Thailand is known for many things: beaches, Bangkok, streetfood but not wine. And yet it’s a market that’s been in effervescence over the last decade despite the fact the Thai beverage of choice is beer. Once a relatively little known beverage, wine is now regularly served at social functions and is seen as a sign of higher social status among Thais.

The industry leader Siam Winery, has had a lot to do with creating a Thai wine culture thanks to its home grown wines adapted to the Thai palate.

Imported wines have heavy duties and tax making locally produced wine a more viable option for those special occasions.

Emmanuelle Landais visited the Moonsoon Valley vineyard to find out more in this report for a five-part series on Thailand.