Ba-ba Cave Introduction
The Aroma of Wine at Bǎ Bǎ Kēng Dào Entering the entrance of Bǎ Bǎ Kēng Dào feels like unlocking a secret vault. On both sides of the tunnel entrance, there are numerous wine jars with the large characters "Bǎ Bǎ Kēng Dào" above. Inside the tunnel, the temperature remains cool, consistently between 16 to 19 degrees Celsius, providing a stable environment for aging wine, making it an excellent wine cellar. The tunnel is primarily constructed from granite and is located just a short distance diagonally in front of the Matsu Distillery. It is said that Bǎ Bǎ Kēng Dào was originally a cave for residents to hide from pirates. After the military stationed at Matsu, the cave was enlarged, deepened, and reinforced to create a tank tunnel, measuring 200 meters in length and capable of accommodating the strength of an infantry regiment. The front exit was designed to confront invading enemies from the sea, while the rear exit led to the former Kinmen military airport. It was completed in 1974 after approximately ten years of construction. Since the completion coincided with Chiang Kai-shek's 88th birthday, it was named "Bǎ Bǎ Kēng Dào." After the military administration was lifted, the Matsu Distillery began to use this tunnel for aging fine wines, naming its produced sorghum liquor after "Bǎ Bǎ Kēng Dào." This not only became a signature feature of Matsu wine but also significantly raised its profile. Currently, the main passage serves as the storage area for bottled aged wines, while the secondary passage is designated for the sorghum liquor storage area. The aged wines stored in the old wine storage area have been in production for over fifteen years, and once the stock runs out, it will cease, enhancing its rarity. The aroma of wine permeates the tunnel, and being inside it induces a delightful sense of intoxication.
