La Union is one of the frequented places in Luzon nowadays. Aside from surfing, beach bumming and food tripping, one has to enjoy grapes picking too. After your fill of refreshing vacation and fun activities, drop by on a grapes farm and enjoy the experience as you do the picking yourself!
Coming from a Sacerdotal Anniversary celebration and refreshing stay in L’otel d’ Emily in Tubao, La Union, we decided to drop by on a grapes farm in Bauang before we head back to Manila.
Everyone is excited and at the same time, curious to see a grapes farm because we all know that grapes thrive in places with cool and cold climates only. Why do grapes grow in a tropical country like the Philippines?
How it started
Lomboy Farms which is located also in Bauang, La Union pioneered the culture and production of grapes in the city. Avelino Lomboy known as the “Philippine King of Grapes” founded this grapes farm in 1971. It started as a hobby but later he took it seriously, giving birth to the Philippine Grape Industry.
Gapuz Grapes Farm and Manguerra Grapes Farm are the other famous grapes farms in Buang, La Union. Their popularity spread like a wildfire when featured in several travel blogs.
We were about to visit any of these grapes farms, but since it was getting hot as it was nearing noontime we opted to drop by at Tito Bob’s Aero & Navy Vineyard, the nearest from where we parked our van. There is no entrance fee and no charge for picture taking.
We were given baskets and was given the option to choose which grapes we should pick. Per kilo is Php350. Everyone was so excited as we engaged in this activity. It was the same delightful experience when we picked strawberries on Strawberry Farm in Baguio City.
It was so nice to explore the whole farm because the vine canopy protected us from the sunshine heat. After we paid for the grapes, we tasted them. It was a bit sour but crispy and juicy.
We were told that the best month to visit the grapes farm is from March to May. But we were fortunate that as of our visit, grapes abound the farm.
Aside from grapes, they sell grape products like Red Wine and vinegar. They also sell avocado, honey, and chips too.
CONTACT INFO:
Tito Bob’s Aero & Navy Vineyard: contact number: +639394597947
Location: Urayong, Bauang, La Union
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
No entrance fee
Other Grape Farms:
Lomboy Farm: contact number: (072) 705 2105 or 0915 5464989
Location: Manila North Road, Bauang, La Union 2501
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
FB Page: facebook.com/Lomboy/Farms
Gapuz Grapes Farm: contact number: 0915-7784594
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Urayong, Bauang, La Union 2502
FB Page: facebook.com/gapuzgrapesfarm
Manguerra Grapes Farm: contact number: 0977 457 8737
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
FB Page: facebook.com/manguerragrapesfarm
www.manguerragrapesfarm.com
Orpilla-Estigoy Grapes Farm: 0921-966-4895/0905716210/
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Urayong, Bauang, La Union 2502
FB Page: facebook.com/Orpilla-Estigoy-Grapes-Farm
Getting there through Public Transportation:
Ride a bus (Partas, Parinas) in Cubao Bus Terminal in getting to La Union. Once you are in Bauang, tell the driver to drop you off at the Caba-Bauang Arch. From there ride a tricycle in getting to the Tito Bob Aero & Navy Vineyard. This is in front of Daniel’s & Dustin’s Store.
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