Page 39 - TICA Membership Directory 2016-2017

PRE AND POST EVENTS

Mention Thailand and you quickly bring to mind many This covers 80 rai (2.52 rai in one acre) and has
connections such as friendly people, good weather and a surprising focus on premium foreign grape
great cuisine, but you might not readily associate the species, both seeded and seedless. This is quite an
country with wine. achievement as foreign grapes are usually difficult to
grow and produce. The Thong Chai Grape Garden is
Well, despite what may be viewed by some as limiting open daily.
government legislation, the wine industry is well
established in Thailand with a number of quality Also in Nakhon Ratchasima is the Pak Chong Grape
vineyards producing some fine wines. The range of Farm. This is another farm of foreign seedless grapes
vineyards is diverse and opportunities are provided with a winery of premium, but regarded as inexpensive
for groups to participate or observe the various quality wines from Khao Yai. The land area of 2,000 rai
winemaking processes and make for a perfect, and is divided between wine making and fresh grapes.
different pre or post conference leisure activity, or
team building exercise. If you are contemplating The Supattra Vineyard also situated in Nakhon
making a business trip to Thailand, then it is well Ratchasima province encompasses 50 rai and has
worth making a journey to see and sample some of a division between seedless grapes growing plots
what are called New Lattitude Wines. These have and plots for fresh table grapes and other processed
started to attract the attention of wine connoisseurs products. These items include grape pie, grape ice cream
and more importantly, have taken a larger portion of and grape juice. The rotation of five grape varieties
the market share. are grown all year round. The vineyard is set among
an impressive landscape of mountain ranges and
One of the pioneers of the Thai wine industry has there are ATVs available for rent to journey around the
been Monsoon Valley Wines made from the Hua Hin vineyard.
Hills Vineyard. This is owned by Siam Winery, South
East Asia’s top winery. The line includes Sangiovese, Head north and in the province of Loei, you will find
Colombard and Shiraz and other varieties many Chateau de Loei which is regarded as another of
of which have received accolades and awards at Thailand’s wine industry founders. It offers tours,
international wine tastings. tastings and short stays.
The future for the industry looks bright as the wines
The Khun Malee Vineyard is located in Saraburi
province and is just a two hour drive from Bangkok. age and the winemakers themselves become more
Occupying an area of 96,000 square metres, it nestles experienced, Thai wine is certain to grow both in
on a hill and is ideal size for walking around. Visitors terms of production and crucially in its reputation for
are encouraged to sample the wine from more than consistent quality.
10,000 wines and watch the production process. A
highlight is said to be the real grape toffee and which
is claimed to be exclusive to the vineyard.

Also in Saraburi are the Muaklek District Vineyards.
These are open all year round to visitors. You can
sample fresh grapes and other grape products
including seedless grapes, wine, grape juice, grape
candy, grape jam and more.

Close to Bangkok and only a short drive away from
Khao Yai National Park is Granmonte, arguably the
most well-known of Thailand’s vineyards.
The Pak Chong District in Nakhon Ratchasima is the
location of the attractive Rattana Thong Chai Grape
Garden.

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TICA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2016 - 2017