Xinyi Winery in Nantou

While driving between Shuili and Tataka in Yushan National Park last month, we made a stop at what English-language sources usually refer to as Xinyi Winery, an establishment that seems to have at least three Chinese names (信義鄉農會酒莊, 梅子夢工廠 and 梅子酒莊). Located in Shuili's Mingde Village (明德村), about 30 minutes' drive from the town centre, it sells various wines made using locally-grown plums and other crops. Most of the wines cost around NTD500 for a 600cc bottle, and the one I bought (but didn't get to try until several days later) was very palatable - which is why I didn't get around to taking a photo until I was half way through it. T-shirts and other non-alcoholic souvenirs are also for sale.

The winery, which is run by the local farmers' cooperative, doesn't have an English sign, but isn't too difficult to find if you look for a modern building with coaches parked outside on the right as you approach from Shuili. It's a popular stop with tour parties, even on weekdays. For information about other wineries in Taiwan, take a look at this 2011 post.

New York Times on Taiwan's improving environment

This New York Times travel piece, in which I'm quoted, highlights the environmental progress Taiwan has made in recent years thanks to the government, NGOs like Wild At Heart Legal Defense Association, and growing public awareness of conservation issues. The photo here was taken in Taroko National Park, one of Taiwan's natural must-sees.