A district on India’s western coast has become an oenophile destination in just two decades—but you’ve probably never heard of it. Joanna Lobo samples the bouquet.

In Hindu mythology, the war between the gods and demons over a pot of amrit—the nectar of immortality—resulted in a few drops of it falling to Earth. These four sites are now deemed holy, and host a Kumbh Mela—a pilgrimage of faith and spirituality—every 12 years.

One of these sites is Nashik, a district on the banks of the Godavari River in Maharashtra on India’s western coast. But today, Nashik is famous for another drink: Wine.

In the last two decades, about 30 wineries have sprung up in the region. Many of them are top players—Sula Vineyards, York Winery, Reveilo Wines, Grover Zampa and Vallonné, to name a few. They’re producing French and Italian varietals, among others, and offer all the winery mod-cons—tasting rooms, tours, restaurants, accommodation and more.