Grape Farm La Union: A Sweet Side Trip

The province of La Union is not just known for its amazing beaches but also in great produce of grapes. You can have a short side trip in one of the grape farms which is a few miles away from the San Juan. Let me show to you our experience and share our helpful guide in the grape farm of La Union.

This post is updated on November 17, 2020.

Grape Farm La Union: History

La Union is known for its large produce of luscious grapes. But how do grapes thrive in such a tropical climate like the Philippines? All things are made possible from continuous research and hard work from the grape king of the Philippines, Mr. Avelino A. Lomboy. (Lomboy Farms, 2015)

It was back in the 1970s when viticulture, the study of grapes and its production, was introduced in the Philippines. The pioneer vineyards first started in the Visayas and Mindanao region; but due to disease epidemics and poor output in the area, these enterprises were ceased later on.

During 1972, Mr. Avelino A. Lomboy started planting his first 20 cuttings on his backyard. After years of various research and trial and error, the vines bore fruit and today most of the grapes are produced in La Union. (Lomboy Farms, 2015)

Our Experience in Gapuz Grapes Farm

Most of the grape farm in La Union are located in the municipality of Bauang. We decided to visit the Gapuz Grapes Farm before heading to the beautiful beaches of San Juan. At the location, we met the locals and they showed the direction going to the farm.

Gapuz Grapes Farm greeted us with rows of attractive green vineyards. As picturesque and sweet as it may seem, the highlights are found in its fruit – the charming ripe, sun-drenched grapes. The farmers tending the place offered us their tangy and sweet produce.

Picking Season

Fruit picking season in the grape farms of La Union happen every year from March to May. We visited the farm off-season and the grapes are still desirable and delicious.

The farmers also offered their exclusive grape and guyabano wine, all produced in the farm. The grape wine is red in color and it has a fruity and sweet taste. On the other hand, the guyabano wine has a potent piquant flavor in sweetish white color. I prefer the grape wine though.

In exchange with the farmers’ congeniality, we bought a couple bottles of their wine as pasalubong to our love ones in the metro. The small ones cost around ₱100 ($2.00) while the bigger bottles cost ₱200 ($4.00).

Visiting this grape farm in La Union was really worth it. I will surely buy more produce for my family and friends if ever I’ll travel up north again. History were made from a small piece of cuttings with years of patience and arduous research and experimentation. A big salute to its pioneers for cultivating grapes in the country. Like what the saying goes, big things come from small beginnings.

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Gapuz Grape Farm Location

There are a number of grape farms found in Bauang, La Union and their location were pretty close to each other. Of all the farms available, we visited the Gapuz Grapes Farm.

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How to go to Bauang, La Union from Manila?

Visiting the grapes farm of La Union from Manila is easy, here’s how: If you’re traveling with a private vehicle, then use the free navigational apps like Waze or Google Maps. Upon arrival in the location, there are guides waiting on the side of the Manila National Road. Ask assistance and they will surely help you.

If you’re going to commute from Manila, the best option is to take a bus ride from Partas in Cubao, Quezon City going to San Fernando, La Union. Bus fare costs ₱596. Upon arrival in the bus station in San Fernando, take a jeep southward going to Bauang, La Union and tell the driver that you will alight in the grape farms. Jeepney fare costs ₱14.

On the other hand, you can also inform the bus driver that you will alight in the grape farms.

How much is the guide fee?

When we were escorted by our guide to the farm, I asked him for the guide fee. He just replied that he accepts any amount that we will give. We gave him ₱200 because of his honesty and kindness.

Are there any entrance fee in the farm?

There are no entrance fee in Gapuz Grapes Farm. You will surely buy a bunch of grapes and bottles of wine once you visited this place. This farm is open everyday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For further information, you can visit the website of Lomboy Farms at lomboyfarms.com. You can also check the Facebook page of Gapuz Grapes Farm at https://www.facebook.com/GapuzGrapesFarm/

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This post is updated on November 17, 2020.

References:

1. Lomboy Farms (2015, June 1) ‘Grape King’ says agriculture can help economy take off. Retrieved from: http://lomboyfarms.com/news/grape-king-says-agriculture-can-help-economy-take-off/