As you probably know, I am busying myself with finding drinkable Thai wines. My first ventures into the world of Thai wines did not yield promising results. Alas, after some more tastings I was successful.
Main building, Gran Monte family Vineyard
We visited GranMonte Family Vineyard, a family winery in the Asoke Valley in Khao Yai, about a two hours drive north of Bangkok. This nascent wine business is owned by the family of Vissoth Lohitnavy. His daughter Nikki is the first-ever female oenologist of Thailand. She was recently awarded a Bachelor degree with honours by the University of Adelaide in South Australia.
The GranMonte Family vineyard is a state of the art boutique producer of fine wines. The return of Nikki marks a new chapter in the development of the family business. A new winery has been built and new equipment was bought including stainless steel tanks from Germany.
During the last couple of years Thailand has become a grape and wine producing country. High taxes on imported wines make sure that the international competition does not destroy the domestic wine industry. However, various awards won by Thai wines at international wine shows are proof that the wine in this tropical land has made good progress.
The general wisdom was that wine grapes could only be successfully produced between the 30th and 50th latitudes north and south. However, in recent years countries in the tropics and the sub-tropics such as Indonesia (Hatten Wines on Bali Island), Brasil, India and Thailand have shown that this is not true.
New latitude wines, a term coined by local wine writer Frank Norel, is the catchword. Much has been written about “New Latitude Wines” and wine production and I will come back to this topic at a later stage in more detail. The climate allows for two, or even three harvests but some producers forfeit the second (and/or third) vintage altogether and go for low yields.
As regards the varieties it seems that Chenin Blanc and Colombard of the white, and Syrah/Shiraz of the red varieties grow well at least at GranMonte family vineyard. The total area under vines is about 40 acres, 25 of which are planted with red and 10 with white grapes.
State of the art trellis systems, spacing and row management
Mr. Vissoth, the owner, explaining the vineyards to his visitors
Modern stainless steel cellar equipment
Freshly fermented grape juice
The tasting room of Gran Monte
Another view of the Gran Monte tasting room
The vineyard owner, Mr. Visooth Lohitnavy, in the tasting room
The “normal” product range
The award winners
I recommend to buy the award winners. They are the best wines. I particularly like the unfiltered Syrah, a great drop, smooth in the mouth, with plenty of fruit and a wonderful explosive finish.
So if you should visit Thailand in the near future, please plan a trip tpo Khao Yai and GranMonte Vineyard. The family of Mr. Vissoth is very enthusiastic and will make you feel very welcome. Below you’ll find the address and a map.
Address:
Granmonte Co,Ltd.
17 / 8 Soi Sukhumvit 6, Sukhumvit Road,
Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Tel : 0-2653-1522 Fax : 02-653-1977
Mb. : 08-9169-7766
Marketing@granmonte.com
Address at Khao Yai
Granmonte Vineyard & Wines
52 Moo 9 Phayayen, Pakchong,
Nakornrachasima, Thailand
Tel : 036-227-334-5
Map
The Man from Mosel River 
I did not know Thailand made wine! Great info and insights! Thanks!
Und ze Wein zat you taste in se finyard was lufly, no? I so glad you could visit. Thank you for photos so wonderful.
thanks, your article is very informative.
I would like to know do you provide hotel accommodation in your vineyards. If yes, how much per room per night during Friday to Sunday
Dear Sir,
May I know how can we arrange transport to come to your vineyard from bangkok. We are from singapore and I will bring my family there to stay.
pls advise.
tks
sharon
Well, it is not my vineyard (my vineyard is in Australia) but you’ll find sufficient information on the internet. My suggestion: rent a car with driver. have a good time in Thailand.
Dear Sir,
May I know how can we come to your vineyard from bangkok, If any arrange transport from your vineyard or we look for the traval company to arrange it. How much the cost we stay one night in your vineyard? thank you we come from singapore.
Well, I am not the owner-operator of Gran Monte. Just google GranMonte and you will find the information, either there or on the vineyards website. Hope you succeed. Enjoy the wines.
how many harvest ? which is the best season for a visit? (technical) how they manage the acidity of the wine in such an hot region?
Thanks for your blog and hope to taste your wine too sometime.
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