WINE / TRAVEL SPECIAL..................... Fond of wines? Experience the spectacular vineyards of Thailand this holiday season

Fond of wines? Experience the spectacular vineyards of Thailand this holiday season

Maybe some do not know, Thailand is a perfect destination for wine tasting too. The wine market in Thailand started nearly two decades ago, but has grown at a very fast pace and is appreciated by wine connoisseurs worldwide. Thailand produces different types of wine including: Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Chardonnay and Merlot depending on the region where the grapes are grown. Besides producing regular wine varieties, Thailand also specialises in herbal and fruit wine such as Lychee Wine, Mangosteen Wine and Black Ginseng Wine.
SUGGESTED WINE TASTING TOUR
Khao Yai:

Nakhorn Ratchasima province is around 2 hours drive from Bangkok, making it an ideal weekend destination. Khao Yai is known for its national park, adventure sports, golf courses and Thai vineyards. PB Valley Estate is situated on the edge of the Khao Yai National Park. Visitors can enjoy a professional guided wine tasting tour at the vineyards or explore the vineyards on a horse carriage with their experienced and warm staff. PB Valley has contributed to a greater world awareness of the quality of Thai wines which is often termed as New Latitude Wine, the name is derived from the fact that Thai wine is grown at Latitude of 14.3 north while around the world wine is normally grown at 30-50 north or south.
Granmonte Winery

One of Asia's largest and most renowned wine producers, Granmonte has several varieties of white and red wine. VinCotto, the restaurant at the vineyard offers superb lunch and dinner with modern cuisine style. GranMonte's Guest House on the slopes of the Asoke Valley also provides accommodation with a stunning view.

Supattra Vineyard:

Supattra is a relaxed family-run winery that feels more like a farm stand. They are known for light, sweet wines and homemade grape juice or grape cookies. Visitors can rent ATVs for an action packed hour-long tour of the vineyard.
Loei (Northeast Thailand):

Loei, a province in Northeast Thailand that houses the Chateau de Loei winery, whose wines are made under the guidance of Australian and French experts. Chateau de Loei, in the Phu Rua Valley, is viewed as one of the pioneers of the Thai wine industry, putting its first bottle on the market in 1995.
Samut Sakhon:

Located 60 kilometers south of Bangkok in Samut Sakhon, Siam Winery produces the award-winning Monsoon Valley wines. Vines are planted on islands, separated by canals which is a signature characteristic of this area.
Hua Hin/Pranburi:

Siam Winery also owns another vineyard just outside Hua Hin in Pranburi. Hua Hin Hills contributes most of the grapes that go into the brand's Monsoon Valley range. The highlight of this vineyard is the elephant tour of the vineyard.

Pattaya:

Set against natural beauty of the surrounding hills and the silver shimmer of the vineyard's name sake lake, Silverlake vineyard is a must-visit. The vineyard has also earned itself a reputation as a destination for outstanding live music and performances through their commitment to showcasing the best local and international artists.

Wang Nam Keow:

The Village Farm estate produces the Chateau des Brumes wine. The vineyard has an area covering 80 acres of high ground over 500m above sea level along the slopes and ridges of Baan Pai Ngam Village,Wang Nam Keow District, Nakhon Ratchasima.
Chiang Rai (Northern Thailand):

Mae Chan Winery is located in Mae Chan Valley in Amphoe Maechan, Chiang Rai. It is surrounded with beautiful atmosphere of vineyard, tropical trees and plants and a lake. The tour is followed by a wine tasting of the Chateau D' Mae Chan Thai wines.
Chiang Rai Winery: The Chiang Rai Winery produces some unique award winning wines demonstrating local flavours such as award Lychee, White Kwao Kreu Wine and non-alcohol Pomegranate with Herbal Juice. Visitors can experience and sample some new and exotic flavours, which will be explained by the Wine expert.

ETTR 141113