Nikhil Prasad 
Bangkok Wine Tasting-Training: A Historic First for Thailand’s Wine Scene
For the first time ever, Thailand welcomed the Union Grands Crus Bordeaux Grand Tasting—an elite wine event that brought 65 globally renowned Grand Cru wine producers from the Bordeaux region of France to Bangkok. Held under the prestigious Union Grands Crus Bordeaux (UGCB) association, the event marked a milestone for the country’s growing fine wine culture and offered Thai wine professionals and enthusiasts an unforgettable experience.
Image Credit: UGCB and Wine Gallery
The tasting was split into two segments: an afternoon session tailored for those in the wine business, and an exclusive evening session designed for wine lovers. This Bangkok Wine Tasting-Training news report reveals that the evening was co-hosted by UGCB and Wine Gallery, and honored by the presence of French Ambassador Jean-Claude Poimboeuf and Mr. Thananan Vilailuck of Wine Gallery. The spotlight was on the 2021 vintage—the latest release following the traditional Bordeaux winemaking timeline of at least 18 months from harvest to bottling.
An Intimate Showcase of Excellence
What truly set the event apart was the personal touch. Each chateau was represented either by its owner or a high-ranking executive, many of whom flew in specifically to pour their wines and engage with Thai guests. Among the most engaging personalities was Ronan Laborde, President of the UGCB and owner of the acclaimed Château Clinet in the Pomerol district. Ronan, alongside his wife, charmed attendees by personally serving wine—an act that showcased the humility, passion, and sincerity that defines Bordeaux’s wine community.
Now celebrating its 51st anniversary, the UGCB has grown from just five or six founding chateaux in 1973 to a powerful collective of 132 members. The association began its journey with a wine tasting in Japan, and over the years has become one of the most respected voices promoting Bordeaux wine worldwide.
Beyond Classifications and Into the Heart of Bordeaux
Interestingly, not all Bordeaux wine regions are officially classified. While the 1855 Classification established under Napoleon III ranks wines from regions such as Medoc, Sauternes, and Barsac, other areas like Pomerol remain unranked. However, Ronan explained that UGCB membership is determined by factors like wine quality, pricing, and most importantly, the collaborative spirit of the winemakers—a spirit that was palpable throughout the event.
Guests were treated to tastings from legendary regions including Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margaux, Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes. The wines offered a rare opportunity to explore the complexity, elegance, and diversity of Bordeaux’s terroirs—all in a single evening.
Unity and Passion Drive Bordeaux’s Global Success
What stood out most was the camaraderie between the chateaux. There was no competition—only collaboration. If one representative stepped away, another from a different estate would happily step in to pour. This unity and mutual support were striking and served as a model of professionalism that left a strong impression on attendees.
The UGCB organizes around 60 such tastings each year in 10 countries, including France. These events are not just about promoting wine—they’re about cultural exchange, shared experiences, and fostering a deeper appreciation for what makes Grand Cru Bordeaux so iconic.
With a legacy rooted in tradition, elevated by classification systems like the one from 1855, and propelled by the dynamic outreach of UGCB, Bordeaux remains a titan in the wine world. Its wines are a favorite among Thai collectors and oenophiles, who welcomed this event as a rare treat and a sign of the region’s growing connection to Southeast Asia.
The event proved that when excellence, humility, and hospitality come together, even something as ancient as wine can feel refreshingly new.
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