During the Peak of Grape Season

The Grape Season in the Sunny Land

Starting from the heart of Phan Thiet and heading approximately 100 km north on National Highway 1A, travelers will see an array of signboards on either side of the road directing them to vineyard attractions and local delicacies like grape wine and syrup, which span across the region of Phuoc The (currently known as Lien Huong commune). Discovering the vineyards is more than just a visual experience—it becomes a fluid journey of exploration, pausing, sampling, and genuine engagement.

At Le My Vineyard (Lien Huong commune), beneath the low-hanging green trellises, bunches of green and red grapes hang in abundance, plump and shiny enough to catch the eye of any passerby. Le Quoc Hien, the vineyard owner, remarked, “My family grows nearly one hectare of green and Japanese pink grape varieties in staggered harvests. April is when the grapes are at their peak—beautifully formed, exceptionally sweet, and juicy.”

Due to increasing demand, Hien’s vineyard alone is insufficient to meet visitor needs. He has collaborated with other local growers to offer vineyard experiences year-round. When one vineyard completes its harvest, another takes its place. Currently, over 10 households have joined this network, growing grapes using safe, staggered cultivation methods to ensure a steady supply of ripe fruit for visitors. During our visit, a group of tourists from the Mekong Delta was touring the garden. In addition to taking pictures and savoring grapes on-site, visitors can also pick their own heavy clusters.

Looking at the bustling vineyards today, few would imagine that just a few years ago, visiting them was difficult. Grapes were considered “delicate,” prone to disease, and required care like “raising a child.” Now, most vineyards are grown in greenhouses, reducing pest problems and supporting year-round tourism. As a result, the Tuy Phong grape brand has gained wider recognition while stabilizing supply.

Ready for the Peak Holiday Season

We witnessed a different aspect of grape farming at Nhat Minh Vineyard, located in Phan Ri Cua commune. Besides traditional green and purple grapes, the farm offers new types such as finger grapes with a rich purple hue, candy grapes, and crunchy Japanese pink grapes.

Nguyen Duy Cuong, the owner, mentioned: “Over 1.5 hectares of grapes are cultivated in greenhouses ensuring safe production and year-round harvests. Visitors can confidently sample grapes right here and notice the difference. We will keep introducing new varieties to satisfy tourists’ preferences.”

Nguyen Thu Trang, a visitor from Hanoi, shared: “Walking under the grape trellises feels like passing through layers of flavor. Each variety offers a unique experience. We also get to hear stories about growing grapes in this sunny, windy land.”

Visitors not only enjoy fresh grapes but also learn about the processes of fermenting, distilling, and extracting grape wine and syrup—from plump clusters to drops of aged wine. As the owner explained: “Making wine is about preserving the essence of grapes, letting the sun and wind linger in every drop.”

In recent times, a tourism route connecting Co Thach Pagoda, the Seven-Colored Stone Beach, and vineyard tours has started to develop. Vineyards have actively partnered with travel agencies to create integrated itineraries that link nearby attractions like Binh Thanh fishing village, Hon Cau Island, and cultural heritage sites. This initiative not only extends visitors' stays but also enhances the value of local agricultural products.

Visitor numbers are anticipated to increase during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day and the April 30 – May 1 holiday. To accommodate more tourists, most vineyards have revamped their spaces, broadened pathways, invested in photo spots, and improved product presentations to enrich the overall experience. Additionally, they are enhancing service quality, clearly displaying prices, and ensuring cleanliness and safety.