Famous for its sandy beaches, bustling markets, and Chang beer, Thailand may not be the first country that comes to mind when it comes to wine. But those who are familiar with New Latitude wine will know that Thai wineries have been producing their own plonk with great success for the last three decades.
While vineyards are in various parts of Thailand, most of the more scenic ones are located in Khao Yai, a hidden gem of natural landscapes just a three-hour drive from Bangkok. So, if a vineyard tour is on your bucket list, here’s your chance to tick it off without leaving Southeast Asia – just take your pick to enjoy sips and views galore.
GranMonte Vineyard & Winery
A visit to GranMonte instantly makes you feel like you have been transported to the Tuscan countryside. The estate has its own winery, restaurant, overnight cottage and 36 acres of immaculately maintained grapevines set against breathtaking mountain views of Khao Yai.
The wines at GranMonte are lovingly crafted by Nikki Lohitnavy – the first (and only) female winemaker in Thailand – and have achieved international recognition and a slew of awards. The wine tour here is often praised for its in-depth look into how viticulture methods are adapted for Thailand’s tropical climate and volatile soil.
PB Valley Khao Yai Winery
PB Valley is the oldest vineyard in the Khao Yai area, established in 1989 and enjoying its first harvest in 1998. With over 405 hectares of land at its disposal, it is also Khao Yai’s largest vineyard, producing an impressive 150,000 litres of wine annually – the equivalent of about 200,000 bottles.
The main grape varieties grown on the estate are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc and Colombard, as well as seedless table grapes originally from Australia. Guests can also visit the flower field at PB Valley, which is filled with beautiful colourful flowers during the winter months of November to February.
Issara Estates Winery
If a smaller, boutique winery is more to your taste, head over to the charming Issara Estates Winery just north of Khao Yai National Park. In addition to the usual wine touring opportunities, Issara Estates also holds wine-making workshops where guests can create their very own blend and bottle it up with a personalised label to bring home.
With its beautiful surroundings, established hotel and fully-fledged restaurant, Issara Estates is a favoured spot among couples looking to tie the knot with a dreamy vineyard wedding. Interestingly, the vineyard has on-site residences attached to it, a unique real estate project which offers homeowners a property overlooking the mountainside vineyard.
Alcidini Winery
Alcidini Winery is located in a hillside village a bit further out from Khao Yai, but its tranquil, picturesque setting more than makes up for the additional distance. This family-run boutique winery welcomes visitors to drop by their cosy estate anytime, favouring a more laidback approach instead of organised wine tours.
The owners will guide guests around the vineyards and winery, offering hands-on insight into their wine production process. At an altitude of 550 metres above sea level, Alcidini Winery is not only an ideal site for grape cultivation but also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
Monsoon Valley Vineyard
Less than an hour’s drive from the airport in Hua Hin—Thailand’s royal seaside retreat—is the award-winning Monsoon Valley Vineyard. Most of Monsoon Valley’s wine is matured in a winery near Bangkok, so you may see fewer oak casks on site, but the well-thought-out vineyard experience is worth it all the same.
Visitors can explore the sprawling vineyard grounds on a quaint little bus buggy or rent mountain bikes to take the cycling trail around the valley. In uniquely Thai style, Monsoon Valley Vineyard has its very own elephant sanctuary on the premises. Two elephants rescued from the city have their own slice of turf here, where they can roam around free from chains.
This story by Jacie Tan Cheng Hwee was originally published on AirAsia. Zafigo republished this story in full with permission from the publisher, simply because good stories should be read by as many people as possible! If you have stories that will be of interest and useful to women travellers, especially in Asia, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
