GranMonte Vineyard — Redefining Thai Wines, One Bottle at a Time
A woman-led enterprise dedicated to showcasing Thailand’s emerging wine industry..
10 February 2025
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Photo Credit: GranMonte Vineyard and Winery
GranMonte Vineyard and Winery, set in Thailand’s Khao Yai Valley, blends tradition with innovation. Originally a 40-acre cashew orchard, the family-owned estate planted its first vines in 1999, transforming it into a recognised vineyard and winery. Located at the foothills of the UNESCO-listed Khao Yai National Park, GranMonte exemplifies a family-driven effort to elevate Thai wines on the global stage.
From Cashews to Cabernet: The GranMonte Story
Photo Credit: GranMonte Vineyard and Winery
At Granmonte, they use only the grapes grown on their land | Photo Credit: GranMonte Vineyard and Winery
The journey of GranMonte began 25 years ago when founders Visooth and Sakuna Lohitnavy decided to turn their love for wine into a pioneering venture. “Our father and mother always liked wine,” shares Nikki Lohitnavy, Thailand’s first female oenologist and GranMonte’s head winemaker. “When my sister Mimi and I were in primary school, they found this land and started a small vineyard. We grew from there, inspired by our passion and the unique opportunity to do something almost unheard of in Thailand at the time.”
Winemaking in the tropics presents unique challenges, but GranMonte’s success lies in its deep understanding of Khao Yai’s microclimate. “The valley’s cool, dry winters are ideal for ripening grapes,” explains Nikki. “Our approach includes twice-yearly pruning, precise timing of flowering and harvesting, and the use of microclimate monitoring systems. This adaptability has been key to overcoming the hurdles of tropical viticulture.”
Sisters, Nikki and Mimi Lohitnavy | Photo Credit: GranMonte Vineyard and Winery
A Female Force in Winemaking
Since 2008, Nikki Lohitnavy has been at the forefront of elevating Thai wines to international acclaim as GranMonte’s General Manager and Oenologist. “I decided to pursue winemaking when I saw the lifestyle of winemakers and combined it with my love for botany,” she reflects. In her early career, Nikki often found herself as the only woman in cellars, but she acknowledges the strides made in recent years. “The workforce is more balanced now, thanks to women who paved the way before me,” she notes. Her precise and creative approach has earned GranMonte numerous accolades, both locally and globally
Photo Credit: GranMonte Vineyard and Winery
Grounding Thai Wines in Terroir
GranMonte’s wines are a true expression of Khao Yai’s terroir. “We’re committed to using only the grapes we grow on our land,” says Nikki. “This ensures our wines stay true to their origin, embodying both the universal traits of their varietals and the unique characteristics of our soil and climate.” Growing grape varietals like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Durif, Grenache, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, and more, GranMonte prioritises quality over quantity, “We don’t chase volume,” says Nikki.
Not bound by traditions, Nikki’s experiments have also led to the discovery of a unique yeast from their lands. “We isolated natural yeasts from different grape varietals in our vineyard, micro-vinified them, selected the best and even sent them for DNA sequencing. Now, we use them to ferment our wines,” she shares proudly.
Another highlight of GranMonte’s innovation is their Crémant Méthode Traditionnelle Extra Brut – it’s their first sparkling wine and one that holds a special place in Nikki’s heart. A failed attempt at first that turned into a sparkling success, the Crémant is crafted using traditional methods like whole-bunch grape pressing, second fermentation in the bottle, and ageing on lees for 18 months. “It’s a very long and labour-intensive process to put a glass of GranMonte Crémant in a drinker’s hand but it’s worth every effort,” she adds.
This commitment to excellence is reflected in their marketing. “Every bottle proudly states ‘Wine of Thailand’ and ‘Khao Yai Wine Geographical Indication,’” says Nikki. Earning accolades like “Best Wine from Asia” at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition, GranMonte is a champion of Thai wines on the global stage.
With numerous awards and global wines, GranMonte is a champion of Thai wines on the world stage | Photo Credit: GranMonte Vineyard and Winery
A Vision for the Future
Pioneering the next chapter of Thai winemaking, GranMonte is redefining sustainability and innovation. Responding to health-conscious trends, they’ve introduced lower-alcohol wines that remain vibrant and enjoyable. At the same time, they are expanding their craft spirits line by distilling leftover grape skins—a testament to their zero-waste philosophy.
“Our vineyard is sustainable, and our winery is zero-waste,” says Nikki. From night harvesting to conserve energy to repurposing grape skins for spirits and compost, every step minimizes environmental impact. With over 80% of their wines enjoyed locally, GranMonte champions Thai wines while reducing its carbon footprint.
“We want people to feel a sense of discovery and excitement when they taste our wines,” Nikki shares. “It’s about connecting to Khao Yai, even if just for a moment.” GranMonte delivers more than fine wines—they offer a story of passion, innovation, and the boundless potential of tropical winemaking.
Photo Credit:GranMonte Vineyard and Winery
Author: Hannah Tiong
Seasoned content designer and strategist, Hannah Tiong leverages 12 years in lifestyle journalism to craft impactful narratives. With bylines in The Business Times, Time Out, Epicure, and beyond, she brings a sharp editorial eye and a deep understanding of the F&B industry.
