubai and Brahmagiri for a trek or go white water rafting on the Vaitarna river. History buffs should absolutely check out the Pandavleni Caves, a Buddhist site dating back to the 1st century BCE.
