Vo Xa Wine – Traditional Wine Specialty of Quang Binh

Vo Xa Wine is a famous traditional liquor of Quang Binh province, brewed in Vo Xa village – Vo Ninh commune, Quang Ninh district. This is a traditional fermented glutinous rice wine with a distinctive aroma, a bold yet smooth taste, a sweet aftertaste, and no harsh burning sensation like many commercial liquors.

More than just a beverage, Vo Xa Wine is considered by locals as the "soul" of traditional holidays, weddings, death anniversaries, or simply a cup offered to honored guests during everyday conversations. In particular, the wine is distilled entirely by hand using traditional herbal yeast, combined with pure water sources and delicious glutinous rice, creating a rich yet rustic flavor unique to the Central region.

Wine making in Vo Xa has a history spanning hundreds of years, closely associated with the ups and downs of Quang Binh land. According to local stories, this craft probably originated during the period when the Nguyen Lords expanded the Southern territory. In that context, a sense of autonomy and the desire to create a precious product to pass down to future generations inspired the people of Vo Xa to explore, learn, and develop the craft of wine brewing.

Initially, wine brewing was mainly self-sufficient, serving household needs, festivals, weddings, and important village events. Over generations, wine-brewing secrets were passed down orally, refined, and became an indispensable part of the cultural life and customs of the Vo Xa people. A warm cup of wine became a connection for conversations and shared moments, reflecting hospitality and neighborly warmth. 

Despite experiencing many changes over time, the people of Vo Xa still preserve traditional brewing methods as a way to retain the "countryside soul" in every drop of intoxicating yeast. Vo Xa Wine is not only a drink, but also a historical witness, a link between the past and the present, and a point of pride for the people of Quang Binh in their unique traditional craft.

The secret behind the captivating distinctive flavor of Vo Xa Wine lies in the delicate combination of carefully selected ingredients, secret family yeast, and an elaborate brewing process preserved over generations.

Exquisite Ingredients from Quang Binh Land

• Glutinous rice: The soul of Vo Xa Wine is yellow flower glutinous rice or sometimes black glutinous rice grown on the fertile fields of Quang Binh. This type of rice is famous for its natural fragrance, sticky texture, and high starch content, creating the characteristic mild sweetness and viscosity of the wine. Meticulously selecting rice to ensure even, plump grains without pest damage is the essential first step to achieving a good batch of wine.
• Water for brewing: Vo Xa locals believe that the pure groundwater from ancient village wells, especially in areas with white sand, plays a key role in giving Vo Xa Wine its uniqueness. This water source is believed to have special mineral properties that bring clarity and soften the strength of the liquor while highlighting the natural aroma of glutinous rice.

Secret Family Yeast 

Herbal yeast: Vo Xa Wine uses traditional herbal yeast, a special type of starter made from various rare regional herbs. The secret of making herbal yeast is often passed down within families, and each family may have its own recipe, contributing to the flavor variety across different brewing households. Leaves, roots, and spices are carefully selected, undergoing elaborate fermentation and processing to create yeast balls with distinct aromas. This yeast plays a crucial role in fermentation, converting starches into sugars and then into alcohol, imparting a rich, mildly sweet, and uniquely spicy kick.

Elaborate Brewing Process 

• Cooking glutinous rice: After being thoroughly washed, the glutinous rice is cooked into rice. The cooking process requires meticulous care so the rice cooks evenly without becoming dry or soggy.
• Yeast fermentation: Once cooled to an appropriate temperature, cooked glutinous rice is spread out and mixed with finely ground herbal yeast. This mixture is then fermented in sealed earthenware jars or vats at a stable temperature for a specific period (usually 3-7 days) to complete the fermentation process.
• Distillation: After fermentation ends, the fermented rice mixture is transferred to a traditional distillation system. Distillation requires experience and skillful temperature control to extract the purest drops of wine. Skilled distillers know how to separate the run of wine at different stages to ensure desired quality and flavor. Usually, the first and last heads/tails are discarded to guarantee the purity of the batch.
• Aging (optional): Some premium Vo Xa Wine varieties may be aged further in earthenware jars or glass bottles for a certain period to allow the wine to settle and enhance its smooth, rich flavor.

It is the harmonious combination of natural ingredients from Quang Binh, secret traditional herbal yeast, and a meticulous brewing process that creates the unmistakable signature flavor of Vo Xa Wine. 

You can buy Vo Xa Wine at many locations in Quang Binh. Below are some suitable suggestions for you. 

Buy directly in Vo Xa village

• Address: Vo Ninh Commune, Quang Ninh District, Quang Binh.

This is the best way to buy authentic Vo Xa wine, guaranteed quality, and to learn more about the production process. You can ask local residents for directions to reputable wine-brewing households.

Local markets

• Dong Hoi Market: The largest market in Dong Hoi city usually has vendors selling local specialties, including Vo Xa wine.
• Vo Ninh Market: Located near Vo Xa village, this is a good option to buy wine at reasonable prices with guaranteed quality.

Quang Binh Specialty Stores

There are many stores specializing in Quang Binh specialties located near tourist spots such as Truong Phap Street, Nhat Le area, and Bao Ninh. Here are a few stores you can refer to:

• Quang Binh Specialties ROSECITY: 103 Truong Phap, Dong Hoi.
• Central Specialty Supermarket - Xu Quang: 185 Truong Phap, Dong Hoi.
• Quang Binh Specialty & Souvenir Shop: 103 Truong Phap, Hai Thanh, Dong Hoi.
• 24h Specialty Supermarket: National Highway 1A, Bo Trach (city bypass road).

The price of Vo Xa wine at local markets ranges from 70,000 - 120,000 VND/liter. Prices at specialty stores may be higher. Hopefully, with the locations above, you can find top-notch specialty gifts for friends and family. Especially, if enjoyed firsthand, Vo Xa wine will surely leave you captivated. 

With the rich fragrance of sticky rice, warm gentle spice, and the rich history and culture embedded within, Vo Xa Wine truly deserves to be one of Quang Binh's proudest specialties. It is not only a beverage to enjoy, but also a meaningful gift infused with local heritage for your loved ones after your trip. It can be said that Quang Binh always mesmerizes visitors with the culinary treasures it possesses. Visit Quang Binh to experience many exciting and fascinating things. And keep following Sovaba Travel to stay updated with useful information about Quang Binh cuisine and tourism.