TRAVEL & WINE EXPERIENCES AROUND THE WORLD
Phuket. Thailand.
ITS ALL ABOUT THE WINES, FOOD, COCKTAILS. VINES..
The mix of old and new that makes Phuket just the perfect getaway place. Photo by Ryan Tang
Published 28 May 2025
Also see our article on Bangkok.
Dining with Wines.
01 WINE IS BEST WITH FOOD AND FRIENDS.
Here's some of our favorites places in Phuket.
TIP - Phuket is quite spread out in its townships. It will take 1hour or more by car to reach these towns. Traffic Jams are common. Monsoon season from May to October.
Ta Khai.
Ta Khai | Patong /Kathu. Located inside Rosewood Phuket hides a love story. Uncle Noon and Auntie Yai, partners in both life and the kitchen. Their journey began over a single plate of crab fried rice, a dish so simple yet filled with such warmth, bringing them together in a way only food can. With an extensive wine list and wine by glass, you can be sure to have some fun pairing wines with Thai flavours.
30-33, 88/28 Muen-Ngern Rd, Tambon Patong, Kathu District.
https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/phuket/dining/ta-khai
Photo from Instagram/rosewoodphuket
La Gaetana.
La Gaetana | Old Phuket. Chef Gianni and his wife have been in Phuket for 25years. He is from Campania and his wife Thailand. They make homemade pasta in Phuket, with classic Italian Dishes. Wine list is small yet affordable. This place is also featured on the Michelin Guide. Reservation required.
352 Phuket Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District
www.facebook.com/LaGaetanaPhuket/
Photo from Facebook
Tuga.
Tuga Phuket | Rawai. The first Portuguese Restaurant in Phuket offering authentic dishes like the Francesinhna, Bitoque, Cod fish cakes, Bifana paired with Portuguese wines.
12, 4 Wiset Rd, Rawai, Mueang Phuket District
https://tugaphuket.com/
Photo from Instagram/
Taste Bar & Grill.
Taste Bar & Grill | Bangtao. Chef Martin Ostlind and Jade Lama opened this restaurant at Surin Beach in 2015. They recently relocated to Bangtao serving modern cuisine with Thai flavours paired with a big wine list.
3/2-5 Moo 5, Choeng Thale, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Photo from Facebook/tastebargrill
Wine Bars.
Here's some of our favorite wine bars to check out while in town.
02 SOMMELIERS HOT FAVOURITE
Colli Wine Bar.
Colli Wine Bar and Cellar. | Thalang District. A humble neighbourhood wine bar with an extensive selection of Italian wines and wine by glass paired with Italian Cheeses and cut meats. Have a good chat with Owner Sommelier Kyo who's friendly and always happy to talk about everything wine and food. It's worth the travel !
ซอยพรุจวก Thep Krasatti, Thalang District,
https://www.instagram.com/colli.phuket/
Photo from Facebook/colli.phuket
The Barrel.
The Barrel | Old Phuket. A wine bar & shop featuring 250+ labels from 11 countries and a large selection of wines by the the glass. Have a chat with Owner Sommelier Bart who is so friendly and knowledgeable. Pair with Cheese and cut meats for a great aperitivo.
111 Phangnga Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District
https://www.facebook.com/thebarrelphukettown
Photo from Facebook
Local Cuisine.
03 PAIRING WINES WITH FOOD
Pairing Thai cuisine with Wines is a Sommeliers' dream. What's your favorite wine pairing with regional Thai cuisine ? Photo by Facebook/bo.lan
Sariya, VIA Italian Wine Ambassador, Bangkok. I would go with a Kabinett Riesling always. For Reds, I love Blaufrankisch. Try Massaman curry with Merlot. Orange wines go so well with Thai food, especially those with fermented ingredients, such as naem and pla-raa.
I would start with Champagne or Sparkling and progress into an Austrian Dry Riesling or earthy amphora Portuguese Alentejo White with the seafood curry dishes. Reds. Beaujolais, Chianti Classico or a peppery Shiraz. JJ | Sommelier, Sydney.
Back to the Vines.
04 WINERIES AND VINEYARDS
Yes, Thailand has vineyards. Most people don't know that Thailand actually have their own vineyards and make their own wine. Lookout for some of these wines in restaurants and wine bars too. Wine Map of Thailand by CellarAsia
ASOKE VALLEY
Gran Monte Wines.
Gran Monte Wines | GranMonte Estate is uniquely located in Asoke Valley, Khao Yai and is about 160 kilometers from Bangkok. Asoke Valley is known in Thailand for its beautiful yellow blossoms special to the region of Khao Yai. Nikki is the first and only female winemaker of Thailand. Grapes planted range from Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Verdelho, Durif, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon.
52 MOO 9, Payayen Pansuk-Kudkla Street, Pak Chong
Photo from Website
HUA HIN
Monsoon Wines.
Monsoon Wines | The closeness to the sea makes the nights cooler with fresh breeze coming from the hills, whilst the sandy and loamy soil is enriched with shells and fossils giving minerality and freshness to the wines. Signature grapes planted are Chenin Blanc, Columbard, Merlot, Dornfelder and Syrah. Their sparkling wine is made from 100% Columbard.
1 Moo 9 Baankhok Chang Patana, Hua Hin
Photo from Website
Obsessed with Cocktails
05 LETS HAVE A KIKI
A vibrant tipple scene in Phuket including some of the famous bartenders wining Awards at the International Bartending Competition. Here are some of our must-visits.
The Fool Speakeasy
The Fool Speakeasy | Old Phuket. The Fool' represents the beginning of a journey and a leap into the unknown. From Tarot cards reading to a wild card where the bartender selects for you, leaving you with an memorable experience.
29 Chanacharoen Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District.
https://www.thefoolspeakeasy.com/
Photo from facebook/thefoolspeakeasy
Little Tribe
Little Tribe | Bangtao. If you are in the vicinity, this little bar sets the chill neighbourhood vibes. Say hi to Owner Bartender Alif, who is making those delicious elegant cocktails.
2nd floor, 49, 36 Bandon-Cherngtalay Rd, Thalang District,
https://www.littletribephuket.com/
Photo from Facebook/littletribephuket
Behop Live Music Bar
Behop Live Music Bar | Old Phuket. An extensive list of Cocktails paired with attentive service, wonderful vocals and Jazz and others come together at Bebop Live Music Bar.
24 Takuapa Rd, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District.
https://www.instagram.com/bebopphuket
Photo from Facebook
IKNOWTHESOMM. ITS ALL ABOUT THE WINES.
Curated/.
Matthieu | Paris. He works as Chef de Cabine PNC. He is also an onboard Sommelier.
Alexandre | Paris. He is from Moscow and works as Sommelier in Paris.
JJ | Sydney. He works as a Business First Cabin Crew and as a Sommelier and teaches hospitality.