The Wine Craft Villages – A Source of Pride for the People of Da Lat

July 12, 2020 8 mins to read
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When visiting Da Lat, travelers not only discover a land famous for its fragrant flowers, picturesque landscapes, and iconic architecture but also a region renowned for its traditional craft villages. Among these, the Da Lat wine village is a celebrated specialty that captivates visitors, leaving them even more enchanted with this charming land.

Unveiling the Elegance: Da Lat’s Wine Craft Villages and the Timeless Art of Winemaking

For the locals of Da Lat, winemaking is a skill passed down from generation to generation. To find the finest, most authentic products, venture into the heart of the Da Lat wine craft village in the central district’s 8th ward.

The Da Lat wine craft village has gained recognition as a captivating tourist destination within the city. Visitors are fascinated by the intriguing stories that surround the establishment and development of this unique craft village.

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Dalat wine (Photo: ST).

Da Lat, blessed by nature with its cool and dry climate year-round, provides an ideal setting for sipping wine to warm the body. Thanks to nature’s favor, various suitable fruits for winemaking thrive here, contributing to the reputation of Da Lat wines.

Most wines are made from grapes, plums, peaches, apples, and cherries. However, Da Lat wine distinguishes itself by being crafted from mulberries, a commonly cultivated tree in the region. The ripe mulberries are harvested to extract their juice, and after a specific distillation process, they give rise to exquisite and aromatic wine.

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Mulberry is the primary raw material for processing Dalat wine (Photo: ST).

When travelers set foot in Da Lat, visiting the wine craft village is necessary. This is where the locals proudly produce Da Lat wine, a renowned beverage with a long-standing history.

A trip to Da Lat is not just about enjoying the resort-like scenery; it’s also an opportunity to explore the region’s traditional craft villages, particularly the Da Lat wine craft village. Here, producing the famous beverage is a source of pride for the people of Da Lat. Though not as expansive as some craft villages, it possesses unique qualities that leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

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Embarking on a Quest for the Unique Flavors of Da Lat’s Mulberry Wine”

Delving into the world of wine, where grape varieties often take the spotlight, Da Lat offers a distinctive twist with its renowned mulberry wine. The taste and fame of Da Lat’s mulberry wine depend on various factors, from the quality of the mulberries to the fermentation and distillation processes. While making this type of wine may seem like a skill ingrained in the locals of Da Lat, the true magic lies in the craft villages, particularly in Da Thien, Ward 8, Da Lat City—a region celebrated as the epicenter of the finest mulberry wine production.

Crafting the perfect bottle of mulberry wine requires a carefully guarded process and ancestral secrets known to those who have mastered the art in this region.

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Each mulberry wine production facility in Da Thien has its unique distillation method, resulting in distinct flavors that contribute to creating various Da Lat wine brands.

For visitors exploring Da Lat, discovering shops selling mulberry wine around the city is a delightful experience. Most of these bottles originate from the Da Lat wine craft village, where a concentration of skilled artisans is renowned for producing the most exquisite mulberry wine in the region. For these artisans, the quality of the wine relies on the raw materials and the craftsmanship of each “master” winemaker. The aroma, the bitterness, the longevity without the need for preservation—all these qualities are determined by the skill and distillation techniques applied by these master craftsmen.

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The shell design is not inferior to French wine bottles (Image: ST).

Journey of Discovery and Delight: Exploring the World of Da Lat’s Mulberry Wine

The allure of Da Lat goes beyond misty mountains and serene landscapes; it extends into the enchanting realm of mulberry wine craftsmanship. Today, almost every tour to Da Lat designates the Da Lat wine craft village as a pivotal stop, inviting travelers to explore and savor the rich, robust flavors of this distinctive wine.

Especially for those wandering through the misty mountain town, a visit to the wine craft village provides a firsthand look at the birthplace of renowned wines that have won the hearts of many. Upon reaching the wine craft village of Da Lat, most visitors yearn to share the intriguing stories and history surrounding the art of making mulberry wine. At each family-run establishment, they delve into different distillation techniques, contributing to the creation of unique mulberry wine brands with diverse flavors.

In the wine craft village, visitors encounter seasoned artisans, the guardians of a lifetime dedicated to crafting the perfect drop of wine. These artisans, the treasures of Da Lat, embody a wealth of experience that has infused pure authenticity into the taste of Da Lat wine. Now, the younger generation is stepping up to preserve this unique legacy.

Mulberry wine is more than a beverage; it has become a cultural symbol and a specialty of Da Lat. Visitors not only enjoy the sight of various wines but also indulge in the distinctive flavor of Da Lat’s mulberry wine, making it a sought-after souvenir to bring back home from the chilly mountain city. Amidst the perennial mist and cool climate, a sip of mulberry wine brings warmth and richness to the experience. It’s no wonder that both past and present residents of Da Lat hold mulberry wine in high esteem, turning it into a cherished local delicacy that every family possesses.

The cultivation and care of mulberry trees are now regulated in the province of Lam Dong, emphasizing a long-term strategy to preserve the core elements that contribute to the unique brand of Da Lat’s mulberry wine. As a result, mulberry wine has transcended its status as a simple beverage, evolving into a cultural emblem and a testament to the region’s commitment to its extraordinary heritage.

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All products of the craft villages are manufactured according to the guarantee line process (Photo: ST).

The Art and Craft of Making Da Lat’s Mulberry Wine: A Journey Through Tradition and Innovation

Nestled in Ward 8 of Da Lat City lies a time-honored winecraft village named Da Thien. Renowned for hosting some of the most skilled winemakers in the city, these artisans, with 30 to 40 years of experience, have mastered the craft of producing mulberry wine, a departure from the grape-based wines found elsewhere. To them, the key to crafting exquisite mulberry wine lies in the quality of the fruit and, most importantly, in the meticulous distillation process. Each establishment has its unique approach, contributing to the rich tapestry of flavors that define Da Lat’s wine.

Meet, affectionately referred to as “Cụ Hương,” a dedicated craftsman who has been extracting mulberry essence for local wineries for 40 years. Now 70, Cụ Hương’s exceptional technique in mulberry extraction is unparalleled, making her a revered figure in the community. Numerous wineries trust her exclusively for their mulberry essence, a testament to her skill and dedication.

The mulberries used for Da Lat’s wine are carefully selected for their dark color, sweetness, and plumpness. These qualities are nurtured in the cool, year-round climate of Da Lat, creating a prime environment for cultivating high-quality mulberries. One of the foremost experts on this particular variety of mulberry is Mr. Nguyen Chi Man, who played a pivotal role in bringing this fruit to Da Lat in the 1970s.

While Da Lat has evolved into a renowned destination, its wine culture has thrived thanks to its people’s diligent efforts and innovative spirit. Mulberry wine production has significantly contributed to the city’s development, providing its inhabitants with a comfortable and fulfilling life. Though not a traditional family trade passed down through generations, the younger population’s enthusiasm for winemaking ensures this cherished tradition’s preservation and continuous evolution.

The demand for Da Lat wine remains high, prompting an increase in mulberry cultivation. Local authorities actively support and facilitate wine production, recognizing it as a crucial component of the city’s commercial promotion. Da Lat, synonymous with flowers and fruits, now sees wine as a specialty, an embodiment of the city’s spirit that deserves attention in commercial campaigns.

In the future, Da Lat plans to organize a wine festival to showcase and promote its unique wine products, following in the footsteps of its renowned flower and fruit festivals. Visiting the Da Lat wine craft village allows travelers to savor locally produced wines and immerse themselves in the captivating stories surrounding winemaking traditions, the village’s origins, and the intricate process of crafting mulberry wine.

As Da Lat remains a beloved tourist destination, more visitors are drawn to its attractions, including the Da Thien wine craft village. What could be more romantic than indulging in a glass of exquisite wine in the gentle atmosphere amid the picturesque beauty of the mist-shrouded city?

If you’re planning a trip to Da Lat, don’t forget to stop at the wine craft villages. The time spent here, with its intriguing experiences, will leave an indelible mark on your memory!

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