It was DP's birthday last weekend so we planned a trip to the Napa Valley of India with a few friends. Just a 3 hour drive from Navi Mumbai (approx 2 hours from Powai)Nashik it's an achievable weekend break.
We stayed at The Gateway Ambad in Nashik which was great value for money and being a Taj Hotel it had a good level of service & a spa : ) The Express Inn is across the way from The Gateway - it's a newer building & a similar price.
Nashik is still working on developing it's wine tourism but give it another year or two...it could be raking in the Mumbai weekend dollars.
If you are looking for a refreshment stop along the way apparently Manas Resort at the bottom of the hilly road at Igatpuri is worth a stop. This is about 50km out from Nashik. The scenery during monsoon was great.
If you are heading up for one night only I would suggest stopping at Zampa / Valle de Vin and Vallonne wineries on the way. Set the clock for 25km on from Manas and take a left hand turn at a landmark called Wadivarhe Phata. The turn off is between a bunch of small stalls and a popular stop for trucks and is easy to miss on the highway. There are no signs (as apparently the locals steal them for roofing & firewood) but Zampa is 7km along the road. Zampa is set up for tourists with a large lounge area and tasting bar, it's open 7 days from 11am to 5pm. Despite the reviews I tasted the Champagne and it wasn't too bad - perhaps I have been in India too long : )
Head back about 200m towards the highway and take the first right to Vallonne boutique winery. It is about a 10 minute drive from Zampa. Again no signage so just ask the locals and they will tell you to keep driving. The Vallonne winery & accommodation is not yet completed but when finished will have an amazing views as you are sipping wine on the terrace overlooking the lush monsoon valley & lake. So we experienced the wine tasting in the tank room, barrel room and lab. It was a special experience tasting wine straight out of the tank & barrels and many bottles were brought. Phone +91 927 222 777 to let them know you are on your way and they will organise the wine maker or assistant wine maker to take you through the tastings.The Gateway Hotel is about 30-40 minutes from Vallonne and is pretty easy to find as it is on the highway on the left hand side. Spend the rest of the afternoon checking out the pool and spa services or head to the outdoor balcony bar at Sula for sunset drinks (apparently the best in Nashik). Dinner could be back at Panchratna at The Gateway for local Indian or Chinese or stay on at Sula.
After a hearty breakfast & sneaky pedicure check out of The Gateway & head to York Winery (opens at 12 midday) to taste some of their award winning wines such as the Reserve Shiraz & Cab Sauv. Follow the yellow signs for Sula then drive a further 5 minutes on. They are set up for wine tourism with a bar and restaurant with views and a great lawn for the kids to run around on. They are open 7 days from 12 to 10pm.
Next stop Sula - the most commercial of them all. It's about 20 minutes from The Gateway hotel and is sign posted most of the way. You can view the bottling plant, buy Sula merchandise along with tasting. The Sauvignon Blanc is my favourite but has nothing on a good kiwi Sauv.
There are two good choices for lunch - the Veg "Little Italy" or Veg/Non Veg Indian "Soma". We had a fab lunch at Soma overlooking the vineyards with a few bottles of Dindori Reserve Shiraz.
If you have an extra day try a few of the inconvenient vineyards which are a bit harder to get to. I would recommend that you ask the hotel for a driver/guide to accompany you and save a few hours of pain & suffering in the car.
We drove an hour north of Nashik along State Highway 17 to Chateau d'Ori in the Dindori district as I read that the 2007 Cabernet Merlot was voted best in India. The amazingly large domed building is not yet completed but the wine tasting is set up in the huge circular tank room. Most wines are tasted out of the bottle and others straight out of the tank. Another unique experience and I am sure it will only get better when the building and the plans for tasting lounge, water sports and luxury accommodation are completed. Phone ahead to check open +91 22 65064933.
Reveilo is a big name but another elusive vineyard to find. We didn't have time to visit but it's about an hour east of Nashik off the Aurangabad Highway near Niphad. Open Mon to Sat 9am to 6pm but phone ahead on +91 253 246 9840.
The Aussie travel writer for About.com has written this helpful Guide to Nashik Vineyards with tasting rooms
and another good reference is this Itinerary/Article from Oenophilia
Would thoroughly recommend it as a relaxing weekend away with family &/or friends!
