Remote Lands Toasts Asia's Top New Wineries

Bespoke Asian holidays offer wine enthusiasts elite access to undiscovered vineyards

NEW YORK, October 29, 2008 - Remote Lands, the world’s leading luxury travel designer of bespoke journeys to Asia, is introducing Luxury Bespoke Wine Experiences in Asia, a rapidly growing wine destination. Wine aficionados, until recently only focused on the popular vineyards of Europe, California, Australia and South America, will now receive the opportunity to become acquainted with the winemaking of China, India, Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. Amongst an array of oenophilic experiences, guests will be able to participate in activities that include private vineyard tours, one-on-one visits and tutorials with winemakers, and exclusive dinners prepared by regional chefs and paired with wines chosen by local sommeliers. At $3000 per person for a minimum of three nights, this extraordinary offering includes all meals, lodging, activities and transportation within Asia, and is based on double occupancy. Packages may also be customized based on additional services.

Remote Lands currently offers Luxury Bespoke Wine Experiences to:

China: Grace Vineyard, located 60 miles south of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province, is home to the perfect terroir for a number of well-known varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling. Through the vineyard’s five-tiered wine offerings – Chairman’s Reserve, Deep Blue, Tasay Reserve, Premium and Vineyard – wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike will find something to enjoy. Remote Lands’ tailor-made itinerary will provide the ultimate experience for sophisticated travelers, who will enjoy a three-day excursion that begins with a personal tour of the vineyard. An expert vintner will navigate wine enthusiasts through the intricate stages of Asian winemaking and allow them to try their hand at the process. The following day, individuals will explore the cool, cavernous passageways of the barrel rooms where they will sample wines from their casks, and receive the chance to bottle a personalized vintage to satisfy their distinct palate. Rounding out the three-day tour, a gourmet lunch of Chinese epicurean treats and a complimentary bottle of the award-winning Vineyard Series Merlot will be presented to all guests.

India: India’s leading premium wine brand, Sula Vineyards, is now home to four wineries, growing varietals such as Shiraz, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc on over 1500 acres. Guests will travel through the state of Maharashtra from Mumbai to Nashik where they will spend a few nights at Beyond, Sula’s new villas, featuring breathtaking views of the vineyard and Gangapur Lake. Upon arrival, Sula founder Rajeev Samant and Chief Winemaker Ajoy Shaw will personally greet visitors with a glass of their Dindori Reserve and take them on a special tour of the property. Later that evening, visitors will feast on a meal replete with local flavors and organic vegetables from Sula’s garden, prepared by Samant and Shaw’s in-house chef. On day two, Remote Lands will coordinate a private tasting and tour of the 2,000 square-foot tasting room. While soaking up the picturesque landscape, oenophiles will learn the proper steps to see, swirl, sniff and sip before making their way to the balcony to savor an assortment of cheeses and wine. On the final day, guests can roam the vineyard on bikes or cruise Gangapur Lake by kayak to unwind.

Myanmar (Burma): Sometimes mistaken with the limestone-rich, rolling hills of Tuscany, the vineyards of Aythaya are the first and only to inhabit Myanmar (Burma). A plethora of grapes including Dornfelder, Temparnillo, Moscato and Grappino – a very special distillate made in honor of its Italian inventors – are grown in Aythaya. Remote Lands will coordinate lodging in the enchanting apartments situated on the property, as well as a comprehensive tutorial of the vines that inhabit the land and how the vintners are experimenting with other imported varietals. Unique only to Aythaya, clients will visit Khaku, the spiritual center of the Pa-o people, on their second day. Here they will embark on a tour of the sacred meeting place and gain understanding of the Burmese philosophy behind winemaking. Upon return from Khaku, wine lovers can sleep peacefully as they prepare for the final day of wine tasting and lunch in the estate’s Winegarden, where Remote Lands will arrange for the vineyard’s prominent oenologists to educate guests on wine pairings.

Thailand: The oldest viticultural area in Thailand also boasts one of the largest wineries. Siam Winery, also known as the ‘floating vineyards’ – where vines are separated by canals and harvested by boat – is dedicated to making wines that accompany and complement spicy Thai food. Over the years, Siam has launched three main brands: Monsoon Valley, Sabai and Spy, all of which visitors to the region will have the chance to enjoy. Guests will journey from Bangkok to Siam where Remote Lands will organize a privately guided tour of the neighboring Pak Chong Hills Vineyard, and the Khork Chang Vineyard and Research Station. Over the course of three days, visits will involve tastings distinct to each vineyard and exquisite meals prepared by the talented chefs of the Siam Winery. Exotic ingredients from across Thailand will be paired with specific vintages for an unparalleled culinary experience. Winemakers will also allow guests to participate in a ceremonial wine-stomping event at one of the properties.

For more info on Remote Lands, please call (646) 415-8092 or visit www.remotelands.com

About Remote Lands

Remote Lands, Inc., the world's foremost luxury bespoke travel provider focused exclusively on Asia, is based in midtown Manhattan with a logistics office in Bangkok. The company specializes in extraordinary experiences in magical, far-flung destinations and insider access to exceptional people and exclusive events. The venture capital-backed company was founded by seasoned business and travel entrepreneurs Catherine Evans Heald and Jay Tindall, both of whom have lived, worked and traveled all over the world. Remote Lands actively promotes socially responsible tourism that strives to bring an understanding of other cultures and helps to preserve their way of life. Ten percent of the company's profits go directly to local charities in developing countries. For more information, please visit www.remotelands.com

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