Amid the mountainous landscapes of Binh Lieu, with its terraced rice fields, star-anise forests and winding border roads, a lush vineyard in Tung Cau is offering visitors a refreshing new experience this summer. Under a canopy of leafy vines, bunches of plump grapes hang within easy reach, inviting visitors to admire the vineyard, take photos and pick fresh grapes straight from the vines.
The vineyard grows Korean Shine Muscat grapes, a premium variety that forms part of the new agricultural development model of the family of Tran Thi Van in Tung Cau Village, Binh Lieu Commune. Established in 2024, the vineyard was developed with an investment of nearly VND 500 million in grape varieties, trellises and protective roofing.
The vineyard's first attraction is the space beneath the grapevines themselves. The roof provides soft, filtered light, while the dense foliage creates a cool green canopy overhead and clusters of ripe grapes hang below. Visitors can stroll leisurely between the rows, admire the plump bunches and listen as the owner explains how the vines are cared for, including pruning, protecting the fruit and identifying bunches that are ready for harvesting.
The highlight for many visitors is the chance to pick the grapes themselves. Following the owner's instructions, visitors select ripe bunches, carefully cut the stems with scissors and then have their harvest weighed. Picking a bunch of grapes by hand, still covered in its natural bloom, with its crisp, green and fragrant fruit, offers a very different experience from simply buying grapes at a shop.
Visitors can also taste the grapes right at the vineyard, allowing them to fully appreciate the freshness of the fruit they have just picked. When ripe, Shine Muscat grapes retain their characteristic green colour, with plump, crisp fruit, a delicate sweetness and a subtle fragrance. In the intimate, family-run setting, the experience becomes even more personal as guests pick grapes while chatting with the owner about the story behind the vineyard, from the initial investment and cultivation to the careful tending of the vines and the anticipation of each new harvest.
Beyond grape picking and tasting, taking photos is another favorite activity. Low-hanging clusters of grapes, lush green foliage and the soft light beneath the vineyard canopy create a gentle and picturesque setting for photographs. Children can watch the grapevines grow, while adults can enjoy a relaxing break after hiking, visiting waterfalls or exploring the border areas. The vineyard also offers complimentary drinking water and vối leaf tea, adding to the simple and welcoming atmosphere of this family-run attraction.
The grape season typically lasts from mid-July to mid-September. However, the vineyard does not open continuously, but welcomes visitors in batches depending on the amount of ripe fruit, weather conditions and visitor numbers. Following the first opening in early August, the vineyard is expected to welcome visitors again on two dates when the grapes are at their peak – August 20 and September 1.
By Ta Quan
