Thailand has a few areas that have a Mediterranean rather than tropical climate and vines have been grown in Thailand since 1685 when they were given as a gift from Louis XIV of France to King Narai of Siam.

It was not until the 1990s that commercial production first started and there are now three wine growing regions in Thailand where cool temperatures during the growing season permit the productin of balanced and fruity wines. Moreover the climate enables both a summer and a winter harvest of grapes.

To improve further the quality and labelling in line with international standards the Thai Wine Association was formed in 2004 and wineries now have to sign a quality charter. All wines undergo independent blind tastings and have to be submitted to third party labs for stringent checks. Monsoon Valley winery in the Hua Hin Hills was one of the founder members and is the leading producer in Thailand.

Several well known international grape varieties are grown in Thailand such as Syrah (Shiraz), Chenin Blanc, Muscat and Colombard although some less familiar ones can be found in certain areas – for example Pok Dum and Malaga Blanc around Samut Sakorn and the hills of Pak Chong.