Grapes and Wine Festival opens in Ninh Thuan

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh beats a drum to open the festival (Photo: VNA)

Ninh Thuan (VNA) – The 2016 Grapes and Wine Festival officially began in the southern province of Ninh Thuan on September 29. 

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh beat a drum to open the festival. Representatives of local authorities, ambassadors, dignitaries and thousands of visitors also attended the ceremony. 

They were entertained by performances featuring ethnic groups’ traditional customs at the event. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Luu Xuan Vinh, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee emphasised that the festival aims to promote the value of grapes and pay respect to the contributions of researchers, administrators, businesses and farmers to grape development in Ninh Thuan. 

It also provides opportunities for scientists, businesses and grape farmers to exchange experiences, he added. 

The festival, held at the same time as the annual Kate festival of the Cham people, aims to promote and preserve Cham culture and contribute to the development of the Cham community. 

The southern coastal province of Ninh Thuan is home to beautiful beaches and unique cultures, including the Cham’s special customs. 

Due to suitable weather and ecological conditions, the province is the largest grape cultivation area in Vietnam with 1,300 ha of grape fields, producing 30,330 tonnes of fresh grapes and 60 tonnes of wine every year.-VNA