A Night of Hidden Gems: Next Step Wine Celebrates 3 Years of Italian Excellence in Bangkok

BANGKOK – The air in the city was filled with the spirit of la dolce vita as Next Step Wine celebrated its third anniversary. In an evening dedicated to “Tonight’s Featured Labels,” guests were treated to a curated journey through Italy’s most precious viticultural treasures, proving that the “Next Step” in the Thai wine scene is firmly rooted in authenticity and native heritage.

The event was a vibrant gathering of enthusiasts, industry experts, and friends, all brought together by a shared passion for the road less traveled. As the founder noted in his opening remarks, the journey of the past three years has been about more than just bottles; it has been about finding “hidden gems” and the friendships forged along the way.

While the night featured eleven exceptional labels from across Italy, the spotlight shone brightest on the organic mastery of Tenuta Viglione. The estate, which has been a cornerstone of Puglian winemaking since 1937, was represented by a very special guest: Antonisia Zullo.

As the fourth generation of the Zullo family, Antonisia’s presence brought a deep sense of history and passion to the room, bridging the gap between the ancient hills of Puglia and the sophisticated palate of Bangkok. Guests had the rare opportunity to hear the stories behind the labels directly from the family that crafts them.

Three wines from the Tenuta Viglione portfolio at the tasting:

Maioliche Rosato: A 100% Primitivo rosé that captivated guests with its bright cherry-pink hue. This wine offered a sophisticated balance of red rose aromas and a crisp minerality, proving that Puglian rosés are among the most elegant options for the Thai climate.

Morso Rosso (Susumaniello): The “bold” star of the night. This 100% Susumaniello, partly aged in barrique, impressed the crowd with its punchy aromatics of black olive and violet. It is a big, structured wine that perfectly represents the power and refinement of the Murgia territory.

Favil Moscato Dolce: A sparkling revelation. This was the perfect “joy in a glass” for the evening—light, aromatic, and never cloying. Its notes of orange blossom and white fruit provided a refreshing lightness that captured the celebratory mood of the anniversary.

A Milestone for the Future

The evening wasn’t just a look back at three successful years for Next Step Wine, but a statement of intent for the future: CEO of Next Step Wine, Ruenruedee Prachayaphruet, shared an ambitious vision for what’s next. As the company enters its fourth year, the portfolio is set to expand even further into Italy’s diverse landscape.

“We have spent the last three years establishing a home for native Italian grapes here in Thailand,” she says. “But our journey of discovery is far from over. I am thrilled to announce that by the end of this year, Next Step Wine will be venturing into three more extraordinary regions: Abruzzo, Sardinia, and Marche. We have handpicked new ‘hidden gems’ from these areas to ensure our customers continue to experience the true, authentic biodiversity of Italy”.

As the glasses were raised for the final toast, it was clear that while the wines were the “gems” of the night, the true brilliance came from the community of friends and partners—like Tenuta Viglione—who made this journey possible.

Here’s to many more years of discovering the hidden gems of Italy, one sip at a time.

This article was published thanks to the contribution provided by European Union regulation no. 2021/2115.