Gaia Gaja inherited her passion for wines from her legendary father Angelo Gaja. Founded in 1859, the Gaja Winery is renowned for making some of Italy’s best wines in Piedmont and, more recently, Tuscany. Gaia will be hosting a 5-course wine dinner (B4,600) at Biscotti (Four Seasons Hotel, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-250-1000) on Nov 6 at 7:30pm.

What is the main reason for Gaja’s success?
Five generations of determined people have worked on making their dream come true.

How is Gaja different from other Italian producers?
It’s innovative, but at the same time has a long history. The work of previous generations is still part of what Gaja is, but innovations and experiments are just as important.

Which wines are you most proud of?
Barbaresco and Gaia & Rey. Barbaresco because it represents the winery’s best and is the only wine having been produced over three generations. Gaia & Rey because that was the first Chardonnay planted in the Piedmont, a region known much more for its powerful red wines than for whites.

Which 3 words would you use to describe your wines?
Artisan, ever-evolving, and capable of maturing in the glass.

What’s so great about wine?
Because in a bottle of wine you don’t just find a beverage. A great wine is the light of a dinner, brings conversation and sociality to the table.

Thailand is such a small market—why bother?
Because I’d love to come to Thailand once in a while! If I succeed in making Thailand a more important market for us, I will have a good excuse to come!

What’s the secret to choosing the right bottle of wine?
When I go to a restaurant I choose the wine that I like best, then I choose the food I like best. I don’t care if it’s “right”—the main thing is that I’m satisfied with my choices.

Pick a wine for BK Magazine.
Barbaresco, because it has a lot of personality. It’s the same with wine as with people: Those with a strong personality won’t always please everyone, but they surely won’t leave anyone indifferent and they just might make someone fall deeply in love!