Central India's most anticipated celebration of viticulture is set to uncork this weekend as the Nagpur Agro Development Association (NADA) prepares to host its 12th annual Wine and Food Festival. The two-day event promises an expanded showcase of local and regional wineries, gourmet food, and special offerings from its own winery based in the MIHAN special economic zone.
Festival Details and Participating Wineries
The festival will be held at the Chitnavis Centre in Civil Lines on December 6 and 7. The inauguration is scheduled for 5:30 PM on the first day, after which the event will be open to the public until 10:30 PM. On Saturday, December 7, the festivities will run from 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Entry is set at Rs 1,000 per person per day, with a special rate of Rs 1,800 for couples or two women attendees.
In a conversation with the Times of India, NADA directors Deepak Khanuja and Sudhir Kunte revealed that ten prominent wineries from Maharashtra will be participating. The impressive lineup includes industry giants and boutique producers alike: Sula, Grover–Zampa, Saphaalya, Good Drops, Fratelli, Red Gold Jamun Punch, Moonshine, Big Banyan, and Shabri Winery. A key participant will be NADA's own label, Terranoir by Tranquillo.
Local Highlights and Unique Offerings
Organizers have pinpointed two standout features for this year's edition. The first is the official launch of wine produced at NADA's own Tranquillo winery in MIHAN. Named Terranoir, this wine is being touted as a premium product. "It is one of the best wines in the market today and will be available at subsidised rates," said Deepak Khanuja. He emphasized its pure production, stating, "We haven't used sugar or additives, and we can produce 10,000 litres in a single lot."
The second highlight is the presence of Shabri Winery, which will bring a unique regional flavor to the festival. Their stall will feature Mahua-based wine sourced directly from tribal communities in Gadchiroli, offering attendees a taste of indigenous produce and supporting local tribal economies.
To complement the wines, ten food stalls will serve exotic cuisine specifically curated to pair with a wide spectrum of wines, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
A Growing Legacy and Community Tribute
Launched in 2013, the festival has grown into a significant regional draw. Sudhir Kunte noted that it now attracts between 2,500 to 3,000 visitors annually, drawing crowds not just from Vidarbha but also from neighboring states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. "Our aim is to bring wine appreciation, education, and local produce together under one platform," Kunte explained, outlining the festival's core mission.
This year's event will be bittersweet, as the community remembers Sharad Phadnis, a founding member of the NADA wine club who passed away last month. The organizers paid a heartfelt tribute, calling him a pioneer of Nagpur's wine culture and "a Bhishma Pitamah for us." His legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the festival.
Entertainment will include a live band performing each evening from 7 PM to 10 PM. The ever-popular grape stomping activity, a consistent favorite among women visitors, will be available on both days. Every attendee will receive a special kit containing wine-tasting coupons, a tasting glass, educational brochures, and information about the year-round Nagpur Wine Club and Tranquillo.
