Sim Wine Phu Quoc – A Signature Taste of the Island

Sim Wine Phu Quoc is a signature specialty that captures both the taste and aroma of the island. With its naturally sweet flavor and rich floral scent, this wine continues to impress even the most discerning travelers.

What makes it stand out is the unique fermentation process using wild sim berries found only in Phu Quoc, resulting in a flavor that’s unlike any other wine. Join Rooty Trip in discovering more about this unique wine through the article below.

What Is Sim Wine? (Rượu Sim)

Sim wine, or rượu sim in Vietnamese, is a traditional fermented wine made from the fruit of the rose myrtle tree (sim), which grows naturally in the forests and hills of Phu Quoc Island. Depending on how it’s processed, sim wine can range in alcohol content from 7% to 39%, making it suitable for casual sipping or as a strong local liqueur.

In terms of flavor, sim wine is known for its naturally sweet taste, with a hint of tartness and a distinct floral aroma. Some compare it to a light berry wine, but its unique scent and mouthfeel set it apart from anything else.

More than just a drink, sim wine carries cultural value for the people of Phu Quoc. For generations, locals have made and shared rượu sim during special occasions, family gatherings, or as a welcoming gesture to guests. Today, it remains a beloved symbol of island hospitality and tradition-offered both as a souvenir and a taste of Phu Quoc’s natural richness.

Why You Should Experience Sim Wine

Sim wine is more than just a sweet island drink-it’s a meaningful part of Phu Quoc’s local culture and offers both health benefits and memorable tourism experiences. Below are the two main reasons why sim wine deserves a place on your Phu Quoc must-try list:

Health Benefits & Uses

Traditionally, sim wine has been known for its digestive benefits and is often enjoyed after meals to aid in digestion. It’s also said to be rich in antioxidants, thanks to the natural properties of the rose myrtle fruit, which may help support circulation, reduce inflammation, and soothe joint discomfort.

You can enjoy sim wine in different ways-served straight at room temperature, chilled on hot days, or even used in tropical-style cocktails. Its floral, slightly tart profile makes it versatile and easy to enjoy for both casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts.

Unique Tourism Experience

Tasting sim wine is also a chance to experience Phu Quoc’s craft heritage up close. Many local producers now offer factory tours, where you can learn about the farm-to-bottle process, from harvesting wild sim fruit to fermentation and bottling.

During these tours, you’ll often be guided by passionate locals, enjoy complimentary tastings, and even have the chance to bring home a bottle as a souvenir. It’s not just about flavor—it’s about storytelling, culture, and supporting island-made products.

At Rooty Trip, we’re happy to recommend or arrange visits to trusted sim wine producers, so you can experience the heart and soul of this local tradition firsthand.

Top Sim Wine Brands & Where to Buy

If you’re thinking of bringing home a bottle of Sim Wine Phu Quoc as a gift or souvenir, it’s worth knowing which brands are most trusted for quality and authenticity. Below is a summary of the most well-known Sim wine brands and trusted places to buy them:

Bay Gao Sim Wine

One of the most pioneering sim wine brands on the island, Bay Gao has been producing wine since 1997. Known for its traditional fermentation techniques, Bay Gao offers products with alcohol content ranging from 10% to 29%, suitable for both casual sipping and stronger local-style liqueurs.

• Price range: 150,000-340,000 VND per bottle
• Often sold in specialty stores and at their factory showroom

Thanh Long Sim Wine

Famous for its high-tech fermentation process, Thanh Long has positioned itself as a premium brand. In addition to wine, the company also produces sim-infused jam, chocolate, and syrup—great for gifting or sampling something different.

• Price: 160,000-200,000 VND per bottle
• Available in gift shops and select resorts across the island

Sim Son

A long-standing and well-trusted name, Sim Son not only offers a wide range of wine (from 10% to 39% ABV), but also welcomes visitors to their factory for free tastings and educational tours. This makes Sim Son a popular stop for tourists seeking a full experience.

• Price: Around 200,000 VND per bottle
• Can be bought directly at the factory or local markets

Local Markets & Souvenir Shops

For those short on time, you can also find sim wine in Duong Dong Market and many souvenir shops around Sunset Town or near the airport. These shops usually carry a selection of bottles from popular brands like Bay Gao or Sim Son.

• Average price: 140,000-200,000 VND depending on brand and packaging
• Ideal for last-minute gifts or casual tasting

How Sim Wine Is Made

Unlike industrial wines, Sim Wine Phu Quoc is crafted using a traditional process that highlights both the flavor of the fruit and the hands-on care of local producers. The making of sim wine involves careful selection, natural fermentation, and months of aging to develop its unique taste and aroma.

It all begins with the harvesting of rose myrtle fruit, locally known as “trái sim.” These are small, pink to dark purple berries that ripen in the wild forests of Phu Quoc between May and August. Only the ripest, most fragrant fruits are selected to ensure the highest quality.

Once harvested, the fruits are washed, crushed, and mixed with granulated sugar and local rice wine. This mixture is then sealed and left to ferment naturally for 2 to 4 months, depending on the desired strength and flavor.

Over time, the wine takes on a beautiful reddish-purple hue, a sweet yet slightly tangy taste, and a gentle floral scent that reflects the essence of the island itself. Some producers may add extra aging or filtration steps, but most stay true to the traditional method that’s been passed down through generations.

This natural, small-batch process is what gives Sim Wine Phu Quoc its rich character-and makes every bottle feel like a little taste of the island’s soul.

Planning Your Visit & Tour Tips

Below are helpful tips and essential information to help you plan your sim wine tour, summarized as follows:

Best Visiting Times

The best time to visit sim farms or wineries in Phu Quoc is during the harvest season, typically from January to March. This is when the sim berries are ripe and the production process is most active, allowing visitors to see everything from fruit picking to fermentation in action.

Tour Types & Duration

There are a variety of tour formats available depending on your schedule and interest:

• Half-day tours usually include a visit to a sim factory with tasting sessions and time to shop for souvenirs.
• Full-day experiences may combine sim farms, production facilities, and nearby beaches-perfect for travelers who want a deeper dive into both the culture and nature of southern Phu Quoc.

Many Rooty Trip tours include sim wine stops as part of their Sunset Town or southern discovery itineraries.

After enjoying sim wine-a signature gift from the forests of Phu Quoc-many travelers choose to continue their journey to the sea for a deeper island experience. Tours like the phu quoc snorkeling tour not only take you to pristine islets but also offer the chance to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and discover a different side of Phu Quoc-vivid, refreshing, and full of color.

Buying Advice

When shopping for sim wine to take home, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Check the ABV (alcohol by volume) on the label to match your taste preferences
• Look for factory seals and clear branding to ensure authenticity
• Bottles with airtight caps and secure packaging are more travel-friendly

You’re allowed to take sim wine in your carry-on luggage, but be sure to pack it carefully to avoid breakage. Bubble wrap or wine sleeves are highly recommended.

Savoring every drop of Sim Wine Phu Quoc is truly one of the must-try experiences when visiting the island. For many vacationers, Phu Quoc isn’t just a beach destination-it’s a place to explore local flavors, and sim wine is often at the top of their list. Some even travel here just to enjoy the rich, fruity aroma of this iconic drink.

If you’re still unsure about what to do in Phu Quoc, Rooty Trip will be your companion-sharing the best sim wine experiences and guiding you through a journey filled with local flavor, natural beauty, and warm island hospitality-all in a single sip.