10 Asian Wineries Worth Visiting: A Journey Through Asia’s Wine Regions

Asian wine is no longer a curiosity. From Japan and Thailand to India, China and Lebanon, winemakers across the continent are proving that great wine can come from places far beyond the traditional European wine map.

But where should you start?

If you're curious about Asian wine regions, wine tourism, or the wineries shaping the future of modern Asian wine, here are 10 estates worth knowing — and visiting when you get the chance.

Which Asian Wineries Are Worth Visiting?

Some of the most interesting wineries to visit in Asia include Château Mercian and Grace Wine in Japan, GranMonte in Thailand, Hatten Wines in Indonesia, Jade Vineyard in China, and Charosa Vineyards in India. Together, they showcase Asia’s diverse climates, indigenous grapes, innovative winemaking, and evolving wine culture.

1. Château Mercian — Japan

Located in Katsunuma, Yamanashi, southwest of Tokyo, Château Mercian is one of Japan’s pioneering wineries.

Established in 1970, the winery has helped put Japanese wine on the international map. Its work extends beyond Yamanashi, with grapes sourced from regions including Kikyogahara, Hokushin, Omori, and Nitsuru.

For visitors, it offers an introduction to how Japanese terroir, precision, and tradition are shaping modern Asian wine.

Château Mercian Kikyogahara Signature Merlot 2011 is one of the four wines by the winery that received a Gold Medal at the 2016 Asian Wine Review

2. Grace Wine — Japan

Also located in Yamanashi, Grace Wine dates back to 1923 and is particularly known for Koshu, Japan’s indigenous grape variety.

Grown in mountainous vineyards, Koshu produces wines with naturally high acidity, subtle fruit, and a refreshing character — qualities that make it especially interesting alongside Japanese and broader Asian cuisine.

It is a great example of how an indigenous grape can become a modern signature for an entire wine region.

Grace Wine in Yamanashi, Japan (not to be mistaken with Grace Vineyard in Shanxi, China)

3. GranMonte — Thailand

Yes, Thailand makes wine.

Founded in 1999 by Visooth and Sakuna Lohitnavy, GranMonte sits in the Asoke Valley of Khao Yai, around 350 metres above sea level.

The estate produces varieties including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Semillon and Verdelho.

Its tropical setting makes GranMonte particularly fascinating for anyone interested in wine innovation in warm climates. Add the surrounding scenery and proximity to Khao Yai National Park, and it becomes as much a destination as a winery.

GranMonte in Asoke Valley, approximately 160 kilometres from Bangkok is conveniently located adjacent to Khao Yai National Park

4. Hatten Wines — Indonesia

Based in Bali, Hatten Wines has been producing wine since 1994 and has become particularly well known for its rosé.

What makes Hatten especially relevant to modern Asian dining is its focus on creating wines suited to Indonesia’s tropical climate and spicy cuisine.

After decades of experimentation and adaptation, the winery has developed a portfolio designed for the realities of its local environment — a useful reminder that wine doesn't always have to follow European rules.

For restaurants serving spicy Asian food, Hatten is a fascinating case study in food-friendly Asian wine.

Harvest at Hatten Wines

5. Aythaya Vineyard — Myanmar

Established in 1999, Aythaya Vineyard became Myanmar’s first vineyard.

Located near Taunggyi in Shan State, the estate experimented with a wide range of grape varieties before identifying cultivars suited to its mountainous environment and soils.

Its portfolio has included red, rosé and white wines, demonstrating how winemakers can adapt international varieties to very different Asian growing conditions.


Aythaya Vineyard: Myanmar 1st Vineyard Estate

6. Jade Vineyard — China

Located in Ningxia’s Jinshan wine region, Jade Vineyard represents the newer generation of Chinese wine producers.

The estate covers approximately 210,000 square metres of vines and has focused on producing wines that express Chinese terroir while respecting the natural environment.

Its recognition for Cabernet Sauvignon highlights the growing international interest in Chinese wine regions and the rapid development of Ningxia as a serious wine destination.

Jade Vineyard, China

7. Charosa Vineyards — India

Spread across approximately 230 acres in Maharashtra, Charosa Vineyards combines traditional winemaking knowledge with modern technology.

The winery has experimented with techniques including open-tank fermentation and inert-gas pressing to improve consistency and wine quality.

India presents a fascinating challenge for winemakers because of its warm climate, making Charosa an interesting stop for anyone exploring wine innovation in Asia.

Charosa Vineyard, India

8. Karam Wines — Lebanon

Founded by two brothers with deep family connections to vineyards and agriculture, Karam Wines brings together ancestral knowledge and modern winemaking techniques.

Based in Lebanon’s highlands, the winery produces artisanal wines with a strong emphasis on their ultimate destination: the dining table.

That food-first philosophy makes Karam particularly relevant to the growing conversation around Asian and Middle Eastern wine pairings.

Karam Winery in Jezzine

9. Hevron Heights — Israel

Located between Jerusalem and Hebron, Hevron Heights is situated in an ancient agricultural region at elevations of around 850–1,000 metres.

Founded in 2000 and led by winemaker Michel Murciano, the estate produces kosher Israeli wines in a hot, dry mountain environment.

Its high-altitude vineyards demonstrate how elevation, climate and geography can create distinctive wine styles even in challenging growing conditions.


Hevron Heights

10. Abrau-Durso — Russia

Nestled in the mountains near Novorossiysk, Abrau-Durso is one of Russia’s best-known sparkling wine producers.

The estate is famous for its extensive underground tunnels, originally constructed during the Tsarist era. Its sparkling wines are made using traditional methods and aged for extended periods.

With its combination of history, dramatic scenery, and sparkling wine production, Abrau-Durso offers a very different perspective on the diversity of wine across Asia and its surrounding regions.

Sparkling wines are being made in the tunnels.

Why Asian Wine Regions Matter

These 10 wineries tell a bigger story.

Asian wine is not simply trying to imitate Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Napa. Producers are working with different climates, indigenous grapes, new techniques, and local food cultures to create wines that make sense for their markets.

And that matters at the dining table.

As Asian cuisines become increasingly global, there is growing room for wines designed to work with dishes that are spicy, aromatic, umami-rich, sweet, sour, and deeply layered.

That is one reason the future of modern Asian dining and wine pairing is so exciting.

At The Flying Winemaker, this philosophy is also at the heart of MÁLÀ — a modern wine created with spicy Asian food in mind. Because sometimes the best wine pairing isn't the one that follows tradition. It's the one that actually works.

FAQs

What are the best Asian wine regions to visit?

Japan’s Yamanashi, China’s Ningxia, Thailand’s Khao Yai and India’s Maharashtra are among the Asian wine regions worth exploring. Each offers different climates, grape varieties and approaches to winemaking.

Does Asia produce good wine?

Yes. Asian wineries are producing increasingly distinctive and internationally recognised wines. Japan, China, Thailand, India, Israel, Lebanon and Indonesia all have developing or established wine industries.

What makes Asian wine different?

Asian wine regions often work with challenging climates, different soils and grape varieties adapted to local conditions. Many producers also place strong emphasis on pairing wine with regional cuisines.

Which wine pairs well with spicy Asian food?

Wines with refreshing acidity, moderate alcohol, fruit character and good balance can work particularly well with spicy food. The right choice depends on the dish, spice level and cooking style — which is why purpose-built wines such as MÁLÀ are an interesting development in modern Asian wine pairing.

Why is Asian wine becoming more interesting?

Growing wine consumption, investment, tourism, improved technology, and experimentation are helping Asian producers develop distinctive regional identities. At the same time, the global popularity of Asian cuisine is creating new opportunities for wines designed around Asian food.

The Bigger Picture

From Japanese Koshu to Thai Syrah and Chinese Cabernet Sauvignon, Asian wine is developing its own identity.

The next time you're planning a wine trip, don't just look west.

Look east.