During grape ripening season

As April arrives, the vineyards in southern Khanh Hoa enter their most beautiful season of the year. The grapes are plump and lush, and the vines are covered in vibrant green foliage. A journey through these vineyards is not simply sightseeing, but a continuous series of experiences: Go - stop - taste and savor.

Báo Khánh Hòa•05/04/2026

Following the grape harvest

In April, the Binh Tien - Vinh Hy coastal road appears like a green silk ribbon draped across the mountainside. On one side is the deep sea, on the other a dry, wind-swept mountain slope, and in between, peaceful vineyards nestle under the sun.

Stopping at Thai An village (Vinh Hai commune), visitors can easily spot grapevines laden with fruit. Green and purple grapes intertwine, each cluster glistening. Under the vines, the shade softens the heat, and the lively chatter creates a unique rhythm of life during the harvest season. Mr. Nguyen Khac Phong, Director of the Thai An General Agricultural Service Cooperative, shared while pruning the leaves: "April is when the grapes are at their most beautiful, with uniform fruit, rich sweetness, and juiciness. During this time, there are many visitors, especially on weekends."

Tourists pick and enjoy grapes at Hoang Yen 1 vineyard (Ninh Phuoc commune).

The spacious surroundings make visitors want to linger longer, not just to take photos, but to "live in" the approaching grape season. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hai, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, jokingly said: "Here, you not only eat and pick grapes, but also get to hear stories about grape cultivation under the sun and wind. It's a very interesting experience."

Leaving the coast, the journey south to the "city" of Phan Rang, then through Ninh Phuoc, reveals a different facet of grape culture. At Hoang Yen Vineyard, the interconnected grapevines form a vibrant "flavor map." Besides the familiar green and purple grapes, the vineyard boasts dozens of new varieties: soft and sweet mango-milk grapes, seedless black grapes with a rich flavor, crisp and refreshing Ruby red grapes, purple-tinged black finger grapes, small but intensely fragrant candy grapes, and crunchy Japanese pink grapes… Each variety possesses its own unique character. Mr. Tong Minh Hoang, owner of Hoang Yen Vineyard, said: "We continuously bring in new varieties for trial cultivation to serve tourists. Visitors not only want to eat grapes in the vineyard but also want to experience the difference." "Walking under the grapevines is like stepping through layers of flavor. Each bunch of grapes is a unique experience. A tour of the vineyard feels like traveling through many grape-growing countries," enthusiastically said Ms. Phan Ngoc Diep, a tourist from Hanoi .

Tourists enjoy taking photos under the vines laden with ripe grapes at Hoang Yen 3 vineyard (Ninh Phuoc commune).

The area near Po Klong Garai Tower offers a different kind of depth. At Ba Moi vineyard, visitors can not only enjoy fresh grapes but also learn about the process of fermenting, distilling, and extracting wine, from plump bunches of grapes to drops of wine imbued with the colors of time. The vineyard owner shared: "Making wine is about preserving the essence of the grapes, letting the sun and wind gradually permeate each drop." One visitor commented: "The wine here has a very unique taste, clearly reflecting the flavor of the land."

Following National Highway 27, we concluded our journey at Tri Ha Vineyard – where grapes are intertwined with culinary experiences. After strolling under the grapevines, visitors can enjoy local specialties such as mountain goat, lamb, and free-range chicken. This combination makes the trip more complete, not just sightseeing but also a truly enjoyable experience.

Get ready for the big tourist season!

April is not only the harvest season but also the peak season for vineyard tourism. This year, preparations by vineyard owners and local authorities have been more systematic, aiming to enhance the experience. In vineyard regions, many owners have proactively redesigned their spaces: widening pathways, arranging rest areas, investing in photo spots, tasting areas, and product showcases. Some places have even developed in-depth experiences such as picking grapes in the vineyard, tasting different grape varieties, and learning about the cultivation and processing procedures.

Visitors listen to explanations of grape cultivation and care techniques at the vineyard.

Notably, the trend of integrated tour packages is gradually becoming more apparent. Vineyards are collaborating with travel agencies to create self-contained itineraries, connecting vineyard visits with nearby destinations such as beaches, craft villages, and cultural relics. This not only extends the length of stay for visitors but also increases the value of local agricultural products. Alongside this, service quality is prioritized. Vineyard owners are increasing the number of tour guides, clearly displaying prices, and focusing on hygiene and safety for tourists. The number of bookings for the Hung Kings Commemoration Day and the April 30th/May 1st holidays has begun to increase, mainly from family groups and tourists on North-South tours.

Students had the opportunity to visit, learn about, and enjoy fresh grapes at Tri Ha Vineyard (Do Vinh Ward).

According to statistics, the province currently has nearly 700 hectares of vineyards, with over 50% of the area in full bloom. This creates favorable conditions for both serving the market and developing experiential tourism.

In April, a trip through the coastal vineyards is more than just a journey. It's a journey to experience the most beautiful time of year, where the harsh sun transforms into sweetness.