Hang Chu Wine - a specialty of the highlands of Bac Yen

Towards the end of the year, we had the opportunity to visit Hang Chu, a peaceful and unique highland commune in Bac Yen district (Son La province). This place is captivating not only for its majestic mountain scenery and fresh air but also for a distinctive local specialty with a unique flavor characteristic of the Bac Yen highlands: Hang Chu wine, a type of wine produced entirely by the Mong people in Hang Chu commune using traditional methods.

Hang Chu wine - a specialty of the highlands of Bac Yen district, Son La province.
Photo: Nguyen Vinh

Sharing his thoughts with us, Mr. Giàng A Tủa, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Hang Chú commune, Bắc Yên district (Sơn La province), said: "In the past, Hang Chú rice wine was only distilled on special occasions such as holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year) to worship ancestors and welcome distinguished guests. This wine was also combined with some herbs to be used as medicine to treat bone and joint diseases, insomnia, neck and shoulder pain, etc."

Hang Chu rice wine is distilled using the traditional method of the Hmong people. The raw material used is a type of upland rice called "Mo rice," grown by the people in Hang Chu commune. Before distillation, the rice is washed, sprouted, and then steamed for 4-5 hours until evenly cooked. After cooling, it is fermented with forest leaf yeast according to a family recipe for at least 20 days before distillation. Hang Chu rice wine is ready for consumption after one year, stored in earthenware jars, and buried underground. The wine has a spicy, slightly sweet taste blended with a subtle aroma, creating an unforgettable experience for those who enjoy it. On chilly afternoons, gathering around a fire, enjoying Hang Chu rice wine and listening to the locals share their lives and customs, one further appreciates the warmth of human connection in the highlands.

Hang Chu rice wine is produced from upland rice grains grown by the people of Hang Chu highland area, Bac Yen district (Son La province). Photo: Nguyen Vinh

Mr. Tua added: "Hang Chu rice wine has a very long tradition. To preserve the beauty of this traditional wine, the commune has also educated the people and distilleries to select high-quality raw materials and follow the brewing process properly to ensure quality before supplying it to the market and consumers. This helps preserve and develop the traditional Hang Chu rice wine making craft, creating a stable income for the people and contributing to poverty reduction."

Developing the Hang Chu rice wine production industry not only creates a stable source of income for the people but also contributes to job creation in the locality. Families can utilize readily available raw materials, combined with traditional production techniques, to create high-quality products that meet market demands. Furthermore, building a brand for Hang Chu rice wine, registering geographical indications, and connecting with distribution channels within and outside the district will expand opportunities for economic development.

People in Hang Chu commune, Bac Yen district (Son La province) distill rượu (rice wine) using traditional methods. Photo: Nguyen Vinh

Recognizing tourism development as a key priority, the Bac Yen District Party Committee has issued a plan for tourism development in Bac Yen District for the period 2021-2025, aiming to create a unique destination image and tourism brand for Bac Yen District; and to develop Bac Yen tourism in a green and sustainable direction, while preserving and promoting traditional cultural values. Bac Yen District has directed Hang Chu commune to develop a plan and create a brand and label for Hang Chu wine.

"Hang Chu wine producers have also built up a membership to form wine-making groups. Recently, with the attention of the province and district, training courses were organized to create the Hang Chu wine brand, to gain recognition and prevent counterfeit and low-quality wine from being sold on the market. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the District Party Committee and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Bac Yen District, Hang Chu wine received a decision and a Certificate of Trademark Registration from the Intellectual Property Office, Ministry of Science and Technology," Mr. Tua added.

At the end of the year, people in Hang Chu commune, Bac Yen district (Son La province) brew rice wine to celebrate the traditional Mong New Year. Photo: M. Lau

In the coming period, to enhance the added value of Hang Chu rice wine, Bac Yen district will continue to promote support measures to sustainably develop the Hang Chu rice wine production industry, linked to the goals of economic development and poverty reduction. To achieve this, Bac Yen district needs to encourage people to participate in cooperatives to concentrate production, control quality, and increase the competitiveness of the product; support people in accessing new technologies to improve production efficiency, ensure food safety and hygiene, and minimize environmental impact; organize seminars, specialty fairs, or build e-commerce platforms to introduce and bring Hang Chu rice wine to markets inside and outside the province; invest in building tourism tours to explore the Hang Chu rice wine village, allowing tourists to experience the wine-making process, thereby creating added value from tourism.

Source: trangtraiviet.danviet.vn