Two companies vie for production in Myanmar, where wine is a drink for few. The average cost of a bottle is 11 US dollars. The wine is still "very experimental", but in the near future could develop as in other Asian countries. Mushrooms "worst enemy" of the producers.

Yangon (AsiaNews / Agencies) - "Everyone is surprised to see a vineyard right here in the middle of Myanmar, with machinery and modern technology," said Francois Raynal, manufacturer for Red Mountain company in Shan State, but viticulture is now a reality. Even in the Asian nation, long isolated by a military regime among the toughest in the world but now undergoing political and social reforms, wine is becoming increasingly popular. Burmese production is still in many ways "very experimental", but in the coming years could develop in a positive way and follow in the footsteps of China, Thailand and India.

The Red Mountain vineyards - owned by a wealthy Burmese businessman - produce an annual average of 120 thousand bottles, sold at the price of 10 thousand kyat (about 11US dollars) each. The product is sold in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan (the main nationa destinations) and became a sort of attraction for foreign visitors, attracted by a native wine in tropical regions. These are mainly Europeans, with a "strong culture" on the subject, wanting to test their favorite beverage.

The first great pioneer of the wine production in Myanmar was the German Bert Morsbach, who started the first autochthonous after a long pilgrimage in South-East Asia. This is Aythaya, whose headquarters is located near Taunggyi, capital of Shan State, and appears to be very much appreciated by entrepreneurs and businessmen in Burma.

The work of Bert Morsbach started in 1989, with the export of basmati rice, after the seizure of his land and business by a government minister of the ruling military junta, he decided to devote himself to wine production . 4 thousand vines from France, planted in 1998, in the eastern Karenni State. Then, because of the war between the army and rebels he moved to Shan State. In 2012, the production was around 100 thousand bottles, but the goal for this year is to double the number. As long as we are victorious in our battle with the climate and especially "mushrooms," said the director of Aythaya Hans Leiendecker, "they are our worst enemy."

 

 

• myamnar
• vineyards
• economy
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• mushrooms