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Sababay Winery: Redefining Indonesian Wine with Innovation and Excellence
Vika prisilia
Aug 20, 2025
When travelers think of fine wine, regions like Bordeaux, Napa, or Tuscany often come to mind. But on the island of Bali, Sababay Winery is rewriting the rules of winemaking and showing the world that Indonesian wine can stand shoulder to shoulder with the greats.
At the heart of this journey is Guillaume Quéron, a Bordeaux-born winemaker trained under the legendary Jean-Luc Thunevin. Since joining Sababay in 2022, Guillaume has embraced the challenges of new latitude winemaking, producing wine in tropical regions outside traditional wine zones. His vision, paired with Bali’s volcanic soil and unique climate, is positioning Sababay as a global player in the wine world.
Crafting Wine in Bali’s Tropical Terroir
Bali’s climate presents both opportunities and hurdles. High humidity, strong sun, and year-round growing conditions require innovative viticulture techniques. Under Guillaume’s leadership, Sababay has turned these challenges into strengths by cultivating grapes such as:
Alphonse-Lavallée
Muscat Saint Vallier
Shiraz
Cabernet Sauvignon
By embracing sustainable farming and supporting local growers, Sababay proves that the island can produce wines of remarkable quality and character.
Sustainability at the Core
One of Sababay’s defining values is its commitment to sustainability. From minimizing sulfite levels to ensuring fair practices with local farmers, the winery is determined to create wines that are both enjoyable and responsible.
As Guillaume explains:
“We’ve reduced the sulfite content in all our wines. Living in a tropical environment, some people don’t tolerate sulfites well, so we’ve worked to minimize them. Now, we use the lowest possible levels.”
This dedication results in wines that are fresher, fruit-forward, and more approachable for a wide audience.
International Recognition for Indonesian Wines
Sababay’s progress has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, the winery earned a Bronze Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), joining the ranks of world-renowned wine brands. Out of 4,000 entries, only half received medals, making this achievement particularly significant.
With 63 international accolades to date, Sababay has proven that Indonesian wines can shine on the global stage. The winery also earned the prestigious title of “Winery of the Year 2024” from the Tourism & Hospitality Awards, cementing its role as a pioneer in Southeast Asia’s wine industry.
👉 Discover our award-winning wines here: Read More Here
Innovation in Every Bottle
Sababay’s youthful, dynamic approach sets it apart from Old World vineyards bound by strict appellation laws. This freedom allows Sababay to experiment, innovate, and create wines that surprise and delight.
Recent Highlights:
Rose Series Relaunch - In October 2023, Sababay reintroduced its Rose Series, crafted from mature Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon after eight years of research, delivering improved depth and elegance.
Sababay Sangria - Introduced in July 2024, this vibrant, fruit-driven sangria blends tropical flavors with spices. Guillaume describes it as “instant pleasure that perfect for the beach, the pool, or with friends.” It’s wine made for sharing, approachable for all palates.
Sparkling Wine Series - Launched for the festive season in late 2024, Sababay’s sparkling collection features a refined formula, classic cork and wire closure, and sleek new labels. Ideal for celebrations, these wines embody the joy and creativity at the core of Sababay.
New Latitude Winemaking: Freedom to Explore
Unlike European vineyards constrained by strict wine laws, Sababay enjoys the freedom to explore new grape blends, fermentation techniques, and styles. This experimental spirit is what drives its innovation. As Guillaume puts it:
“In Europe, laws and appellations often limit what winemakers can do. At Sababay, we can push boundaries and explore, creating wines that are fresher, more flavorful, and even more enjoyable.”
This philosophy not only shapes Sababay’s identity but also elevates Indonesia’s reputation in the wine world.
Why Sababay Wines Are Perfect to Take Home
For travelers seeking Bali souvenirs, Sababay wines are more than just a bottle, they’re a story. Each label carries the taste of Bali’s volcanic soil, the dedication of local farmers, and the creativity of world-class winemaking. Whether you choose the elegant Rose Series, the festive Sangria, or the refined Sparkling wines, Sababay offers souvenirs that are meaningful, memorable, and uniquely Indonesian.
👉 Plan a visit to our vineyard and enjoy a guided tasting: Tour with Sababay
👉 Or shop Sababay wines online via Tokopedia, Shopee, Blibli, or our official store: Shop Sababay
Final Pour: Indonesia on the Global Wine Map
Sababay Winery is a movement that redefining how the world sees Indonesian wine. Through innovation, sustainability, and excellence, Sababay has become a source of pride for Bali and for Indonesia as a whole.
From Bordeaux expertise to Balinese creativity, Sababay continues to push boundaries, proving that world-class wine doesn’t have to come from traditional regions. With every bottle, Sababay tells a story of passion, perseverance, and pride.
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