[Anchor line] Korea has been swept up in a honey craze after the introduction of a series of honey-related snacks such as honey butter chips and honey butter nuts. A honey wine produced in Gyeonggi Province has caught the attention of consumers as well. Reporter Kim Tae-hee has more.

Honey alcohol was the very first natural alcohol in the history of mankind. With the term “honeymoon” actually originating from a story that a honey alcohol beverage was drunk by newlywed couples, honey wine is widely popular in Western countries. 

<Interview> Lee Hyang-mi/ Sujong-myun, Yangpyeong County

“I sometimes enjoy wine. Honey wine is not that strong, so I wanted to try it again. That is why I came here to buy some.” 

In order to make honey wine, one just adds yeast and water to natural honey, mixes it well and ferments the mixture. It may sound simple, but the key point is the ratio of the ingredients. This secret ratio has been transferred from the Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services.  

<Interview> Yang Kyung-yeol/ Gyeonggi-do Apiculture Research President

“Honey wine is a product that is brewed, fermented and processed with the same recipe used for the traditional alcoholic beverage.

They keep bees in order to get the honey needed for producing the honey wine.

<Standing> Kim Tae-hee

“Hone wine, which has no additives other than fermented honey and water, is sweet, but the finishing taste is somewhat refreshing at the same time.”

The honey wine of Gyeonggi Province has already been recognized overseas; it won a silver medal last year and secured a gold medal this year at Monde Selection, one of three renowned international wine shows.

This is Kim Tae-hee from Gyeonggi GTV

ⓒ Gyeonggi GTV | Kim Tae-hee anchorkim713@naver.com 

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail_m.asp?number=201505061801395313C070&s_code=C049