9 Wine Regions of Asia Every Wine Lover Should Explore

Wine was truly one of the world's first great inventions. Who would have thought that grape juice and a little fermentation could open the door to a whole new landscape of flavors and sensations? From red wines to white wines and everything in between, some spend a lifetime discovering the pleasures of this ancient drink.

Almost half of the world's total wine production is thanks to such countries France, ItalyAnd Spain. Generations have been spent mastering winemaking in these regions, which usually puts their wines front and center on any wine lover's wish list.

However, unbeknownst to most, many Asian countries also have a long tradition of winemaking, and they've got the vintages to show for it. It's time to broaden your scope as an oenophile (that's fancy talk for wine lovers) and explore these wine regions. Asia!

1. Taungyi, Shan State – Myanmar

Enter MyanmarThe local wine scene in Aythaya Vineyard; It is Myanmar's first local vineyard, established in 1999. It was a company started by Bert Morsebach and some fellow wine enthusiasts. Aythaya is located near Taungyi and specializes in Western-style wines.

The land's altitude of 1,200 meters provides ideal conditions for winemaking. Apart from Aythaya's signature flags, its location in Myanmar's Shan State is part of the south. The Himalayas. Popular places nearby include scenic spots Inle Lake and comprehensive Cake pagodas.

Another famous winery in Myanmar in the same area Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery. It is renowned for producing some of the best wines in Myanmar from locally grown grapes. Tourists flock to Red Mountain Estate to enjoy panoramic views of the vineyard overlooking Inle Lake. Red Mountain Estate is famous for its varietal creations, including Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Petit Grain, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. Myanmar is certainly one of the most interesting wine regions Asia has to offer.

read more: 10 amazing places in Myanmar to inspire your next adventure

2. Khao Yai – Thailand

Refined and delicious wines are coming out Thailands Khao Yai The region is home to a landscape of hills and green valleys Khao Yai National Park. In this wine region of Asia, you'll find just that Granmonte Winery, which was founded in 1999 by Visood and Sakuna Lohitnavi. The name 'Granmonte', which translates to 'big mountain', is inspired by the highlands of Khao Yai.

Despite Thailand's natural tropical climate, the environment and temperature create the perfect microclimate for growing high-quality grapes for winemaking.

Granmonte sits at 350 meters above sea level and produces Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Semillon, Verdelho, Durif and Grenache. Grapes and tannins aside, the wine manor house sits amidst a tranquil pond and garden. On-site Vincotto Restaurant Pairings- Western and Thai dishes should be tried with fine wines.

3. Bali – Indonesia

Bali A wine region in Asia that is famous for its vacation-friendly activities, including exploring a local vineyard! If you're an oenophile in Indonesia, check out Haten Wines of Bali. Whether it's their pink and citrusy Polly Rosé or their sweet, dry Polly White, the bottles at Hatton are crafted with a blend of modern and traditional French techniques.

This is where the magic of Hatton wines happens Sangalangit Vineyard. As you take your taste buds on an excursion, you can enjoy a magnificent view of its rolling hills from the observation deck. Indonesias Fine wines. There is no better place for it!

read more: 10 Best Bali Souvenirs You Can't Leave the Island Without

4. Nashik, Maharashtra – India

Nashik An ancient, holy city in the state Maharashtra, India. This sacred place is associated with the epic poem Ramayana and is home to one of the most prolific wine regions in Asia. Chula Vineyards Founded in 1996 by Rajiv Samad, it is a sprawling complex that includes two luxury boutique lodges in addition to rolling vineyards.

A specialty of Sula Vineyards is Tindori Reserve Shiraz, wine barrel-aged in American oak. It exudes powerful, intense flavors of berries and vanilla, pairing beautifully with meat dishes such as mutton biryani, kebabs and lamb roast. The winery is also known for wine stamping for visiting guests during the harvest months of January through March.

In addition, you should visit Sarosa Vineyards too. Located in Nashik, the first winery in India used open-tank fermenters to increase the quality of their wine production.

5. Yamanashi Prefecture – Japan

Art of wine making Japan Born in Yamanashi Prefecture And going strong for the past 150 years, it is one of Asia's oldest wine regions. Koshu, a grape native to Japan, is grown in the region's highlands and is perfect for making crisp, refreshing wines. Yamanashi's wineries have chops that rival some of the world's best, and a good place to explore the wines here is Chateau Mercian.

Since 1877, Mercian wineries have not only been established in Yamanashi Prefecture. Nagano, FukushimaAnd Akita Provinces. This Japanese winery is no stranger to awards and accolades, winning over the years, including „Wine of the Year” at the 2016 Asian Wine Review.

It features four specialty wines; A blend of wines from Jeonohira Vineyard in Katsunuma, Chardonnay and Merlot from Mariko Vineyards in Nagano Prefecture, Chateau Mercian Nitsuru Chardonnay from Fukushima Prefecture, and Chateau Mercian Omori Riesling 2008 from Akita Prefecture.

read more: 12 Traditional Airbnbs in Japan for a Unique Travel Experience

6. China

China It is one of the largest wine regions in Asia and one of the largest wine consuming countries in the world. Here are the best wine producing regions Yinjiang, Liaoning, NingxiaAnd this Penglai Peninsula.

Not surprisingly, China's oldest (and largest) wine producer, Changyu, owns more than 35,000 hectares of vineyards on these lands. Also home to Ningxia Jade VineyardWon the „Best Red” award for the 2014 Aria Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2017 Asian Wine Review.

7. Lebanon

Lebanon One of the oldest wine producing countries in the world. Wine lovers from all over the world must visit this place at least once Becca Valley, home of Lebanon's major wines. Start your wine journey Ksara FortOne of the first wineries in Lebanon, it is famous for producing the country's first dry red wine.

There is also this winery IXSIR Restaurant, so make sure to stop by for the wonderful pairings of local wines with Lebanese cuisine. Other local wineries you can visit include Domaine des Tourelles (1868), Château Heritage (1888) and Châteaux Musar (1930). Be sure to add this wine region in Asia to your list!

8. Dalat – Vietnam

The Da lot in the area Vietnam Winemaking is undergoing a renaissance and you should definitely be there! The region's high altitude vineyards, along with its mild climate, make it ideal for growing wine grapes. An upcoming winery you can visit in Talat Ladora WineryIt is situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level.

The wines here are aged in oak barrels, creating delicious flavor notes of smoke, vanilla, chocolate and leather that every wine lover should try. If you ever plan to visit Vietnam, remember that this is one of the many interesting wine regions Asia has to offer.

9. Yeongchon – South Korea

A quiet town in the southeast Seoul, Yeongcheon It is constantly renewing itself South Koreas Wine mecca in recent years. Originally, the city was a leader in grape production, before entering the wine business in 2007.

Within 10 years, Yeongcheon was the proud home of over 60 wineries and responsible for 35% of South Korea's domestic wine production. The wine industry also contributes to Yongxion's tourism drive, as visitors are offered opportunities for vineyard tours, grape tasting, and wine-infused soap making.

read more: How can Filipinos visit Jeju Island & Gangwon Province without a visa?

Oenophiles around the world spend their whole lives discovering and reveling in the wonderful world of wine. We hope this list of wine regions in Asia piqued your interest enough to join the club. Cheers!