 The vineyards that generate high agricultural value have now become a unique tourism offering. (Photo: The Hung/VOV5) |
Lots of sunshine, strong winds, and sparse rainfall—once considered harsh conditions for agriculture—have proved advantageous for grapevines to take root, extend their branches, and bear fruit. For decades Ninh Thuan grapes have been a source of pride for central Vietnam and today they continue to affirm the region’s position as cultivation area and yields steadily expand.
Khanh Hoa now has 1,000 hectares of vineyards that produce tens of thousands of tons of grapes each year, with varieties that include red Cardinal, green NH01-48, Japanese pink, and peony grapes, each with a distinct flavor.
 Phung Thi Tam, owner of Tam Yen vineyard, is making grape juice and introducing grape-based products to tourists. (Photo: The Hung/VOV5) |
Many growers have adopted high-tech methods, greenhouse models, and VietGAP or other organic standards, to boost productivity and quality. Grapes are a profitable crop. Some vineyards earn thousands of dollars per hectare from each harvest and provide stable jobs for thousands of local workers.
But maintaining high-quality vineyards requires tremendous dedication and effort, said Mrs. Phung Thi Tam, owner of Tam Yen vineyard. “Sunny, windy weather is good for vines, but too much rain causes fungus and cracked fruit. We constantly prune branches and thin out grapes under the sun and wind—it’s very hard work. But economically it pays off,” Tam said.
 Tourists experience hand-pick grapes and savor their sweetness in the vine. (Photo: The Hung/VOV5) |
Vineyards have become a magnet for tourists. Visitors who come to Khanh Hoa for Nha Trang’s beaches and ancient Cham towers also flock to nearby vineyards to hand-pick grapes and savor their sweetness straight from the vine.
Do Thuy, a first-time visitor from Hanoi, said, “Walking among the vines, cutting grapes and tasting them, is a unique experience. I think it’s something you must try when you visit Khanh Hoa. The moment I saw the vast vineyard laden with fruit, I was impressed. In addition to grapes, there are many other products here. The grape juice, in particular, is really delicious.”
 The grape-based products (Photo: The Hung/VOV5) |
In addition to fresh grapes, these vineyards produce wine, syrup, jam, and dried grapes, which are popular as gifts and souvenirs. According to vineyard owner Tam Yen, “Summer brings a flood of tourists. We harvest grapes for visitors, and entry is free. Purchases are a way to support us. Most sales come from tourists picking grapes themselves. The rest of the grapes are made into wine, syrup, and jam.”
Tourists in scarves and conical hats, posing in the lush vineyards beside clusters of red-purple grapes, have become a familiar sight on social networks and this has proven to be an effective form of promotion. Khanh Hoa, previously known for its sun-drenched beaches, is becoming equally famous for its vineyards.