Wine Producing In Thailand.

Welcome to this week's Blog!

Thailand is known for many things, wonderful beaches, great sightseeing, fantastic nitelife and smiling happy people!, but did you know, it also produces some of the world's finest table wines, which have both been recognised and exported around the world.

This week we focus on one particular wine producer, Chateau De Loei, which is located in the stunning beautiful North Eastern province of the same name,Loei,near to the border with Laos.











Loei is a part of the country which is very different from most other parts of Thailand. Phu Ruea National Park has one of the highest peaks in the country and because of its height, the temperatures and the cooler climate of the area; conditions are very conducive to the cultivating and producing of fruits, vegetables and flowers, not normally found in this part of the world.

In fact, throughout Loei and in other neighbouring provinces, there are many attractions that can be visited to see this unique produce which includes strawberries, chinese pears, African Violets, Petunias and of course the vital ingredient for wine making is of course grapes, which grow here in abundance.

Loei has been described by some as a small piece of Southern France, in the heart of Asia, and this is certainly true for the Chateau de Loei, who have been producing fine Thai table wines since 1995.














Dr Chaijudh Karnasuta the founder of Chateau De Loei discovered that the Phuruea highlands were ideal for wine producing grapes and in 1995 bottled Thailand's first commercially produced Thai Table wine.

His wine succeeded and his wine became the first from the country to be exported to Japan and Europe. Even the vineyards logo is named after the Chinese year in which Dr Chaijudh was born,The year of the 'Rooster' which in Chinese signifies 'hard work and dedication' and this has certainly been the case with Chateau De Loei.

The whole wine producing process takes place at the Vineyard, and tours are arranged for people to visit, see and taste the produce and even buy some to take away and enjoy. The fine Chenin Blanc and Syrah grapes are grown here and using French bottling equipment, the wine is produced and bottled, for local and export markets.

Credit for Chateau De Loei's product success is partly given to the research undertaken by His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej,who found that the Phuruea climate, soil and water supply are ideal for the 'best grape harvest' that takes place in February and produces the best quality grapes for wine producing at that time.














The fine wines that are produced are fruit based wines, suiting different culinary experiences, Chateau De Loei produces three types of white (Chenin Blanc)and, two reds (Syrah) and one rose (Syrah)all with very distinct flavours and tastes suiting each individuals palette.


Initially designed for the domestic market and now a success Internationally, Chateau De Loei's wines have added to Thailand's reputation as a fine nation and an innovator, surprising people worldwide, with the quality of wine produce made.

So next time you make a visit to the Land of Smiles, or your even shopping for a bottle or two to take home for the evening, think of Chateau De Loei and either visit for yourself, or try a taste of this beautifully, scenic part of the world.

Chateau De Loei can visited as part of Xplore Asia's Kingdoms and Cultures itinerary.
www.xplore-asia.com

For information on the Chateau De Loei, please visit the following www.chateaudeloei.com

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Welcome Xplore-Asia’s newest initiative, our weekly blog.

Each week, we will introduce you to different parts of South East Asia and Indochina, placing the emphasis the more interesting aspects of a particular region and keeping you up to date with new developments.

Our blog is intended to be a guide for you to help assist in tailor-making your dream holiday, with us. We hope you enjoy reading our blog, and remember, please continue to follow us through Face book and Twitter, to keep up to date, as we keep you updated weekly.

This week, we turn our focus to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in Borneo.










Located in the heart of a mangrove forest and an oil palm estate, is one of Borneo’s real treasures, The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of endangered wildlife species, with the indigenous Proboscis monkey exclusively found only in this part of Borneo.

The Labuk Bay sanctuary was born out of a kind land owner’s sense of responsibility to see the survival of these creatures. Whilst embarking on a palm oil plantation development, near to the current site the land owner, got to hear of the precarious predicament, these marvelous creatures were in, and wished to learn more. After learning about the monkeys and the possibility that they might lose their natural habitat, the land owner, dropped his plans for plantation development, to help maintain the ecological balance of nature in the area an ensure the survival of these marvelous animals .

The Proboscis Monkey’s have very recognizable features; the males are very large in size and have very prominent noses which swell and turn red when the monkey is either angry or excited. These are thought to be significant in the males courting of a female. Also the males are known for their, flat top reddish hairstyles, and large protruding bellies, thought to relate to their complex digestive system.
In comparison, the females are much smaller in size with their only distinguishing feature being their up turned noses. The size and weight difference of the male to the female is thought to be the largest amongst any primate species throughout the world.
The Proboscis Monkey’s home is in the mangrove forest and swamp, so apart from living amongst the trees, the monkey’s feel very much at home in the streams, rivers and creeks and are more than accomplished swimmers.

Today, the Labuk Bay Sanctuary provides the monkeys, with a home for life, and operates a very successful feeding programme; a dietary supplement scheme of fruits and water, which helps ensure the conservation of these animals. The monkey’s come regularly each day for their feed, normally in groups, which you can observe whilst visiting here. Another initiative is the mangrove planting project, where you can make a donation towards the repopulation of the monkey’s habitat and the world’s environment in general.














The Sanctuary offers fully guided treks and night walks through the jungle to observe not only the Proboscis Monkeys but also the abundance of other wildlife, including hornbills, wild boars, crocodiles, maroon leaf monkeys, and maybe a wild orangutan. At night the forest comes alive, when the firefly’s, light up the darkness, providing an amazing light show experience.

Only a few minutes driving distance by pick up from the sanctuary is Nipah resort, which serves as the accommodation for Labuk Bay. in fact, it is the only accommodation within the vicinity of Labuk Bay.













Set in lush tropical rainforest, and built in lodge style, it provides a very relaxing setting with a choice of comfortable chalets or shared dorms (ideal for group travel).

The chalets, double and twin have both air conditioning and fans, with hammocks on the private veranda outside, which you can slip into after a day’s exploring.

The resorts restaurant is set in a low lying area amongst the mangrove forest, which in the evening provides a dramatic scene of the firefly’s lighting up the trees. Also there is a satellite TV room, a pool table and a library and internet room, if you wish to catch up on the rest of the world.
However, why would you wish to catch up on the rest of the world, when you’ve spent the day in paradise on Earth, amongst the amazing Proboscis Monkeys and the beautiful nature and wildlife.

A visit to Labuk Bay is an experience definitely not to be missed when you in this part of Borneo, after all, exploring nature is the reason why you come here.
Labuk Sanctuary is featured as part of the Discover Borneo escorted tour by Xplore-Asia. Please visit our website for full details of the program and to make a reservation

Xplore-Asia looks forward to bringing you closer to nature, in Borneo.