Kathmandu - Ancient City Wine Scene

Kathmandu's premier wine destination sits at the crossroads of ancient Himalayan culture and French sophistication. Vino Bistro offers rare Georgian wines paired with French cuisine at the base of the Himalayas.

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.

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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.

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3. 3 Taste Nepali Wine in a 40-Year-Old Building Adventure · Price: low · Optional

   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.

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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