Begin your journey into the flavours of Meghalaya with an indulgent Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience, exquisitely curated for the discerning traveler. Set amidst the lush, undulating landscapes of Mawphlang, this elegant affair blends the region’s quiet grandeur with a refined palette of artisanal wines and handcrafted cheeses.
Before stepping into the legendary Sacred Grove, this short escape invites you to slow down, breathe in the crisp highland air, and immerse yourself in the natural abundance and culinary heritage of the Khasi hills.
Set in an exquisite outdoor set-up, this tasting experience celebrates the land and its gifts. Sample local fruit wines made from Sohphi (Raspberry wine), passionfruit, ginger, and other endemic products. Each wine carries the essence of Meghalaya’s wilderness, the sweet-tart bite of forest fruits, the warmth of hillside spices, and the freshness of the cool, mist-kissed climate. These are paired with cheeses sourced from the capital , homemade jams infused with local berries, pure locally produced Meghalayan honey, fragrant spices such as turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and bowls of freshly picked fruits and olives.
Traditional Khasi breakfast items like Putharo which is steamed sticky rice, Pumaloi is a bowl shaped snack made of steamed rice flour and Khasi rice cakes add a comforting authentic touch, their soft textures and coconut or jaggery fillings offering a gentle sweetness that ties the tasting together.
Sip on soothing sha-saw, the region’s beloved red tea and try Kwai, a simple leaf that carries the warmth, kinship, and cultural soul of Meghalaya, as your local guide walks you through each ingredient, sharing stories of how it comes into being , how it is made, and why it holds meaning for the people here.
This indulgent tasting sets the tone for a deeper connection with Mawphlang sacred forest. After the session, continue on to explore the ancient monoliths scattered across the open meadows, before heading into the Sacred Forest for a guided walk through centuries of Khasi legends, rituals, and ecological wisdom. For those who wish to extend the experience, a hearty local Khasi lunch can be arranged after the walk.
A luxurious tapestry of taste, culture, and nature, this experience lets you savour Meghalaya slowly, intentionally, one exquisite flavour at a time.
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM: Arrival at Mawphlang. Meet your local guide and settle into your tasting set-up surrounded by pristine forest views.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Wine & Cheese Tasting Session. Explore local fruit wines, artisanal cheeses, honey, spices, fruits, olives, homemade jams, and traditional rice cakes. Sip on sha-saw as your guide explains the stories and traditions behind each ingredient and Khasi lifestyle.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Guided walk through the Sacred Forest and Mawphlang monoliths, discovering its biodiversity, age-old rituals, sacred spots, and living myths.
1:00 PM onwards: Optional Khasi lunch with local delicacies curated by the community (only on pre-booking).
The tasting session and walk take place in Mawphlang, right at the entrance of the Sacred Grove. The set-up is outdoors amidst forest views, and the guided walk includes the monoliths and the Sacred Forest trail.
The tasting session and forest walk together take about 2.5 to 3 hours. If you choose to add the optional Khasi lunch, the experience may extend by another hour.
You will taste locally crafted fruit wines made from raspberry (Sohphi), passionfruit, ginger, and other seasonal fruits unique to Meghalaya’s hills.
Yes, the cheeses are sourced from local artisanal producers based in and around Shillong, known for their fresh, small-batch dairy products.
The walk is easy to moderate with well-marked paths. It is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, though comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Children can enjoy the cheeses, fruits, jams, honey, rice cakes, and the forest walk. However, the wine tasting is strictly for adults (18+).
Mawphlang weather can be unpredictable. In case of light rain, a sheltered set-up or covered alternative is arranged. For heavy rain, the experience may be rescheduled in consultation with you.
Vegetarian and non-alcoholic preferences can be accommodated with prior notice. Please inform us during booking so the team can curate suitable alternatives.
The highlands can get cool and breezy. We recommend comfortable clothing, a light jacket, sturdy shoes, and sun protection.
Photography is not allowed inside the Sacred Forest as per local traditions and rules. However, you are free to take photos outside the forest and during the tasting session.
Lunch is prepared by the community, so it must be pre-booked to ensure fresh ingredients and availability.
Mawphlang is about 45–60 minutes from Shillong by road. Transport can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
The tasting set-up is curated for small private groups, ensuring an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
