A Perfect Family Getaway: Exploring GranMonte Vineyard and Winery, and staying in a GranMonte Wine Cottage in Khao Yai.
As the rainy season comes to an end, our family eagerly looks for a perfect destination to enjoy quality time together, surrounded by the enchanting elements of camping and mountain spirits. Khao Yai (‘Big Mountain’) holds a special place in our hearts, having been our go-to destination for several years.
Our children adore Khao Yai, and it has become a tradition for us to explore its beauty. On this trip, we’re keeping it low-key, ditching the constant road-hopping and choosing to unwind at the winery. Our plan is simple: relax, do nothing, and indulge in the goodness of the vineyard – good food, savory steaks, and of course, excellent Thai wine.
GranMonte Wine Cottage: The accommodations within GranMonte Vineyard and Winery have recently undergone a complete refurbishment. We chose to stay here with the intention of providing our kids with a genuine winery experience, and I must admit, it has proven to be an excellent choice for a family getaway. Tucked away in the scenic mountains of Khao Yai, this hidden gem fills us with pride. Surrounded by the beauty of the region, it’s a destination worth visiting, where you can indulge in fine wines while immersing yourself in the natural ambiance.
Our commitment to supporting local Thai products aligns perfectly with our love for GranMonte wines. Notably, all GranMonte wines fall under the Khao Yai Wine Geographical Indication, a recognition registered with the Department of Intellectual Property, Thailand. It’s fascinating to know that GranMonte has harnessed the ideal microclimate for cultivating top-notch grapes, setting the stage for high-quality winemaking in tropical regions. Cheers to supporting local excellence and enjoying the fruits of Khao Yai’s unique terroir!
Email: reservation@granmonte.com
https://www.facebook.com/granmontewinecottage
This family-friendly escapade is perfect for letting the kids dive into the world of renowned vineyards and wineries. While the parents enjoy some quality wine tasting, the little ones get to learn and experience the wonders of GranMonte’s vineyard and winery. It’s not just any tour; it’s an award-winning Agrotourism experience, recognized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for four consecutive years.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is a delightful blend of education and fun. Picture this: cruising through the vineyard in a comfy tour trailer while GranMonte’s sommelier spills the beans on viticulture techniques, climate, soil, and grape varieties. It’s a journey that caters to both the connoisseurs and the curious, promising a memorable experience for the whole family.
Explore the Asoke Valley Winery, where you’ll get an up-close look at the winemaking process (depending on the season). Marvel at the state-of-the-art winemaking equipment, witness fermentation in action in the tanks, and step into the barrel room adorned with pristine oak barrels and bottling machines. After this immersive tour, head to the GranMonte Shop for a video presentation. Cap off the experience with a tasting session featuring four premium, award-winning wines.
VinCotto Restaurant: Here are some of the meals and homemade products that make each experience a truly sensory journey through GranMonte wines. Crafted exclusively from grapes cultivated and harvested within the GranMonte vineyards, these wines guarantee authenticity, originating in the heart of Khao Yai. Indulge in a cozy stay with the convenience of breakfast, lunch, and dinner served at GranMonte‘s renowned restaurant, VinCotto.
Take a breezy 2.5-hour drive, about 120 km north from the buzz of Bangkok, and you’ll find yourself in the Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place is a nature lover’s dream with its wild animals, mountains, refreshing springs, and lush fields of plants.
This week has been extra special as we’ve had the chance to chat with Nikki, the talented winemaker. Nikki Lohitnavy has emerged as a prominent authority in international tropical viticulture and winemaking. The GranMonte brand is swiftly gaining recognition throughout Asia, with its labels gracing the wine lists of upscale restaurants in Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Remarkably, GranMonte has even made its mark in France, where you can discover it featured on select wine lists. The global acclaim is a testament to GranMonte’s rising reputation as a distinguished player in the world of fine wines.
In operation since 1999, GranMonte is more than just a winery; it’s a family legacy upheld by the Lohitnavy family. They are pioneers in Thailand’s wine movement, having played a key role in the development of Vitis vinifera in the country. Every GranMonte wine, carefully curated under the watchful eye of Nikki Lohitnavy, General Manager, and Director of Oenology, is a unique journey, offering an unparalleled experience with each vintage.
We delved into the intricacies of winemaking, learning about the winery’s recent achievements, awards, and more. The highlight was an invitation to the 2023 barrel testing event, an intriguing experience that left us feeling truly delighted.
Celebrating a remarkable achievement, GranMonte has been honored with the prestigious title of “Best Wine from Southeast Asia” at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HKIWSC) 2023. Adding to their accolades, the 2021 GranMonte Durif has recently garnered significant recognition at the HKIWSC, solidifying GranMonte’s reputation as a standout in the global wine scene. Additionally, the international wine competition AWC Vienna 2023 has bestowed upon GranMonte the distinguished title of “Best National Producer – Thailand.” Remarkably, this marks the fifth consecutive year that GranMonte has received this esteemed award, competing among 1,514 producers from 42 countries. Such consistent acclaim reaffirms GranMonte’s commitment to producing exceptional wines that captivate both local and international audiences. Cheers to GranMonte’s continued success in crafting outstanding wines that embody the essence of Thailand’s winemaking prowess!
GranMonte Vineyard and Winery
Address: 52 Moo 9 Phayayen, Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Best direction by Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/E44juedJhHZLxW2r6
https://www.facebook.com/granmonte
https://www.instagram.com/granmontewines
