Huyi Grapes

Huyi Grapes

Huyi Grapes are a protected geographical indication product.

　　Huyi Grapes

　　 On the banks of the Taiping River at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains, the immortal line from Tang Dynasty poet Wang Han—“Grapes, fine wine, a night-glowing cup”—has been passed down through the ages. Today, in the face of the sweeping wave of modern agricultural technology, the local people have learned to write a new chapter on the land they’ve tilled for generations. Among the emerging developments, the booming grape industry has become a unique highlight in Huyi’s agriculture. With government encouragement, association organization, technical support, and platform building, Huyi’s grape industry has been thriving all the way.

　　 The Grape Industry Gains Momentum

　　 After several years of development, grapes have become a standout and advantageous industry in Huyi. The cultivation techniques and planting scale here have consistently ranked among the best in the province. According to statistics, the county’s total grape planting area has reached 11,000 mu, with a total grape output of 10 million kilograms, averaging 1,200–1,500 kilograms per mu, peaking at 5,000 kilograms, and generating an annual output value of at least 40 million yuan. The strong economic returns have helped farmers realize their dreams of increasing income and achieving prosperity, allowing them to savor the benefits of the “one village, one product” approach.

　　 Through years of careful selection, Huyi has identified locally suitable grape varieties such as “Hutai No. 8,” Red Globe, Red Noble, and Xinhua No. 1. A relatively rational variety structure has essentially taken shape, with early-maturing varieties dominant in the western part of the region and mid-to-late maturing varieties in the east. The planting area, yield, and quality of grapes have improved year by year.

　　 Currently, grape cultivation and processing in Huyi are demonstrating strong economic benefits. Taking “Hutai” grapes as an example, the average yield is 1,500 kilograms per mu, with an average output value of 6,000 yuan per mu and a net profit of 4,000 yuan—over four times higher than grain production and 1 to 3 times higher than other fruits and vegetables. Hutai No. 8 grapes, known for their large berries, large clusters, attractive color, high sugar content, and good storage and transportability, are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them an absolutely competitive variety for export.

　　 At the same time, grape production and processing techniques in Huyi have been increasingly optimized, with supporting cultivation methods gradually becoming more refined and mature. Technologies for multiple grape harvests and seedless grape production have obtained national invention patents and are at the international forefront. The research and development of a series of “Hutai” grape products—including grape juice, wine (dry red and semi-dry), and brandy—have received positive market feedback. Even more encouragingly, trials for ice wine production have been successful. According to the Huyi County Agriculture Department, the county has also accumulated certain experience in techniques such as greenhouse-assisted early and delayed grape cultivation.

　　 It is understood that Huyi currently has one municipal-level grape demonstration garden, six county-level demonstration gardens, one family-run winery, three grape planting companies—namely Xi’an Grape Research Institute, Tianju Industrial Company, and Red Noble Grape Garden—and three grape associations, namely Huyi Grape Industry Association, Huyi Caotang Grape Cooperative, and Mountain Wild Grape Association. These professional associations and leading enterprises have all achieved premium packaging and branded sales. The “Hutai” series of processed grape products are also in high demand in the market.

　　 The administrative regions currently under the jurisdiction of the five towns—Caotang Town, Pangguang Town, Shijing Town, Tianqiao Town, and Jiangcun Town—in Huyi County, Shaanxi Province, as well as the Taihe Tourism Area Management Committee.