Every Wine Label Has a Story
Ha Long Bay, Pinot Noir
Ha Long Bay is an area of extraordinary natural beauty, situated in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province close to the Chinese border. Over 1,600 islands and islets are scattered in the region surrounded by pristine, crystal-clear waters. In 1994, it was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
“Ha Long” literally translates to “Bay of Descending Dragons.” The story goes like this: not long after the original Vietnamese settled in the country, raiders began approaching the shores of Ha Long Bay. In response, the Jade Emperor called on a fleet of powerful dragons from the sky to support the people’s resistance. The majestic creative spat out a heavy shower of pearls, which upon impact with the ocean, transformed into thousands of rocky islands. The fresh rock formations proved to be a solid defense, as the raiders took their turns to crash and perish one by one. Post-battle, the dragons chose to remain on the coast of Vietnam with their tails now collectively forming the famous Long Vi beach.
Da Lat, Chardonnay
Da Lat has many nicknames: The Paris of Vietnam, The City of Flowers, The City of Eternal Spring and The City of Lovers. By any name, it’s a cool mountain retreat for Vietnamese and travelers looking to escape the heat and smog of the larger cities. This mountain resort town was once a summer getaway for the French and visitors to Da Lat includes wellness seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The city looks like a cross between Vietnam and the French Alps sitting nearly 5,000 feet above sea level in the southern parts of the Central Highlands surrounded by lovely mountains. The weather here averages between 64 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Vung Tau, Cabernet Sauvignon
Situated on a tiny strip of land shaped like a thumb extending into the South China Sea, Vung Tau has been a favorite getaway for the French colonials and the wealthy since the late 19th century. During the Vietnam War, Vung Tau served as an active port and favorite R&R spot for fighting men. Located just about 2 hours by car (or 90 minutes by ferry) outside of Ho Chi Minh, Vung Tau serves as a relaxing getway from the big, bustling city.
Famous for its sumptuous beaches, Vung Tau was the first area of Vietnam to become a popular vacation and health destination for tourists. You can also find many unique relics such as: Vung Tau Lighthouse, Jesus Statue, Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda, Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda and other attractions that combines natural landscape, urban architecture and cultural works.
Sapa, Cabernet Sauvignon
Set among a gorgeous scenery with sweeping, rice terrace-filled valleys, Sapa is a remote town in northwestern Vietnam known for its pristine rice terraces and cool mountain atmosphere. It's located about 350 km northwest of Hanoi close to the Chinese border where you'll find picturesque hillsides and smaller ethnic villages including the Hoang Lien Son range of mountains. These days, Sapa welcomes a diverse range of visitors, attracted by the highland tribes, iconic rice paddies and forest treks. The whole region is blessed with awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Da Nang, Cabernet Sauvignon
Rated as the top 50 places to visit by the New York Times, Da Nang is a large, bustling city in Central Vietnam that offers a blend of nature, history, culture, art, fashion and spectacular food! Here you'll find spectacular a good mix of centuries-old pagodas, French colonial buildings, as well as tranquil beaches with clear blue waters.
As the fourth largest city in Vietnam, Da Nang marks the halfway point between Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Apart from some shopping highlights and historical sights, the main reason for most travellers staying here is its proximity to the well-known My Khe Beach, Lang Co Beach, Hoi An and My Son.
The best months to visit are from March to May and September to October, when the weather is warm. June to August sees little rain and the sea is clear and calm. The rainy season from November to February brings long rains and moody weather.
Phu Quoc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Pure white powder beaches, clear waters, palm tree forests, mountains and waterfalls are what you can expect in Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island located 45 kilometers off the coast of the Ha Tien province.
The ideal time to visit Phu Quoc Island is during November to March. This is the dry season on the island so you will be able to maximize the tropical attractions available.
When you visit Phu Quoc during the dry season, you can expect an average daily temperature of 77 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Aside from its incredible nature and paradise beaches, it is also home to bustling markets offering unique food products.
Nha Trang, Pinot Grigio Rosé
Known as a port city located 250+ miles northeast of Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon), Nha Trang is a city known as the hidden “Rivera of Vietnam” because of its powder-white sand beaches and minimal air pollution compared to other cities in the country.
Under the French rule, Nha Trang became known a seaside resort and arguably one of the prettiest seaside places in all of Vietnam with better nightlife. Temperature runs from 68 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.