| Thailand is known for many things, wonderful | | | | Europe. Even the vineyards logo is named after the |
| beaches, great sightseeing, fantastic nightlife and | | | | Chinese year in which Dr Chaijudh was born, The |
| smiling happy people! But did you know, it also | | | | year of the 'Rooster' which in Chinese signifies 'hard |
| produces some of the world's finest table wines, | | | | work and dedication' and this has certainly been the |
| which have both been recognised and exported | | | | case with Chateau De Loei. |
| around the world. This week we focus on one | | | | The whole wine producing process takes place at the |
| particular wine producer, Chateau De Loei, which is | | | | Vineyard, and tours are arranged for people to visit, |
| located in the stunning beautiful North Eastern | | | | see and taste the produce and even buy some to |
| province of the same name, Loei, near to the border | | | | take away and enjoy. The fine Chenin Blanc and |
| with Laos. | | | | Syrah grapes are grown here and using French |
| Loei is a part of the country which is very different | | | | bottling equipment, the wine is produced and bottled, |
| from most other parts of Thailand. Phu Ruea National | | | | for local and export markets. |
| Park has one of the highest peaks in the country and | | | | Credit for Chateau De Loei's product success is partly |
| because of its height, the temperatures and the | | | | given to the research undertaken by His Majesty the |
| cooler climate of the area; conditions are very | | | | King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who found that the Phuruea |
| conducive to the cultivating and producing of fruits, | | | | climate, soil and water supply are ideal for the 'best |
| vegetables and flowers, not normally found in this | | | | grape harvest' that takes place in February and |
| part of the world. | | | | produces the best quality grapes for wine producing |
| In fact, throughout Loei and in other neighbouring | | | | at that time. |
| provinces, there are many attractions that can be | | | | The fine wines that are produced are fruit based |
| visited to see this unique produce which includes | | | | wines, suiting different culinary experiences, Chateau |
| strawberries, chinese pears, African Violets, Petunias | | | | De Loei produces three types of white (Chenin Blanc) |
| and of course the vital ingredient for wine making is | | | | and, two reds (Syrah) and one rose (Syrah) all with |
| of course grapes, which grow here in abundance. | | | | very distinct flavours and tastes suiting each |
| Loei has been described by some as a small piece of | | | | individuals palette. |
| Southern France, in the heart of Asia, and this is | | | | Initially designed for the domestic market and now a |
| certainly true for the Chateau de Loei, who have | | | | success Internationally, Chateau De Loei's wines have |
| been producing fine Thai table wines since 1995. | | | | added to Thailand's reputation as a fine nation and an |
| Dr Chaijudh Karnasuta the founder of Chateau De | | | | innovator, surprising people worldwide, with the |
| Loei discovered that the Phuruea highlands were ideal | | | | quality of wine produce made. |
| for wine producing grapes and in 1995 bottled | | | | So next time you make a visit to the Land of Smiles, |
| Thailand's first commercially produced Thai Table | | | | or your even shopping for a bottle or two to take |
| wine. | | | | home for the evening, think of Chateau De Loei and |
| His wine succeeded and his wine became the first | | | | either visit for yourself, or try a taste of this |
| from the country to be exported to Japan and | | | | beautifully, scenic part of the world. |