Monsoon Valley was founded in 2001 by Chalerm Yoovidhya, a wine-loving entrepreneur with a vision to create a Thai wine culture. Upon returning from his studies abroad, Chalerm saw potential in growing grapes in his beloved native Thailand and set out to show the world that great wines can be crafted even at the 13th latitude of the northern hemisphere.
His first vineyard was at Tab Kwang, in beautiful Khao Yai, a region known as the 'traditional' grape-growing region of Thailand. Surrounded by national parks and jungle, the choice for this area was perfect as the fertile red soil and convenient climate conditions created the best platform for making opulent and rich Shiraz. After initial success in Tab Kwang, he explored other areas of Thailand that would give birth to great wines.
The monsoon season is a integral part to healthy crops in any tropical country. Thailand's monsoon season lasts from June to October, and is considered a life-giving period where farmers collect the waters from the monsoon rains and use during the dry season to cultivate their land.
Without this rain, there would be no agriculture possible in Thailand. The characteristic Naga and Monsoon Valley's label is the symbol of fertility and prosperity as the Naga is believed to bring the annual monsoon rains to our region.
We often get the question: how it is possible to grow wine grapes in Thailand, a tropical country which doesn't have a four-season cycle such as traditional wine growing countries?
The answer to this is with perseverance and the ability to accept initial failures, everything is possible. In tropical climates, the plant is evergreen, which means it continues to grow without a winter's rest. That also means the plants carry very little grapes, as it would focus mainly on vegetative growth rather than reproductive growth, which is counterproductive if there is a need for grapes. Therefore one has to guide the plant and set the time for the production cycle.
A chronological look at Monsoon Valley's history over the past two decades since it's inception.
GOLD: Cuvee de Siam Rouge 2016 / Shiraz 2017
SILVER: Cuvee de Siam Blanc 2014 / Cuvee de Siam Rouge 2015 / Signature White 2020 / Signature Red 2016
SEAL OF APPROVAL: Colombard 2021 / Shiraz 2018
Silver Award 2021: Monsoon Valley Cuvee de Siam Rouge 2015
Bronze Award 2021:
Monsoon Valley Signature Red 2018
Monsoon Valley White Shiraz 2021
Monsoon Valley Shiraz 2018
Monsoon Valley Colombard 2020
Monsoon Valley Brut Prestige 2020
Monsoon Valley Colombard 2020
This partnership unites two of Thailand’s most highly-respected and world-renowned exports: Monsoon Valley, which produces superior grapes and exceptional beverages, and Alex Albon, who has reached the pinnacle of racing in global motorsport.
GOLD: Cuvee de Siam Rouge
SILVER: Monsoon Valley Cuvee de Siam Blanc
Monsoon Valley Shiraz
Monsoon Valley Signature Red
Monsoon Valley Signature White
Monsoon Valley Blended White
SEAL OF APPROVAL: Colombard, White Shiraz, Blended Red