North Bali Vineyards

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Growing grapes in Bali has started at the beginning of the 20th Century but it is only a few decades ago, after multiple trials and errors, survival to parasites and other vine diseases, that the grapes were grown with satisfaction on a commercial scale and found in markets all over the archipelago. The final choice was a black table grape variety of French origin called 'Alphonse Lavallée'.

The vines in North Bali's vineyards are trained into an overhead trellis called Pergola, where the posts consist of small trees, which are regularly pruned. Besides keeping the workers cool, the pergola system reduces the risk of diseases and sunburn on the grapes, all contributing to a better fruit quality. 

The daily task of seeing the grapes protected from the elements is a full time operation and workers often live in houses built amongst the pergolas to take constant care in case of rain.

The crops have a surprisingly high quality and the grapes brought to the winery are certainly ranked as the best of the best.

Unique Bali Grapes

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In our land in the hills of Bali, at Awan Damai, in Gunung Sari, we began to plant local Balinese grapes. about 500 pieces. The area is about 700 m in altitude and exposed to the North of the island.

However, since we are only a few degrees below the equator, the sun comes straight overhead and thegrapes are exposed to the tropical sunshine. At the moment we are feeding some of the vines with EM, effective micro organisms and the others are being left without. We wish to see if the nutrients and bacteria in the EM does make a difference in growth.

grapes and cloves

Our grapes are surrounded by miles and miles of clove trees which are harvested in September and dried. 

It is important to note that the tropical climate makes for the unique character  of grapes of in Bali, grapes are constantly harvested from evergreen vines and wine can be produced all year long instead of once a year. While vines usually require a dormant period of cooler months, the vines in tropicalBali produce grapes continuously in 120-day cycles. The varieties grown in Bali are the local Propolinggo Biru, the French table grape Alphonse-Lavallée and the Belgia.

Grapes and Health

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Grapes are a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols. Current research suggests that grapes may help maintain a healthy heart, and may also help to defend your cells against a number of age-related illnesses. Scientists are also working to uncover more links between grapes and eye health, brain health, joint health, and more. At just 90 calories per 3/4 cup serving, grapes are a sensible, delicious snack with no fat or cholesterol

According to research from the University of Connecticut, funded by the California Table Grape Commission, eating grapes may help protect heart health in men with metabolic syndrome. In the study, men with metabolic syndrome who consumed grapes lowered their key risk factors for heart disease.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together - high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat and increased blood triglycerides - significantly increasing the risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Eating a variety of grapes may contribute to heart health by:

  • Promoting healthy blood flow
  • Reducing oxidative stress
  • Improving blood lipids
  • Decreasing inflammation
awan damai grapes
awan damai grapes

Creamy Grape Salad with Candied Walnuts

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grapes
grapes

Since we started growing grapes at Awan Damai, we started looking for recipes with these ingrediends.

INGREDIENTS FOR CANDIED WALNUTS

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt

GRAPE SALAD

  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) at room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 cups seedless grapes, preferably red and green (about 2 pounds)

PREPARATION
Line a small baking pan with parchment paper or foil; coat with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 400°F

Toss walnuts in a bowl with water. Sprinkle with brown sugar and salt; toss to coat well. Transfer to the prepared pan. Bake until the sugar is melted and the nuts are barely starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool in the pan until the sugar hardens, about 6 minutes.

To prepare salad: Meanwhile, combine sour cream, cream cheese, honey and vanilla in a food processor and puree until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a large bowl. Add grapes and gently stir to combine. Transfer to a serving dish. Crumble the candied walnuts on top just before serving.