Stop & smell the 'grapes': Getaway from Mumbai to Nashik, the elixir-rich wine capital of India

Mumbaikars, when was the last time you took time off to spend awhile in nature's lap, to halt and immerse your senses in the sublime? A lil' self-care goes a long way and when it can be achieved with a short getaway trip to a rich winery, consider yourself pampered!

So if you happen to be a wine enthusiast, this is the perfect way for you to add magic to monotony. Because tucked away approx 167 kms from Mumbai is Nashik, a city that proudly carries the title of 'Wine Capital of India'.

An annual highlight not only for the locals but also tourists from all over India, Nashik wineries bloom beautifully during this time of the year. The harvesting season of grapes kickstarts in January, touches the apex in February with grape-crushing activites in March, and concludes in April. Oh, and, music fests are also on the cards during this period!

Essentially, Nashik ranks high when it comes to wine production, with some 8,000 acres of land used for grape wine plantation, and over 52 wineries in its embrace. Consequently, the Nashik Valley wines are also distinct and protected under the Geographical Indication Tag, with Sula Wines being one of the most prominent producers. Talking of Sula, if you'd like to head to its vineyard, you can skip the queues and book your visits in a hassle-free manner here.

Basically, this will be a full package. You start early with a fun road trip, end up witnessing a beautiful sunset, amidst a calming green cover while sipping on some delectable wine in a vineyard. Sounds like a decent deal, eh?

Moreover, if you have some time in March, look out for the annual Nashik Grape Harvest Festival (dates will be released soon). Taking place every year for 2 days in March, when the harvesting season gains momentum, this festival features dozens of wineries in Nashik. These wineries exhibit their vibrant products to the throngs of tourists visiting the city. Grape stomping is also one of the popular trends here, so if you'd like to crush some grapes with your feet, this is the time!