Viticulture in Thailand
Just like in the Netherlands (already since 1968, around Maastricht), viticulture takes place in Thailand. These are the so-called “new latitude wines”. Wines that catch on at a different latitude than the original places, such as France and Italy, in order to fully mature.
Some Thai wines were of such quality that they even successfully reached international competitions. Some varieties go very well with the pungent aromas of Thai dishes, which cannot be achieved with wines from other countries. In the north-east lies one of the oldest wine regions of Thailand: the Chateau de Loei (chateaudeloei.com).
The vineyards in the Phurua Highlands in the province of Loei offer excellent conditions for the different types of grapes such as Chenin Blanc or Chiraz. Guided tours are offered for visitors to the winery, including a visit to the wine tasting room.
More centrally located in Thailand is the PB Valley Khao Yai Winery (www.khaoyaiwinery.com) can be found in the famous Khao-Yai-National Park. Only two hours drive from Bangkok. With an altitude of more than 300 meters above sea level, it offers perfect conditions for viticulture. With a tractor you are guided through the wine region and in the two restaurants you can enjoy both the wine and the authentic Thai cuisine with a magnificent view over the valley.
A few other wine regions are Mae Chan Winery (www.maechanwinery.com) in Chiang Rai province and in Hua Hin is the Siam Winery (www.siamwinery.com) viticulture. Several varieties are being tried here, such as the Colombard, Muscat and Tempranillo wine grapes. In addition, grapes supplied from other areas are processed here and stored in barrels.
Contrary to expectations, the oldest vine is in Hampton Court near London, which is more than 1000 years old, has roots that are 50 centimeters in diameter and has tendrils that are 60 meters long. long.
My experience of 10 years in Thailand that the quality and taste of all wines produced in Thailand bear no relation to the price asked.
In fact, I have never drunk a Thai wine whose taste could even compete with even the cheap wines from the so-called new wine countries such as Chile, Australia, Argentina, South Africa and not even with the Californian wines, which are all blended wines and, if you have been working since 1968 as you write and the quality of Thai wine is still at this level. Then you better stop.
The same goes for the strawberries: also too hard and too sour in Thailand, while good strawberries are grown in Indonesia. ra, ra?
It must be the Thais.
Yet another example… the improvement of the quality of the rice is also progressing in Vietnam and India.
Over the years I have tried several Thai wines but have stopped. Most of the cheap supermarket wines here are better than the much more expensive Thai wines.