Weekend Wine Getaway: Nashik – The Napa Valley of India!

The original plan to spend my friend Teenzy’s birthday was a weekend getaway in Pune – but an evening at the Bandra Wine Festival made us instantly change that to Nashik instead, since both of us are ardent vino lovers!

Her colleague suggested spending a sundowner evening at York Winery… and it was perhaps the best tip ever…

Not only are York’s wines beautifully crafted, but the location and setting of their vineyard is simply unbeatable – with a sprawling 9 acre property set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Godavari basin.

Lush landscapes, idyllic setting, award winning wines, authentic and simple cuisine… we couldn’t have possibly asked for anything better!

But being shown around the property along with a tasting flight of all wines by Kailash Gurnani, one of the owners of YORK Winery (and the ‘K‘ in the coined name) + a fantastic AirBNB stay were the cherries on top.

Back home in less than 3 hours, we’re regaling in this joyous epiphany induced by the wine:

Maharashtra = the California of India
Nashik = Napa Valley

Make It Happen!

Nashik Weekend Getaway from Mumbai

* Costs: Fuel ~ Rs.3,500 for petrol ex-Dadar + Stay from Rs.1,000 per head per night. Food & drinks as per preference.

* Basic Itinerary: Arrive early on Day 1 to familiarize with the region, spend Day 2 in the vineyards, explore Nashik on Day 3.

* What To Carry: Light clothes, cam, lip balm. Ladies, dress modestly as Nashik is relatively conservative.

Things To Do in Nashik

• Wine hopping from Sula to York to Soma Vineyards (20 + 20 minute walk or a 5 + 5 minute drive. If driving, ensure you’re not drinking!)
• Cheese tasting at Le Fromage (next to York)
• Visit the Pandava Leni Caves
• Try an authentic Nashik thaali meal at Divtyaa Budhlyaa (recommended by Kailash)
• Stay at one of the vineyards or bed-and-breakfast for a staycation.

Where to stay in Nashik

Farm Houses: If you’re heading to Sulafest or specifically visiting the vineyards, i’d highly recommend staying in and around them – ideally within walking distance so you can make the most of your vino experience. Though there are tons of options, my first preference would be Pai Farms right next to York. It’s a lovely farmhouse which also has a paid cheese tasting (they supply cheese to numerous vineyards in the region) and very centrally located – just over a kilometer away from Sula and Soma each (and of course, York right next door). Starts ₹10K per night, best for groups of upto 6 people.

Utopia Farmstay is another option in the same category.

B&Bs: Contrary to my own advice, we stayed in a great Airbnb that Teenzy found, which was managed by the hoteliers behind SSK Solitaire. The 24×7 cafe at their parent hotel was favorite haunt, of course.

Budget Business Hotels: Ginger Hotels / Ibis Nashik are great options if you prefer to stay within the city limits in familiar settings and.

Resorts: There are some amazing resorts that line up the ‘wine stretch’ around Sulafest, including The Source at Sula / The Source, Regenta Resort (Soma Vine Village), Seeyona Yacht Resort

If you’re ok staying further away from the most popular wine spots, you could also consider The Stone House / Grape County Eco Resort

Cheers and Happy Travels!
(Please do not drink and drive. it’s stupid and not worth it).