The 12th edition of the Nagpur Wine & Food Festival commenced on a vibrant and spirited note this Saturday, effectively turning the winter evening into a lively hub of gourmet experiences, melodic tunes, and rich cultural exchange.
A Celebration of Local Viticulture and Tribal Craft
Organised by the Nagpur Wine Club in partnership with The Times of India and Maharashtra Times, the event at Chitnavis Centre featured an impressive assembly of over a dozen winemakers. Visitors were treated to a diverse palette of reds, whites, rosés, and innovative blends. The true stars of the show, however, were the homegrown wines sourced directly from local vineyards and tribal clusters in the Vidarbha region.
These local offerings, with their earthy notes and distinct regional character, sparked immediate conversations among enthusiasts. A standout was the Gadchiroli-made Mahua wine, a refined take on the traditional mahua liquor. This creation not only highlights indigenous flavours but also plays a crucial role in empowering tribal communities by elevating their native craft to a premium status.
"This is the first time I have tasted a wine made in Gadchiroli, and it's surprisingly elegant," remarked entrepreneur Rishi Deshpande, capturing the sentiment of many first-time tasters.
Ambience and Vision: Bringing Wine to the Masses
The festival's atmosphere rivalled that of major metropolitan wine fairs, complete with live music performances, comfortable alfresco lounges, artisanal food stalls, and tasteful vintage-inspired décor. The directors of the Nagpur Wine Club shared insights into their mission to expand the region's wine culture.
"We want to bring wine to the common man. Wine is an artful liquor, and our objective has always been to take it to the masses," stated NWC director Deepak Khanuja, who also serves as the director of Tranquillo. He highlighted that Tranquillo, Nagpur's first ready wine-and-beer café, now operates its own winery. "Our Shiraz red wine is the only sugar-free variant of its kind," Khanuja added.
Cultivation Secrets and Lasting Legacy
Ulhas Mohille, the festival's co-founder and also a director at Tranquillo, revealed details about their signature wine, Terranoir. "We chose Syrah grapes for Terranoir. Maintaining a controlled temperature of 15-20°C during cultivation is key to its quality," Mohille explained.
Director Satish Zade took a moment to honour the festival's origins, crediting the late Sharad Phadnis for laying its strong foundation. Zade emphasised the broader impact of winemaking, noting, "Wine supports our farmers — it's simply fermented fruit juice, and a great example of how agricultural value addition builds culture."
The successful event was supported by sponsors including Money Yields, Tranquillo, and Ushha Kaal Swapna Shilp Developers.
