Children pick grapes at a vineyard in Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

As the summer heat settles over the Jianghai Plain, the vineyards of Nantong are bursting with color and flavor. From July through October, the city's sprawling grape orchards welcome visitors for what has become a beloved seasonal ritual: pick-your-own harvests amid the lush greenery of the countryside.

Visitors strolling through the vineyard trellises will discover an array of local cultivars, each with its own character:

Shine Muscat (peak: early August to October): A signature variety widely grown in Tongzhou and Rudong. These jade-green grapes are crisp, seedless, and carry a subtle floral aroma with a gentle sweetness.

Summer Black (peak: late June to July): An early-ripening favorite from Haimen. With deep purple skin and juicy, seedless flesh, this variety offers a well-balanced sweet-tart flavor that appeals to all ages.

Puzhimeng (peak: late July): A visually striking purple variety that ripens in mid-summer, prized as much for its aesthetic appeal as for its refreshing taste.

Kyoho (peak: late July to early September): A classic mainstay among Nantong residents for decades. Its large, plump berries are soft, juicy, and intensely aromatic — ideal for making jams, juices, or even culinary dishes.

Queen Nina (peak: mid-August to October): With its striking ruby-red skin and firm, crunchy texture, this variety boasts a high sugar content with minimal acidity.

Whether savored fresh from the vine or turned into simple homemade recipes, Nantong's summer grapes offer a taste of the region's fertile land and a quintessential seasonal experience not to be missed.