Which Is the World’s Highest Vineyard?

Pure Land & Super-High Altitude Vineyard in Cai Na Xiang, Xushui County of Lhasa, Tibet is the highest vineyard in the world. It is located 3563.31 meters above sea level.

Where Is the World’s Highest Vineyard?

It is one of the world’s most extreme vineyards and is owned by Rong Shun Biotechnology. It set the Guinness world record for the highest vineyard beating its close competitor Altura Maxima vineyard in Argentina’s Salta province which was believed to be the world’s highest vineyard.

What Are the Types of Grapes Planted in Tibetan Plateau?

The Tibetan vineyard is planted with eleven varieties of grapes including Vidal, Muscat, and the Bein Bing Hong, the indigenous variety and it is one of the highest vineyards in the world. Viticulture has been practiced in 67 hectares of Xushui County from the year 2012. The soil and weather are perfect for vine plantation. 

How Do Vine Plants Grow in High Altitudes?

From what we learned, the vine grows incredibly well at high altitudes like the Tibetan plateau. However, there are a few challenges that viticulturists face. Falling temperatures, drought during spring and sandstorms during winter are a few of the challenges they have to overcome. But the viticulturists plan and follow counter methods like dry farming in spring, late picking and special irrigation systems imported from Israel to minimize the effects of natural calamities.

Why Does Altitude Matter in Wine Production?

In high altitudes, the temperature tends to drop by one degree for every 600 meters elevation. This affects how the grapes taste in the world’s most extreme vineyards in the hill region. The temperature is cool at night so the grapes become more acidic when compared to the grapes grown in tropical regions. Wine with more acidity is one of the preferred qualities and that’s why the labels in the wine bottles mention the altitude level of the vineyard from which the grapes were used in the wine-making.   

Although Tibetan wine is not world-famous it is part of the culture and Tibetans have wine to keep their body warm as a custom during festivals. 

Ron Shun Biotechnology has plans to expand its vine plantations with the help of the government and start wine tourism with the intention of creating more jobs in the locality.