Thai Wineries
About a 45-minute drive inland sits the vast Monsoon Valley Vineyard. Driving from town you’ ll pass through aloe vera and pineapple plantations. You can buy freshly picked fruit straight from the farmer from their rustic roadside stalls.
The size of vineyard is the first surprise, it covers an expansive 162 hectares( 400 acres) of verdant countryside – it’ s not some twee tourism venture. The vines stretch out in long rows as far as you can see. A temple glistens gold in the far distance. Hedges of manicured bougainvillea line one side of the entrance road as you make your way past the vines and into the vineyard proper.
Sitting in prime position atop the hill overlooking the vineyard is the main‘ sala’. This large Thai-inspired open-air pavilion houses the tasting rooms, wine bar, bistro, retail shop and wine cellar. There is also an
educational exhibit on viticulture and oenology.
Visitors can take guided vineyard tours in safari-style Land Rovers. For the more independent, there are the mountain bikes, or you can simply stroll by foot amongst the vines. A more exotic option is to jump on one of the vineyards elephants— you don’ t get the tour commentary but seeing the vineyard atop an elephant is special.
I highly recommend lunch at the bistro, especially combined with a wine-tasting package makes for a fantastic long lunch overlooking the vines! Try the spicy grilled beef sirloin salad with lemongrass, Thai herbs and red grapes, or Vivien’ s favourite, the sesame crusted salmon salad with a spicy red wine vinegar dressing. The premium wine tasting package with generous samples of Colombard, White Shiraz( Rose) and Shiraz greatly compliment a quality lunch.
The vineyard has been operating since 2004 under the Monsoon Wines label. These wines are part of a growing movement called‘ New Latitude Wines’ i. e. wines produced outside the traditional regions of 30 and 50 degrees latitude in either the northern or southern hemispheres. Thailand, Vietnam, and India are three countries leading the way for these wines.
Just 28 kilometres north of Hua Hin, you’ ll find a wide, long and flat beach with gentle surf at Cha Am. Casuarina trees line the foreshore and locals have set-up a multitude of sun beds, deck chairs and umbrellas where for 100 baht you can laze about for the whole day. Beach side stalls will cook delicious and inexpensive Thai food to order and deliver it right to your sun bed along with a cold drink.
34 HOT Magazine