Malbec from India?

Yep!

A two and a half-hour drive outside of Mumbai lies more than a half dozen wineries in Nashik producing fermented deliciousness made from 25 grape varieties including Malbec!

According to a New York Times article published this week, the wine region sprouted up more than a decade ago when Sula Vineyards, the first one there, took root. Rajeev Samant, the owner of Sula Vineyards, originally planned to grow mangoes on his family’s land in Nashik, but he decided on wine grapes instead. Good choice! Although I do love mangoes!

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Sula Vineyards has grown substantially over the years, attracting 150,000 visitors last years, up from 5,000 when it first opened. Samant has added a large tasting room, a resort with an infinity pool and a spa. Now there are a handful of other wineries nearby, too.

What are some other off-the-beaten-path wine destinations? Let me know in the comments!