Kathmandu - Ancient City Wine Scene

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1

   Hunt for Nepal's First Commercial Wine

   wine Price: moderate

   Pataleban wine - from Nepal's FIRST commercial winery. Started by Kumar Karki in 2002 when everyone said "Nepal? Wine? Impossible!" At Vino Bistro (Lazimpat district), ask: "Do you have Pataleban?" It's rare. Finding it is part of the adventure. Only 5,000 bottles made per year.

   BACKUP: Ask which other Kathmandu restaurants stock Nepali wine - servers usually know the network.

   Log Memory
2. 2

   Find the Japanese Expert Who Believed

   history Free

   Dr. Okamoto Goro - a Japanese wine expert who flew to Nepal MULTIPLE times to help when no one else would. Kumar had no winemaking background. Okamoto saw potential. Ask your sommelier: "How did a Japanese wine expert end up helping Nepal?" The story is incredible.

   BACKUP: Google "Pataleban Dr. Okamoto" before your visit - know the story, share it with your table.

   Log Memory
3. 3

   Taste Nepali Wine in a 40-Year-Old Building

   Optional

   adventure Price: low

   The experience of Nepali wine in authentic architecture - not a tourist replica. At Kathmandu Grill in Thamel (a 40-year-old traditional Nepalese building), order local wine and look at the carved wooden beams above you. This building was here BEFORE Nepali wine existed.

   BACKUP: Any heritage restaurant in Patan or Bhaktapur offers similar authentic settings.

   Log Memory

Insider Tips

• Ask about Pataleban Vineyard wines - Nepal's first commercial winery at 1,600m elevation

• Visit Chitlang Winery (day trip) for unique Sand Pear, Yacon, and Plum wines

• Kathmandu Grill in Thamel offers casual wine in a 40-year-old Nepalese building