5 Best Wineries and Vineyards in Nashik For a High-Spirited Experience
While growing up, we were often told that India is a land of colourful spices, vibrant cities, and age-old customs. But there’s much more to it. Among the many hidden gems is the burgeoning wine industry. Did you know that there are about 123,000 acres of land used as vineyards in India, with most of it situated in the Nashik region? Yes, Nashik is home to almost half of the vineyards and wineries in the country, earning the title of the ‘Wine Capital of India.’ With that, let’s delve in to explore some of the best wineries in Nashik that offer a fantastic escape to the oenophile and curious ones alike. From the wine tasting to the vineyards in Nashik, these wineries reflect the pride and passion of Indian winemaking.
Sula Vineyards
Sula is known to be one of the best vineyards in Nashik and is just a swing away from the city. Sula was started by Rajeev Samant in 1999 as the first winery in Nashik and he helped to build India’s Wine Capital. Sula in Nashik is now ranked number one among Indian wine companies and leads global efforts to market Indian wines.
If you have time in Nashik for a one-day tour, you can journey into the winery and taste some fantastic Sula wine. In addition, there are two restaurants in Nashik’s this beautiful property that will leave you craving more after tasting their food. A visit to their wine shop after this excursion will enable you to buy your mementos in bottles of wine. You can get a hold of these wines ranging from Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Zinfandel among others.
In addition, every early February the winery hosts the Sulafest, an annual music festival which attracts many wine and music enthusiasts across the globe.
York Winery
The family-run York Winery, situated over 9 acres of land overlooking the Gangapur Dam and hills ahead, was established in 2005 and is one of best vineyards in Nashik. Their robust brews of reds and whites that have won numerous awards throughout their production history are available for tasting at the farm. York’s Arros is a reserve blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz that was released in 2014 and has found its niche in the market alongside their Sparkling Brut made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes. And if you’re up for a wine tasting in Nashik, York Winery is your ultimate escape. You can also go enjoy an opulent Indian meal at the Cellar Door restaurant in Nashik.
Chandón India
Chandón India is not just a winery, it’s an ultimate experience. It honours the French traditions, Indian terroir, and life at its best. Whether you are an oenophile or not, this wine factory in Nashik offers a journey that will make your palate tingle, stimulate your senses, and leave you with memories that shine like the wines themselves.
Take a guided tour around vineyards in Nashik and explore the 21 acres of neatly mowed lawns, posh tasting rooms and patios where guests can taste their delicious Brut and Rosé wine variants of Chandón India. When visiting Chandón, you need to know everything there is about wine. Use this chance to choose any masterclass topic such as sparkling wines production, food pairings, or blind tasting. You could also try your hands on experiences such as sabrage or grape stomping sessions.
Vallonné Vineyards
As you make a visit to the green vineyards of Vallonné, all you can do is feel the beauty of this place and the sweet smell of ripening grapes. Explore the vineyard in Nashik through a guided tour where you will know the secrets of how Chenin Blanc and Shiraz are made, while the workshops allow you to experience grape stomping or barrel tasting. It is a complete hands-on experience that brings you closer to the winemaking process and will definitely make you travel for wine. Wine tasting at Vallonné Vineyards is an obvious activity if you’re heading there, in fact, it’s worth doing. This winery in Nashik also offers some of the best wines in India and offers a variety of tastings.
Soma Wine Village
A recent addition among the wineries in Nashik, Soma began in 2014 and became quite popular within months. When you go to this winery in Nashik, enjoy viticulture courses with experts, walk around the vineyard premises, participate in grape crushing activities, cook at a wine event, wine tasting, or just relax at their estate for leisure stay, enjoy picnic with friends or indulge in a soothing spa session. This wine factory in Nashik has everything you could need for a perfect weekend getaway with friends and family.
Read: A Trip to Nashik | Vineyards, Places To Visit, Accommodations: 5 Best Wineries and Vineyards in Nashik For a High-Spirited ExperienceTips for Wine Tasting in Nashik
When it comes to wine tasting everyone has to begin somewhere. The important thing about wine tasting is not really about drinking different types but it’s more about understanding its various blends and flavours. If you are a beginner, remember to engage all your senses while sampling and here are a few tips when going wine tasting in Nashik.
- Plan your itinerary well in advance. In case you’re planning a tour across various vineyards in Nashik that are close to each other. Don’t forget to calculate how much time will it take to move from one vineyard to another as well as the capacity of each.
- Make your bookings before you get there. Although some wineries in Nashik accept walk-ins, you cannot be sure that they will have a free slot to let you in. It is always best if you could make your reservations early enough.
- It’s best recommended to not wear perfume or cologne. Wine tasting experience is largely about smelling and perfumes can interfere with the wine’s bouquet thereby denying even others around you of the same experience.
- After sipping on every glass of wine, take a few sips of water and swirl them inside your mouth before swallowing. This can help in cleansing your palate so that you can taste the next wine better and keep yourself hydrated as well.
- Taste slowly and drink water between samples. Nashik wineries pour about 50% of a regular serving in their tasting rooms but even so, multiple wines at several wineries can really add up in alcohol consumption. If it starts getting a little too much, don’t be afraid to use the spit bucket.
- Make sure you don’t head out wine tasting on an empty stomach and that you take breaks during the tastings, take time to process everything, and most importantly – hydrate.
- Ask whatever questions come to your mind about wine, its process and anything about it. There is absolutely no call to impress, simply ask if you have a doubt. For instance, if you don’t know what ‘tannins’ are, they can explain it to you.
There are several wineries in Nashik that grow top-quality grapes, which are tailored to the tastes of Indian consumers. If you’re looking for “wine tasting near me,” these outstanding vineyards in Nashik are the only place to seek. For wine lovers seeking a distinctive and enjoyable experience, this Nashik is home to some of the top wineries in Maharashtra. Discover the rich flavours and alluring scents of these seven premium labels, which make Nashik a true wine lover’s paradise.
Read: Your Ultimate Guide to Must-Visit Villas in Igatpuri and Nashik: 5 Best Wineries and Vineyards in Nashik For a High-Spirited ExperienceFrequently Asked Questions about Vineyards in Nashik
Ideally, November to February is among the best time to visit the vineyards in Nashik as the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the vineyards and enjoying outdoor activities.
Yes, there are several luxury villas in Nashik that are just a throw away from the wineries. For the ultimate weekend getaway with friends, Villaggio needs to be on your list. This villa in Nashik accommodates up to 12 guests and offers top-notch amenities like swimming pool, lawn, BBQ and more. Casa Boho is another ideal retreat. It doesn’t end there, check out Terra Tints, Soul Serenity, Mango and Wine, Villa Cobblestone and more. After visiting the wineries, head to these villas in Nashik for a perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai.
Yes, there are many top restaurants in Nashik. In fact, most of the vineyards in Nashik have in-house restaurants or dining facilities. York Winery, Soma Vineyards, Vallonné Vineyards, and Sula in Nashik all offer excellent dining options that pair well with their wines.
Yes, all the vineyards in Nashik have wine shops where you can purchase their wines. These shops often offer exclusive deals and discounts on their products.
While wine tasting is for adults, most of the vineyards in Nashik are family-friendly and offer activities for children, such as vineyard tours and picnics.
Most of the vineyards in Nashik are relatively close to each other, and you can either travel by car or hire a cab for convenience. Some of these wine factories in Nashik also offer shuttle services, it’s best to research about it well in advance.
To dodge the queues and long wait, it is best to book tours and tastings well in advance, especially during the peak season.
For a vineyard tour, comfortable clothing and footwear are key. And don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen, especially if you’re visiting during the day.
