When one mentions Thailand, one usually thinks of the pristine beaches of Phuket, the exquisite silk of Jim Thompson or the friendly Thai Airways. Hardly, if at all, is a wine brand associated with Thailand. Siam Winery pledges to change that and give the world and Thais an Asian wine brand to be proud of.

Siam Winery, a Thai company, was founded in 1982 by Chalerm Yoovidhya. The mission was to create a world class Thai Wine which could complement the renowned and much liked Thai cuisine.

Twenty three years later, the company is cruising ahead with greater plans, having been accepted in Thailand and having launched its brand in US, UK and Europe. Siam Winery is South East Asia's largest winery with a capacity of 4 million liters. The brand uses indigenous grapes and combines modern winemaking techniques to produce high quality wine and grape-based beverages. The company grows and buys grapes in its two main areas, the floating vineyards of the Chao Phraya Delta and the mountainous vineyards at Pak Chong. There is also a new vineyard site and winery being planned near Hua Hin to attract local and foreign travelers.

Over the years Siam Winery has launched three main brands: Monsoon Valley, Sabai and Spy. Each brand of wine has been given a distinct composition, unique taste and a defined usage situation.

Monsoon Valley brand is positioned as the wine that complements spicy food. With a portfolio of white wine (Malaga Blanc), red wine (Pokdum) and rose wine (Monsoon Valley), the brand offers a good variety.

The Sabai brand is positioned as the cool brand in the portfolio. Sabai in Thai means to chill. By playing around the word Sabai, the brand has been positioned as the one which embodies the Thai practice of chilling and relaxing. Sabai is truly an exquisite beverage made by blending the wines from the red hibiscus flower, which is known for its relaxing properties and Malaga Blanc, the white grape.

The Spy brand was launched almost twenty years ago to introduce locals to a fermented beverage. This brand has been very well received by customers who were seeking an alternative to mere beer and liquor.

The Siam Winery brand is on the right path to building an enduring Thai wine brand. The company names their emerging products "New Latitude Wines", because grapes can now be grown in regions previously thought unfit. In an industry where the French and Italian wines have ruled since centuries, a new brand from a least expected country has managed to make a mark within wine brands. With the right commitment towards innovation and product quality combined with a dedicated approach to build a strong brand, Siam Winery could end up as yet another emerging brand that customers would associate with the Kingdom of Thailand.