A grape farm in Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Stepping into the 600th-pyeong (approx. 1,980 square meters) greenhouse, Royal Vines hanging heavily on over 120 vines came into view at a glance. The dark red grape clusters, so large that even an adult male could not hold them all in one hand, were wrapped in protective fruit bags, awaiting shipment.
Royal Vines is a variety developed by the Shimura Grape Research Institute in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. It completed its plant variety protection registration in South Korea in 2024 and was commercialized starting in 2025. Its key features include a maximum sugar content of 30 Brix and firm flesh.
Royal Vines is managed through the 'Club Cultivation' system, which oversees the entire process from cultivation to distribution. Both the number of cultivating farms and production volumes are restricted, accounting for only about 0.5% of South Korea's total grape cultivation area. The maximum annual domestic production volume is 300,000 clusters. Approximately 470 farms cultivate Royal Vines, primarily in areas with large temperature differences such as Sangju and Yeongcheon in Gyeongsangbuk-do and Yeongdong in Chungcheongbuk-do.
Cultivation is demanding, requiring farmers' hands-on care until just before harvest. First, it is not easy to control the vines, which are stronger than those of regular grapes. Only one cluster is left per vine to concentrate nutrients. Even with high sugar content, clusters that do not develop a dark red color cannot receive a high grade. The variety is also sensitive to temperature changes, requiring meticulous management.
Among the Royal Vines harvested in Sangju, some clusters weighed over 1 kilogram. Grape berries as small as a newborn baby's fist were also noticeable. Tasting Royal Vines firsthand revealed a complex sensation of crisp texture and sweet freshness.
Baek Cheol-ha, president of Alps Farm, stated, "Even though we only cultivate with farms that have at least four years of agricultural experience, many struggle due to the demanding conditions," adding, "We are striving to create premium-grade products through thorough quality management."
Royal Vines harvested from production sites are transported by car to a sorting facility about one hour away. Sorting takes place here, ranging from premium grade to regular grade. Upon entering the facility, workers were gathered around weighing machines, conducting the sorting process. First, workers examined the coloration and shape of each grape cluster. Clusters with insufficient color or uneven berry shapes cannot receive a high grade. Subsequently, weight and sugar content are checked to finalize the grade.
A representative at the sorting facility said, "Workers hired specifically for objective quality evaluation are in charge of the sorting process," noting, "To receive premium grade status and be supplied to Shinsegae Department Store, clusters must receive excellent ratings in color, shape, weight, and sugar content."
After undergoing the demanding cultivation process and sorting, Royal Vines are packaged at a packaging plant in Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, before being supplied to Shinsegae Department Store. Only after passing an additional sorting process conducted by the department store can they finally be placed in the 'Premium Fruit Corner.'
Shinsegae Department Store buyers participate in all areas from production site management to quality control. Especially during holiday seasons, they visit production sites at least three days a week to check fruit conditions and are involved in inspection work ranging from packaging design to just before items reach the shelves.
Lee Eun-seo, a fresh food buyer at Shinsegae Department Store, announced, "Although these products are already identified as premium fruits, we separately stock premium fruits that meet Shinsegae's unique standards," adding, "Stores also check fruit conditions and ultimately place them in the 'Premium Fruit' corner."
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