Vietnam is located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator and has a climate typical of a tropical region marked by high humidity and a rainy summer season. The topography of Vietnam is very hilly which can provide some relief from the tropical influences and also create various microclimates where viticulture could thrive. The Gulf of Tonkin, Mekong and Red Rivers also have a tempering effect on the climate. Due to the year round warmth, vineyards in the southern region of Vietnam can produce a harvest up to three times during the course of a calendar year. Some plant varieties can produce fruit from new cuttings within a year of their planting.[1]
French colonists planted their vineyards in the highlands areas around the Ba Vì mountain range near Hanoi. Modern viticultural techniques have produced some successful results with aggressive pruning and the adoption of the pergolas style of trellising. This Pergolas trellis has the benefit of keeping the grapevines off the ground to where some of the humidity is ventilated which reduces the risk of powdery mildews developing. The grape bunches are shaded by the canopy of the vine which reduces the yields.[2]
As of 2005, the main grape varieties planted in Vietnam are the Cardinal and Chambourcin grapes. A large form of wine production is from fruit wines made from the country's abundance of local fruits. The British firm Allied Domecq and Australian winemakers were working on introducing more international grape varieties into the region as well as experimenting with sparkling wine production. Many new vineyards sites are being planted in areas recently demined.[1]
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