The 12th edition of the Nagpur Wine & Food Festival drew to a spectacular close, mirroring the elegance and enthusiasm of its opening day. Organized by the Nagpur Wine Club in partnership with The Times of India and Maharashtra Times, the event transformed the venue into a vibrant, metro-style lifestyle destination over its final weekend.
A Celebration of Taste and Community
The crisp winter evening was alive with energy, fueled by live music, stylish open-air lounges, and an array of artisanal food stalls. Vintage-themed decor added to the sophisticated ambiance, attracting a diverse crowd of young professionals, families, seasoned wine lovers, and curious first-timers. The festival solidified its reputation as one of Nagpur's most fashionable year-end social gatherings.
Organizers emphasized that the goal was deeper than just displaying various wine labels. The festival aimed to cultivate a culture of mindful appreciation among attendees. "Nagpur has always welcomed new lifestyle experiences, and this festival represents that fresh cultural pulse," shared local attendee Madhura Mahajan. She added that the event allowed premium labels, boutique brands, and Vidarbha's own wines to share the same platform, fostering local pride.
Workshops, Masterclasses, and Future Plans
Beyond tastings, the festival offered immersive experiences that saw heavy participation. Pairing workshops, fun grape-stomping sessions, and expert-led sommelier masterclasses were major draws. A ticketed session named 'How to Understand Wine Like a Professional' proved especially popular with young adults keen to move beyond casual drinking to informed enjoyment.
Rupchand Sanodia, director of the Nagpur Wine Club (NWC), expressed that the response from the city was both "incredible and emotional." He fondly remembered the club's long-time supporter, Sharad Phadnis, whose presence was deeply missed. Sanodia also smiled while revealing future plans, stating, "In February, we will also host a beer festival, which suits the summer season."
Rooted in Local Agriculture
Adding a significant perspective on sustainability, PB Singh highlighted the strong agricultural foundation of the wine industry. "Introducing something new is good, but sustaining it is even more important," he remarked. He explained that the foundation of wine is agriculture, utilizing local produce like mahua, grapes, jamun, and mangoes, all sourced directly from Vidarbha's growers.
Singh noted that Narhari Zirwal, the Minister of Food and Drug Administration, appreciated the efforts of the Nagpur Agro Development Association. "In Vidarbha the wine culture is growing rapidly," Singh observed, calling it a promising shift for the region's farmers and producers.
With a strong turnout, the launch of new local labels, and a steadily growing culture of responsible indulgence, the Nagpur Wine & Food Festival has cemented itself as a premier winter tradition for the region. The organizers believe this vibrant celebration is just the beginning of a flourishing wine narrative for Nagpur and Vidarbha.
