Thousands. Not bottles, but years ago. Wine can be dated back to around 6000 BCE in what is now the country of Georgia, while the earliest winery was discovered in Armenia around 4100 BCE.
From the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, to a summer getaway in Napa Valley by soccer moms escaping the clutches of their children, wine has been an elixir mirroring human progress.
It went from becoming an integral part of religious rituals to gastronomical experiences and special occasions championed by art and science. Produced in over 70 countries in various climates, the modern consumption of wine can either calm the nerves or elevate the dishes it pairs with.
More often than not, we F&B enthusiasts strive to achieve a palate as sophisticated as the professionals. And when it comes to wine, the best recommendations come from experts who are comfortably submerged in a pool of fermented grapes surging through vines and their veins.
Luckily enough, we spoke to Vishvas Sidana, Wine Director at HAŌMA, helping us better understand and enhance our experiences with wine.
“I have been in the hospitality industry for 20 years and have been an active sommelier for the past 17 years,” explains Vishvas of his foray into the world of vineyard treasures. “My journey has taken me around the world to some of the most amazing places, so it’s been great!
The stories behind every label were very fascinating for me when I was a mere 19 years old and in my second year in the hospitality industry.”
“There was also a particular bottle called Gaja Darmagi (1999), a wine from Italy, that sparked my journey into wine,” reminisces Vishvas. “Gaja Darmagi is a renowned Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine from Piedmont, Italy, created by Angelo Gaja as a tribute to his father.
Darmagi is a Piedmontese term meaning ‘what a pity,’ which his father is said to have exclaimed when the Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted instead of the traditional Nebbiolo grapes.”
What are the biggest wine trends you’re seeing right now, both globally and in Thailand?
That natural wines are here to stay and make a big noise in the coming years!
What’s your go-to wine pairing with classic Indian dishes?
Lamb nihari with Nebbiolo from Italy’s high-elevation area, Butter Chicken with orange wine from Matassa, chaat with champagne, and rosé with rajma chawal are some of my favourite pairings.
What’s the biggest myth or misconception about wine that you often have to debunk?
That the longer it ages, the better it becomes! It really depends on the style of the grape and wine; some are great when they’re younger.
What wine would you recommend for a celebration and one for a quiet evening at home?
For celebration, always a Blanc de Blancs Champagne, and for a quiet evening, a beautiful and easy Morgon from the Beaujolais region of France should work.
And is there a pairing you swear by that most people wouldn’t expect to work?
Southern Indian lobster curry with Oloroso Sherry. It will blow you away!
According to Vishvas Sidana
Open every day from 4 PM till late, this is a natural wine dive bar in Sathorn Soi 12, just a couple of minutes walking distance from Saint Louis BTS.
The wine selection consistently changes and is enhanced by a little culinary magic from its kitchen. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 6 PM – Midnight, located just a few minutes away from Ari BTS on Soi Phahon Yothin 2.
Placing itself in the Top 5 Wine Bars 2025, this Thonglor gem is open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays), 2 PM – 11 PM. Adding to the experience are the fun and competitive trivia nights!
From their own words: “Explorative playground for wine enthusiasts.” The cellar is open from 2:30 PM to 11 PM, while dining is between 4 PM and 11 PM.
A hidden bar in Silom, near Sala Daeng BTS, this venue has been touted as an overall wonderful dining experience, where the food matches the quality of its wine selection. Open from Monday to Saturday, 5:30 PM to 11 PM.