Priced at up to $140 per pot, they remain in high demand among eager buyers.

In the southern reaches of Khanh Hoa province, a sea of green leaves and vibrant grape clusters signal a prosperous harvest. Rows of grapevines shaped into artistic structures glisten under the early spring light, inviting visitors to step into a uniquely Tet-inspired garden scene.

Once known primarily for apricot blossoms and peach trees, many households are now turning to ornamental grapes as a distinctive addition to their holiday décor. With tall trunks, rounded canopies, and fruit-laden branches, these trees offer more than just visual appeal - they also carry cultural symbolism. Grape clusters represent fertility, abundance, and good fortune for the new year.

Across traditional grape-growing regions like Ninh Phuoc, Vinh Hai, and Xuan Hai, growers and cooperatives are busy perfecting their displays. This year, the market is more vibrant than ever thanks to the introduction of new grape varieties and diverse shaping techniques, including single- and triple-ring designs, vertical forms, and aged bonsai trunks with a natural aesthetic.

Le Ngoc Hoai, a member of the A8 Ornamental Grape Cooperative in Ninh Phuoc, carefully inspects each fruit cluster while sharing insights into the season. In addition to the familiar Red Cardinal grape, his team has introduced varieties like NH01–152 pink grape, NH01–26 candy grape, seedless black finger grape NH04–102, Muscat Bailey, and Kyoho.

Each pot is crafted with care - from branch grafting and frame-building to the delicate distribution of grape clusters for maximum harmony and visual impact. This Tet season, the cooperative has prepared around 5,000 pots. Some trees boast up to 25 clusters per pot, considered top-tier "showpieces" for collectors.

Prices range from a few dozen to 3.5 million VND (about $140), depending on the tree’s age and shape. As of early February, most of the supply has already been reserved by wholesalers and customers from various provinces, in time for Tet flower markets and home displays.

Nguyen Duc Trong, a trader sourcing ornamental grapes for markets in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands, notes a clear trend: buyers increasingly prefer ready-shaped grape trees with display frames that can be set up immediately.

"Clusters of ripe red grapes overflowing from the vines evoke a sense of prosperity and hospitality - perfect for Tet," Trong says.

Beyond their decorative charm, these grape trees offer lasting value. Once the holiday ends, owners can enjoy the fruit and either continue to care for the tree in its pot or plant it in their gardens for long-term cultivation.

Despite challenges from floods in late November 2025, experienced growers swiftly restored their vineyards in time to meet Tet demand.

As spring fills the air, Khanh Hoa’s ornamental grapes not only add a novel splash of color to Tet celebrations, but also represent a sustainable path forward for a unique local crop - bringing income, recognition, and renewal to the region's grape-growing communities.

Xuan Ngoc