If you live in Chiang Mai, you know the feeling. The mornings have turned crisp, the humidity has vanished, and for a few glorious weeks, we get to wear our jackets. It’s “Winter” in the North—our favorite time of year.
Usually, this season means fighting crowds at street markets or searching for a rooftop bar with a breeze. But this year, we’re looking further afield. Just an hour’s drive from the city, in the rolling hills of Mae On, Skugga Vineyard is curating a holiday experience that feels less like a typical Thai festival and more like a European winter escape.
They call it the Winter & Wine Wonderland, and if you’re looking to trade city traffic for vines and velvet skies this Christmas or New Year’s, this is where you need to be.
Skugga Estate has quietly become one of Chiang Mai’s most stylish agri-tourism destinations. Known for its chocolate lab and estate-grown coffee, the vineyard is the crown jewel. In December, the Mae On valley acts as a natural air-conditioner. We’re talking genuine cool breezes that sweep through the rows of grapes—the kind that makes a glass of full-bodied red wine taste exactly right.
The team at Skugga has designed their holiday events around this natural luxury. The “Winter & Wine Wonderland” isn’t about artificial snow or loud jingles; it’s about chill. Chill wines, chill music, and the chill weather we wait all year for.
A Holiday Trinity: Christmas & New Year’s
The event series hits the trifecta of holiday dates: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
The setup is pure “Vineyard Vibes.” Imagine sitting amidst the vines as the sun dips behind the mountains, the sky turning that deep winter purple. The estate is leaning into its “Nature Lovers” aesthetic—think twinkling lights draped over trellises rather than plastic decorations, and acoustic sounds that complement the rustling leaves rather than overpower them.
What’s in the Glass?
Skugga is serious about its produce. Whether you are a dedicated oenophile or just a casual sipper, the “Winter & Wine” menu promises to impress. Expect their signature labels—bold reds that stand up to the cool weather and crisp whites that mirror the fresh mountain air.
But it’s not just about the wine. The culinary team is preparing a festive feast designed to be shared. This is slow dining at its finest: good food, great wine, and no rush to give back the table.
Why We Love It
Chiang Mai is full of events, but Skugga offers something rare: Space. It’s an escape from the frantic energy of the holiday season. It’s romantic enough for a date night (the “proposal potential” here is off the charts) but relaxed enough for a family gathering. It captures that sophisticated, “Winter in the Vines” feeling that usually requires a plane ticket to find.
How to Join
Seats for the Winter & Wine Wonderland are limited by design—they want to keep the atmosphere intimate.
Dates: Christmas Eve (Dec 24), Christmas Day (Dec 25), New Year’s Eve (Dec 31)
Location: Skugga Estate – Vineyard (Mae On, Chiang Mai)
Vibe: Sophisticated, Chill, Nature-Centric
CNXMAG Tip: Arrive an hour early. Skugga is famous for its chocolate; grab a box of their estate-made bonbons from the Chocolate Lab before you sit down for dinner. Trust us.
Ready to book your seat in the vineyard? Visit Skugga Vineyard on Facebook or contact them directly to reserve. #SkuggaVineyard #WinterInTheVines
