In his orchard in Kampung Belukar here, the 40-year-old has planted over 100 grapevines that can yield a total harvest of approximately 30kg – each bunch weighing between 500g and 700g.

“The notion that grapes grown in tropical climates are sour is untrue: the grapes from my orchard are very sweet, and almost on par with those produced in foreign countries,” he told Bernama.

“There are about 47 varieties that are easy to grow and resilient enough for cultivation in Malaysia. I am determined to prove that grape plants can thrive in our climate – in fact, mine have been flourishing since 2019.”

The varieties in his orchard include Dubovsky Pink, Julian, Baikonur, Beauty Krasotka, and Gozv, all of which originate from Ukraine and the United States. These are currently bearing fruit, while others are flowering.

The former graphic artist shared that he has also attempted to grow the Tanaki and Shine Muscat varietals, which originate from Japan, starting with just 60 plants. “They are now also producing fruit waiting to ripen,” he added.

Wan Yusoff anticipates that within a year, the grapevines in his orchard will grow larger, and “when people visit, they can eat and drink under the vines with grapes hanging overhead”. For now, he mainly sells grapes and seedlings as well as fertiliser.

According to him, grapevines can bear fruit throughout the year or up to four times annually, depending on the cultivation methods and the expertise of the grower.

And with locals having become interested in planting grapes after witnessing his success, he said he is keen to eventually turn his home into a grape-cultivation centre with an agrotourism concept.

On a related note, FMT Lifestyle previously visited Po-Land Grape Machang – proof that when it comes to grapes, the growers in this eastern state are certainly fruitful.