Samut Sakhon Province prides itself on the exceptional quality of its fruit and if you talk to the people of Krathum Baen When you look down however, you'll be surprised to see boats floating in the water underneath the vines!
A closer inspection will show that the vines are actually planted on narrow strips of land between evenly spaced canals
This makes working in these vineyards an interesting experience, both for pruning and harvesting.
Malaga Blanc grapes are the predominant variety grown here for the production of white wine
If you go with us to visit the Floating Vineyards, please remember that this is an viticultural business which makes no special allowances for visitors. Thus you might find the 'doorway' a little challenging but there will always be a helping hand ready to assist you.
The soil is rich and fertile but every year during the rainy season the banks need to be reinforced to make sure they do not collapse, thereby destroying the vines.
The harvest picking takes place early in the morning and provides welcome employment for local people. Pics were taken in the afternoon, hence no pickers!
The plastic containers for harvesting are distributed and collected by boat
The local variety of red grape is Pokdum which has a rich plum taste when eaten fresh
You can buy freshly harvested grapes to take home at the exhorbitant price of 20 baht per kg