Mumbai: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, (MTDC), in association with Nashik Valley Wine Cluster, has announced the commencement of the India Grape Harvest, Wine Festival (IGHWF) from February 9 to March 11, every weekend at wineries, vineyards and Agro tourist destinations across Nashik Valley.
The festival is part of MTDC’s endeavour to increase Wine and Agro-Tourism in the city and simultaneously generate employment opportunities.
The initiative is inspired by the grape harvest festival held in various countries like France, Italy, Spain and Napa Valley and aims to popularise Indian grapes, raisins, wine agricultural and industrial production in India in addition to boosting wine tourism. The festival will be held across 20 venues.
India Grape Harvest, Wine Festival 2018 celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and will witness participation of India’s premium wineries and vineyards like Vinchur wine park, Vallonne vineyards, Zampa grover, Soma winery, Nipha winery, Sula vineyards, Sayhadri Agro farm, Kensington club and Chandon India.
Speaking on the occasion, Jaykumar Rawal, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & (EGS), Government of Maharashtra said, “I am delighted to see that Wine tourism is gaining popularity and the people in India are appreciating the creativity and methods involved in wine production.”
He went on to add, “I am certain that this festival will strengthen key partnerships and boost wine tourism in Maharashtra. The wineries are also optimistic about this opportunity and are increasingly investing in tourist-friendly amenities which will assist the local businesses, hotels, restaurants, farmers and craftsmen by creating job opportunities along with increasing revenue.”
IGHWF is aimed to provide more visibility to the small ranchers, raisin makers and wine producers in the city and state. The festival will include multiple Workshops and Seminars to educate farmers in terms of agriculture produce, food safety, skill development, technical enhancement to assist in the growth of agro economy and create job opportunities to support “Make in India “Campaign.
In addition to this, there are an array of exciting activities have been lined up like bathing in wine, a first in India, Wine painting and Portraits, Vino therapy, Live cooking with Wine, Maharashtrian folk music and dance, Laser and fashion show across the Nashik valley.
