As the Khanh Hoa coastline extends deep into the former Ninh Thuan region, the natural landscape undergoes a spectacular transformation, turning into the colors of lush green grape fields stretching along the national highway and the coastal area of Vinh Hy Bay. For the local people, the grapevine is not merely a fruit-bearing plant that brings high economic value, but the journey of domesticating this crop on scorched sandy soil and in an arid climate has become a vivid cultural symbol of the resilient will and incredible ability of humans to adapt to a harsh environment. Visiting the vineyards is an immensely enjoyable agro-ecological experience that you should not miss.
Farming in an arid region and how to enjoy the produce
Systems of large vineyards (such as Thai An vineyard, Ba Moi vineyard) usually welcome visitors free of charge. Stepping under the cool grape trellis and gazing at clusters of succulent grapes sparkling under the brilliant sunshine is a wonderful way to cool down after hours of long-distance driving. Here, you will be enthusiastically told by the vineyard owners about the process of pruning tops and branches, techniques for water-saving irrigation on sandy soil, and invited to enjoy glasses of pure, sweet, and cool grape syrup and grape nectar.
In addition to fresh grapes picked right off the vine, products processed from grapes are incredibly diverse, such as: grape jam, raisins, grape wine, and grape nectar. These are authentic souvenirs at reasonable prices that you should purchase directly at the garden to both support the local farmers' economy and ensure food safety and hygiene, avoiding low-quality goods mixed with chemical sugars at tourist rest stops along main roads.
Rules for civilized conduct when visiting vineyards
Although the vineyard owners are very open and hospitable, visitors need to be mindful of protecting the property and the labor of the garden owners. Always ask for permission and move along the designated paths; absolutely do not arbitrarily pick fruits, break branches, or pull too hard on the trellis system, as this affects the plant's growth process. When taking check-in photos, be mindful of your backpack or handbag so that you do not accidentally knock fruits off. An important legal note regarding grape products: Grape wines and spirits distilled from grapes have a certain alcohol content, are only for those of the legal drinking age, and you must absolutely not drive motorcycles or cars yourself after participating in wine tasting at the garden to ensure traffic safety for yourself and the community.
Quick checklist:
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Choose official vineyards owned by local farmers for an authentic and high-quality visit.
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Support the local economy by buying produce and grape nectar directly at the garden as souvenirs.
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Do not arbitrarily pick fruits, break branches, or damage the trellis system when taking photos.
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Consider wearing flat shoes with good traction because the ground in vineyards is often fine sand, which can be slippery or uneven.
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Strictly comply with age regulations when trying grape wine products and observe traffic safety laws.
