Born in 1989 and a native of Zhuji, Zhejiang, Xu Hao returned to his hometown of Zilang Village in 2016 to take over the thorn vineyard founded by his father and devote himself to the agricultural development of his hometown.
In 2004, Xu Hao's father, Xu Kongfei, introduced wild thorn grapes from the local high mountains down the mountain and opened up a grape orchard through land transfer. After Xu Hao took over the vineyard, he vigorously developed grape picking tours, and developed grape juice, wine, grape seed essential oil and other products. At present, the vineyard has expanded to 500 acres, helping villagers to find employment nearby, increase income and become a golden business card for local common wealth.
At present, Xu Hao intends to promote planting in other parts of the province. "The long harvest period, the high economic efficiency and the strong resistance to market fluctuations after processing make me hope that this rich farmer fruit will benefit more farmers." He said.
On September 26, Xu Hao checked the pressure and temperature of wine distillation at his winery. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Weng Xinyang
On September 26, Xu Hao (first from left) took a group of tourists to visit the vineyard. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Weng Xinyang
On September 26, a nearby farmer picks thorn grapes in the vineyard. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Weng Xinyang
Freshly harvested thorn grapes (photo taken on September 26). Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Weng Xinyang
On September 26, Xu Hao introduced the wine-making process in the cellar. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Weng Xinyang
On September 26, Xu Hao invited guests to taste wines made from thorn grapes at a tasting. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Weng Xinyang
On September 26, Xu Hao (right) and his father Xu Kongfei (middle) introduced the characteristics of thorn grapes to Fu Peining, an associate researcher at the Grape and Wine Research Center of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and asked him for advice on planting and industrial development. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Weng Xinyang