Press Release: Isan Food & Wine Festival Masterclass
For immediate release. Dated 3/11

Wine and Thailand’s Northeast regional cookery combine in June, during the Isan Food & Wine Festival Masterclass. Held in the vineyards of Khao Yai, Gateway to Isan, but only an hour or so drive north of Bangkok, the event is promoted as a celebration of traditional regional culture and foods, comfortably juxtaposed alongside Thailand’s modern wineries. Thailand’s first female winemaker, Nicki Lohitnavy of GranMonte vineyards, and Thailand’s first native winemaker, Prayut Piangbunta of Khao Yai Winery (PB Valley) play host, along with visiting experts and guest chefs. Of special note is the vertical tastings of Thailand’s first vintages, tasted against today’s excellent output. The Isan region’s food is often called Thailand’s tastiest provincial fare, and there will be demonstrations on som tam green papaya salad, grilled gai yang chicken, and fermented pork sausages, among others, led by celebrity chefs from Jim Thompson House.

Masterclass dates run 10-12 June 2011, hosted in Greenery Resort, with prices from B5500/US$180 for one or two night stays, all inclusive.

Additionally, cookbook author Robert Carmack and textile designer Morrison Polkinghorne will host a complimentary 10-day Isan Explorer tour, travelling across the northeast/Isan, including VIP entry to the masterclass weekend. Dates: June 2-12. Prices from US$3295.

For more information on the Isan Food & Wine Masterclass: contact www.isanfoodfestival.com

Or for the Isan Explorer tour contact

www.asianfoodtours.com or www.globetrottinggourmet.com

or fax +61 2 9519 3220 or tel +61 400 663 644.

High res pictures available for single use only, with credit, at: http://globetrottinggourmet.com/pix/thailand/index.htm#ifw

Khao Yai wine region is located at the edge of the Khao Yai National Park. At a cool 300-380 meters/1150 ft above the sea level, it boasts complimentary vineyard microclimates, resulting in the kingdom’s finest wines. Just 150 km/90 miles northeast of Bangkok, and with well-developed tourist facilities, it’s the ideal destination for both a day trip and weekend retreat.