A view of Hua Hills vineyard, 30 miles southwest of Bangkok.
Many of the
grape vines in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries are
exposed to difficult conditions. Finding the right techniques
to promote growth of grapes that will turn into premier wines
is not easy, but there are plenty of eager explorers who are doing
just that.
Helping to grow the industry are outside investors from France and Australia who see the potential of developing a regional wine industry where the warm, tropical climate brings both blessings and challenges.
In Vietnam, several wine areas exist lead by the country's premier winery, Vang Dalat, which specializes in wines made from local table grapes.
In general, the local populace tends toward sweeter, less sophisticated wines which severely curtails opportunities for Vietnamese export to the world market.
In marked contrast, Thailand has been developing world class vintages made from traditional European Cabernet Savignon, Chenin blanc, and Shiraz grapes. Today, major Thailand wineries competing for attention include the Siam Winery Hua Hills vineyard and the Silverlake Winery in Pattaya along the southern coast, and another group of wineries situated around Khao Yai in south central Thailand.
Just up ahead, learn more about the emerging wines from creative wine growers in Southeast Asia.