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