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.

Exploring the Elegance of Puglia’s Terroir at Volti Tuscan Grill & Bar

Nestled in the heart of Shangri-La Bangkok, the prestigious Volti Tuscan Grill & Bar recently played host to an enchanting evening of fine wines and gourmet cuisine, showcasing the exquisite offerings of Tenuta Viglione. Esteemed guests, including wine experts, connoisseurs, buyers, and influential journalists, gathered to celebrate the rich flavors and unique heritage of this renowned Apulian family-run winery located in the Gioia del Colle PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). With a heritage spanning over 85 years and a commitment to organic winemaking, Tenuta Viglione has brought both authenticity and artisanal attention-to-detail to the Thai wine market.

The tasting event spotlighted five distinguished labels, each telling the story of Italy’s sun-drenched vineyards. Guests were captivated by the effervescent charm of the Verdeca Brut, an exquisite sparkling wine that awakens the senses with its vibrant bubbles and fresh citrus notes. Following this, the Maioliche Verdeca Puglia IGP transported attendees to the rolling hills of Puglia with its crisp and aromatic profile, reflecting the character of its terroir.

Adding a touch of romance, the Maioliche Rosato Puglia IGP enchanted with its delicate hue and bouquet of fresh berries, making it a delightful companion for a warm summer evening. The evening’s exploration continued with the bold and intriguing Morso Rosso Susumaniello Puglia IGP, offering rich plum and spice undertones, promising a tantalizing journey for the red wine enthusiasts.

The tasting reached its zenith with the Marpione Limited Edition Primitivo Gioia del Colle DOP Riserva, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and patience. This deep, velvety red with complex layers of dark fruit and hints of chocolate left a lasting impression, embodying the elegance and tradition of Tenuta Viglione.

Chef Bruno Ferrari

Completing this immersive experience, Executive Italian Chef Bruno Ferrari curated a selection of authentic Italian dishes, each carefully crafted to complement the evening’s wines, creating an unforgettable symphony of taste: “Puglia’s wines are like the region itself – full of character, soul, and with a story to tell. These wines bring something new and exciting to the most refined palate and that’s reflected in the huge surge in demand we’ve experienced for them in recent years. Tenuta Viglione’s wines are a shining example of the Pugliese contemporary winemaking”.

Ruenruedee Prachayaphruet, SEA Marketing Director 

For those with a passion for the finest in wine and culinary arts, the event at Volti was more than a tasting – it was a celebration of the rich wine heritage of Puglia. While Primitivo often steals the spotlight for a reason, still Puglia’s wine offerings are incredibly diverse. From intriguing reds like Susumaniello to the refreshing whites of Verdeca, Puglia is home to a wide array of indigenous grape varieties. This diversity is attracting Thai wine lovers who are eager to explore unique flavors and new combinations. In the words of Ruenruedee Prachayaphruet, SEA Marketing Director for Tenuta Viglione: “Puglia’s whites and rosés offer incredible versatility and are a perfect match for Thailand’s dynamic food culture.  Our wines are a testament to the region’s heritage and are crafted with a great deal of care and respect for nature. Through our partnerships with some of the finest Thai culinary establishments and a commitment to education, we are excited to continue promoting the depth and diversity of Pugliese wine.” 

For more information, visit www.tenutaviglione.com.

Celebrating one year since the launch in Thailand: Tenuta Viglione’s wine dinner at Chim by Siam Wisdom

It’s been a year since Tenuta Viglione successfully launched its wines in Thailand and this anniversary was superbly celebrated with a sumptuous event at one of Bangkok’s most iconic restaurants: the award-winning Chim by Siam Wisdom. A 9-course menu conceived and executed by the seven-time Micheline starred chef Noom and a tasting of 5 wines produced from native Apulian grapes sealed the encounter between the flavors and aromas of the great Thai culinary tradition and those of organically produced Apulian wine from Tenuta Viglione.

MENU

Amuse-bouche & Welcome drink
Tenuta Viglione, Verdeca Brut, IGP Puglia, 11%, non-vintage

Crab dumpling – จีบนก
King Prawn Fillo Pastry with Thai Citron Sauce – กุ้งโสร่งส้มซ่า
Tenuta Viglione, Verdeca Maioliche, IGP Puglia, 12%, 2021, organic wine

Fermented Red Bean with Coconut Milk and Crisp Fishnet – หลนข้าวอั่งคักปลาฟู
Tenuta Viglione, Nero di Troia Maioliche, IGP Puglia, 13%, 2021, organic wine

The Lost Recipe – ต้มยำปลาโบราณ
River Prawn with Caramel Peanut Sauce – กุ้งซอสพริบพรี
Tenuta Viglione, Primitivo Sellato, Gioia del Colle DOP, 14%, 2021, organic wine

Stripped Beef Shank – ระแวงเนื้อน่องลาย
Saffron Steamed Rice – ข้าวหุงหญ้าฝรั่น
Tenuta Viglione, Susumaniello Morso Rosso, IGP Puglia, 14,5%, 2021, organic wine

Interview with Ruenruedee Prachayaphruet, SEA Marketing Director for Tenuta Viglione

Thailand has an emerging wine sector. How did you approach this rather sophisticated market?

The Thai market is increasingly attentive to the quality and the story behind each bottle. Our philosophy is based on respect for the environment and the use of native varieties that best suit our terroir. This allows us to produce authentic, high-quality wine that best represents our region and its thousand-year history. We aim to bring the best that Puglia has to offer Thailand. Our wine is suitable for even the most sophisticated taste buds.

Many people associate Puglia with cheap wine. How do you respond to this perception? 

Puglia produces a very wide range of high-quality products. As with everything, there are different levels of quality and that includes wine. I must say that there isn’t only cheap wine from Puglia, but also cheap wine from France, Australia, or any other country. We focus on superior wine and in Puglia, you are spoiled for choice.

Which kinds of wine are you focusing on for the Thai market?

We are focusing on our most prestigious and complex ones, those that tell the history and age-old traditions of our region. We presented Thai consumers with Primitivo, Verdeca, Nero di Troia, and Susumaniello. These are just some of the gems that we’ve shared, chosen not only for their excellent quality but also for being among local favourites.

Where does Puglia want to go in the international wine scene? Should we expect the emergence of the “Super Pugliesi”?

Puglia has all the ingredients to become a point of reference in the world of wine. The combination of tradition, innovation and sustainability will allow us to create unique and very high-quality wine. The future of the “Super Pugliesi” is promising and we are ready to be the protagonists in this new era of wine. We will see what the market has to say in the years to come and we are confident in our potential.

Tasting Notes

VERDECA BRUT
IGP PUGLIA
Vintage N/A
11,0% VOL. ALC.
Grape: 100% Verdeca
Ageing: Steal tank

Tasting Notes: bright straw-yellow color tending to golden. Intense perfume of aromatic herbs with citrus and peach notes that blend on the palate. Fresh, balanced, with good minerality on the palate.

MAIOLICHE VERDECA
IGP PUGLIA
Vintage 2021
12,0% VOL. ALC.
Grape: 100% Verdeca

Tasting notes: Bright straw-yellow color tending to golden. Intense perfume of aromatic herbs with citrus and peach notes that blend on the palate. Fresh, sapid with good minerality on the palate.

MAIOLICHE NERO DI TROIA
IGP PUGLIA
Vintage 2021
13,0% VOL. ALC.
Grape: 100% Uva di Troia

Tasting notes: Ruby red evolving to garnet. Rich and intense aroma of blackberry and cherry in spirit with spicy notes. Enchanting and full taste, elegant tannins and fulfilling sapidity.

SELLATO
DOP PRIMITIVO GIOIA DEL COLLE
Vintage 2020
14,0% VOL. ALC.
Grape: 100% Primitivo
Ageing: 30% in barrique for 12 months

Tasting Notes: Cherry, plum and tobacco leaf aromas. Rich and voluptuous with fresh acidity and a gentle earthy finish.

MORSO ROSSO
IGP PUGLIA
Vintage 2021
14,5% VOL.ALC.
Grape: 100% Susumaniello

Tasting Notes: floral and punchy aromatics, showing cherry, violet and black olive. Big and bold style with taut acidity and refined tannins.