Anyone been to the Siam Winery for a tour? Looks like it's about 45 minutes from BKK. Comments? Worth the time/effort? Thanks for any/all information.

www.siamwinery.com

I like wine and visiting wineries but I would give this a pass unless you have an unlimited amount of time in Bangkok. If it is 45 minutes from Bangkok, you are committing a half day or more - tours are at 10 and 2 and seem to be very basic, probably not worth doing if you already know about the wine-making process.

We were in Burma last February and happened to pass a winery near Inle Lake - it was worth it to stop and have a taste but I wouldn't have gone out of my way to go there any more than I would in Thailand.

Having been on multi day river cruises in India, Vietnam and Cambodia - and having the on-board choice of local wine or local wine *grins* I would certainly give the Bangkok winery a miss.

Asian wines are, as a general rule, pretty awful compared to those from Europe, California or Australia.

They are drinkable when you have nothing else on offer - but that's about the best I can say.

Actually, Siam Winery has won some gold medals in European competition. It's run by the son of the long-time GM of the Oriental. They don't do things by half in that family.

I've had the tour in Samut Sakon on my 'to-do' list for a while. It's a "floating vineyard" - the grapes grow on islands surrounded by 'canals' and are picked by boat. Sounds very interesting.

One of the better winery in Thailand and own by the same owner as Red Bull(both Thailand and Internationally). A lot of money was put into it but small change for these guys.

Their best are the Monsoon Valley white wines but the reds are quite drinkable. The only negative thing about the wine is the price as IMO they are too high.

Figure on about 1 and 1/2 hour from the centre of Bangkok to their Pak Chong winery and you can make a trip out of it by visiting other nearby places around Khoa Yai national park. Actually they have a few vineyard but I don't really know which one is open for visitation.

In summary, aggressive owner with very deep pockets and they are trying hard.

Hmm-- sounds like it might be fun to visit. I may try to fit it in this winter.

I actually just read about this in this months' frommers budget travel. It says there are 4 hour guided tours year round, but peak is nov - april. i wish i had more time in bangkok b/c id definitely go.

Based on the above info it is now on my will do list for this trip. Would love to hear from anyone who goes before February.