GranMonte Khao Yai: An Unforgettable Vineyard Experience in Thailand

GranMonte Winery

As surprising as it sounds, I went on to explore a Thai Winery named GranMonte located on Khao Yai region.
I did not really know what to expect and I was very happily surprised.

GranMonte is a family business, started by a couple, Mr & Mrs Lohitnavy and now run by the family, the parents and their two daughters. The youngest, Mimi Lohitnavy is in charge of PR and MKT while the eldest, Nikky Lohitnavy is in charge of the wine making. She graduated in oenology in Australia and decided to come home to develop and run the family winery. She is the first certified ever female oenologist in the country.

GranMonte vineyard

GranMonte was officially founded in 1999 when Visooth Lohitnavy purchase 12 acres of land previously a cornfield & cashew plantation, the uniqueness lies in its soil, made of red clay with limestone, estimated over 290 millions years old. Another specificity about the vineyard is its micro-climate, located in the valley surrounded by mountains, it benefits of unique conditions. Additionally, Nikky and her team have mastered the use of technology to study and anticipate all climates changes due to all the different censors installed in the vineyards, those help them monitor the vines but as well adjust and prevent weather catastrophe especially during raining season.
In total, the winery total estate spans about 40 acres across Thailand with 36 located in Khao Yai National Park, with as pre-dominant grapes: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Semillon, Verdelho, Durif and Grenache. Some varieties like Durif are in much smaller quantities and some parts of the vineyard are as well preserved for research and development.

Morning ride through the vines

Since 2009, GranMonte has entered the competition scene and since then they have earned several medals including Best Wine of South East Asia. Their pride lies with their Crement, a traditional French sparkling wine, very labor intensive using traditional methods and aging for 18 month, it has been rewarded by several gold medals at AWC Vienna & HK International wine and spirit competition.

To really get the feel of the place, I really recommend to spend the night. They have created those small wine cottages in the middle of the vines, with only a few rooms but with all the comfort you need and a beautiful patio facing the vineyard.

Wine tasting

You will be welcomed with a wine glass of course from the vineyard, we had a glass of their Chenin Blanc, super refreshing. After settling in your room, you must reserve a slot for their winery tour, it only last about an hour which is just enough to absorb all the knowledge shared by your guide. The tour first takes you through the vineyard where you get to see all the different varieties grown on site as well as the “Research” plots where Nikky the wine-marker works on her new experiments. You will then head inside the wine factory where you will learn about every step of the process from collecting the grapes to the cleaning and fermentation, all the way to the barreling. If you have never visit a winery before, I really recommend including this step in your next visit because you will learn as much if not more than by simply walking through the wines, the creation process always happen behind the walls where the tanks are! Last stop of the tour is the tasting which happens at the shop. Before tasting the wine you will learn more about the Lohitnavy family and the drive behind this project as well Nikky the wine-maker and what motivated her to become one. The tasting consists of 7 wines, from rose to white, red and sweet wine; which will you give you an overview of their overall selection. Not to miss, the shop offers a wide range of products homemade like grape jam, olive deep, grape juice or my favorite, red salt infused in Cabernet Sauvignon. Other than wine itself, those are great souvenirs and perfect for small gift.

Winery tour

The experience does not end here, it cant be complete without a proper meal at their restaurant, VinCotto.
Their menu offer both Thai and Western options, with most of their wine portfolio available by the glass, which allows you to taste any wine that might have caught your attention throughout the visit. We had delicious Thai food, for both lunch and dinner and everything was delicious, from the pomelo salad to the chicken cashew or yet their Massaman curry. Most of the produce are local & organic, grown in the valley of Khao Yai which makes everything in your place taste hundred times better.

Chicken cashew at VinCotto restaurant

After a good night sleep, there is nothing like waking up the wines with a beautiful local breakfast on the terrace, you can choose from Thai to Continental or American, there are options for everyone. Before heading out, I recommend keeping one hour in the morning and make use of the bicycle at your disposal. If you usually have a morning exercise routine, you can either run in the vines or get a bike and ride around the property, the perfect way to mix effort and recreation. Go at your own path, stop for picture taking and admire all the work around you - the most peaceful and relaxing morning experience.

Sunset view of the vineyard

In short, GranMonte is a unique sanctuary in Khao Yai valley, mixing a unique craft with deep knowledge and respect of the environment. Either you are a wine love or not, this little paradise is worth a stop, even just for a few hours.

Breakfast on the cottage terrace

Khao Yai is a well hidden secret, just 2h30mn drive from Bangkok, the National Park has a lot to offer, do not miss it in your Thailand itinerary.

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