By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 21: For many tourists departing the state capital after the 20th Shillong Wine Festival, the most cherished souvenir wasn’t a handicraft or shawl—it was a bottle of locally crafted wine.
Featuring flavours from Sohiong, tamarind, honey, pineapple and Sohpoh, these wines have become symbols of Meghalaya’s rich culture, carried home to destinations across India and beyond.
Organised by Forever Young, the two-day festival at Ward’s Lake celebrated the remarkable growth of Meghalaya’s wine industry, which has flourished since its legalisation. For local farmers and winemakers, this shift has been transformative, turning fruits once sold at low prices in markets into premium products showcased at such events.
The festival featured some of Meghalaya’s finest homegrown wines, with the beloved Sohiong (blackberry) wine standing out for its rich, earthy flavours.
What is remarkable is how wine has become a cultural ambassador for the state. Tourists, many of whom stumbled upon the festival during their winter getaway to Shillong, were enchanted by the wines and the stories behind them.
“I have tasted wines in Europe, but the tamarind and honey wine has a personality; it is like tasting a piece of this beautiful place,” said a tourist from Mumbai.
Jennifer Fernandes from Goa echoed this sentiment, calling Meghalaya’s wines a “revelation”.
“It’s exciting to see how the local culture and environment shape the flavors. I’m definitely taking a few bottles home!” she remarked.
The festival also highlighted the untapped potential of wine tourism in Meghalaya. With its unique offerings, the state is poised to attract more visitors seeking both cultural and culinary experiences.
It is pertinent to note that beyond tourism, the impact of wine legalisation has been profound.
Farmers are now incentivised to grow high-quality fruits, while winemakers experiment with innovative blends and marketing strategies.
To further elevate Meghalaya’s wine industry to global standards, the state government has introduced infrastructure development initiatives and training programmes, setting the stage for a promising future.