OUR STORY

In 1994, Bali local and wine lover Ida Bagus Rai Budarsa started Hatten Wines. Beginning with a single product a rosé made from Bali’s heritage grape variety, Alphonse Lavallée his goal was to put local wine on the global map. Today, our award-winning range spans 10 wines, showcasing both heritage and international grape varieties all grown in our North Bali vineyards. We hope you enjoy our little taste of paradise.

Ida Bagus Rai Budarsa (Pak Gus Rai)
Founder

Our proud Balinese roots come from Pak Gus Rai who was born and raised in Sanur, the seaside village where his family have been producing arak and Balinese rice wine since 1968. Since he started Hatten Wines in 1994, Pak Gus Rai has directed the production of ten new wines, been selected as a founding member of the Asian Wine Producers Association, and collected a 'Wine Pioneer of Asia' award.

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Articles

Did You Know? Grapes Thrive in the Tropics Better Than You Think

When you think of grapevines, your mind probably drifts to rolling vineyards in France or Italy, basking in the soft sunlight of temperate climates. But here’s a twist: grapes—yes, those juicy orbs of flavor—can thrive just as beautifully, if not better, in the perpetual warmth of tropical regions. Surprising, right?Let’s explore why tropical countries are rewriting the rules of grape cultivation, backed by facts and figures that might just change how you think about the future of winemaking.
Year-Round Sunshine = More Harvests
Here’s a game-changer: in tropical regions, grapevines can be harvested two to three times a year. Compare that to traditional temperate regions like France or California, which produce only one harvest annually due to the dormancy of vines in winter. This means tropical vineyards can yield up to 300% more fruit from the same plot of land.For example:
- In Thailand, vineyards such as GranMonte harvest grapes twice a year, boosting productivity and profitability.
- India’s Nashik Valley, known as the "Wine Capital of India," produces over 80,000 tons of grapes annually, thanks to its ability to harvest multiple times a year.This continuous production not only increases yield but also allows tropical farmers to better cater to global demand, especially during off-seasons in temperate zones.
Bold Flavors with Unique Terroir
The flavors of tropical grapes tell a story unlike any other. Thanks to year-round sunshine and rich volcanic soils, tropical grapes often develop more pronounced fruity notes compared to their temperate counterparts. Studies have shown that:
- Tropical-grown Shiraz tends to exhibit higher sugar levels (22-26 Brix), ideal for crafting bold, full-bodied wines.
- Wines from tropical regions often carry exotic hints of mango, passionfruit, or even lychee, adding unique complexity that sets them apart in blind tastings.In Bali, for instance, the combination of volcanic soils and tropical humidity creates wines with a flavor profile that appeals to adventurous wine enthusiasts seeking something different.
Adaptation Through Innovation
Let’s face it: tropical regions come with challenges, like high humidity and pests. But necessity breeds innovation. Here’s how tropical vintners are outsmarting these obstacles:
- Canopy Management: Proper pruning techniques improve air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
- Smart Irrigation: With rainfall often unpredictable, vineyards are adopting advanced drip irrigation systems, saving up to 50% more water compared to traditional methods.
- Resilient Varieties: Varieties like Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, and local hybrids are proving to thrive in tropical climates, balancing yield and quality.In India, the adoption of these techniques has driven the wine industry to grow by an average of 20% annually, reaching a market size of USD 1.2 billion by 2023.
Climate Change Advantage
Here’s a shocking statistic: global warming is expected to reduce traditional grape-growing areas by 56% by 2050, according to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Rising temperatures and unpredictable seasons are pushing temperate vineyards to their limits.Tropical vineyards, on the other hand, are far better equipped to handle these changes:
- With stable year-round conditions, tropical regions can avoid the extreme weather events that devastate traditional vineyards.
- Countries like Indonesia and India are investing in climate-smart agriculture, making their vineyards more resilient to global shifts.This adaptability positions tropical regions as frontrunners in the future of grape and wine production.
Economic Impact and Growth
Tropical grape cultivation isn’t just a win for wine lovers—it’s a boon for local economies:
- In Thailand, wine tourism alone contributes over USD 50 million annually to the economy, thanks to innovative tropical vineyards like Monsoon Valley.
- In Indonesia, tropical vineyards are paving the way for a new wave of agritourism, attracting international visitors curious about Bali’s wine potential.The growth of these industries is creating jobs, boosting rural development, and putting tropical countries on the global wine map.
The Bottom Line
The world of grape cultivation is changing, and the tropics are leading the charge. From higher yields to exotic flavors and climate resilience, these sun-kissed regions are proving that grapes don’t need four seasons to thrive.So the next time you pour a glass of wine, consider reaching for one with tropical roots. You might just discover a flavor that’s bold, vibrant, and utterly unforgettable—just like the story of how it came to be.

Sources
[1]: International Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 2023.
[2]: GranMonte Vineyard & Winery Report, 2022.
[3]: Nashik Grape Growers' Association Statistics, 2023.
[4]: Comparative Study on Sugar Levels in Grapes Across Regions, 2021.
[5]: Tropical Terroir Tasting Review, 2022.
[6]: Bali Wine Producers' Annual Report, 2022.
[7]: Agricultural Innovations for Tropical Viticulture, 2020.
[8]: Journal of Irrigation Science, 2021.
[9]: Varietal Performance in Tropical Climates, 2021.
[10]: India Wine Market Report, Allied Market Research, 2023.
[11]: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Climate Impact on Vineyards, 2020.
[12]: Climate Change and Agricultural Resilience, 2022.
[13]: Innovations in Tropical Agriculture, FAO, 2023.
[14]: Thailand Wine Tourism Statistics, Ministry of Tourism, 2023.
[15]: Indonesian Agritourism Growth Report, 2023.