Bauang, La Union - Is known for Urbiztondo, surfing areas, is fast-becoming the “Fruit Basket of the North.” People here prefer to pick their locally-grown fruits located in Barangay Urayong, which is the home of Lomboy Farms.
Six barangays became rich because of the growing grapes. When the international markets opened, farmers could no longer compete. But with the agri-tours, the grape industry is starting to pick up again. To build agri-tourism, the picking of the fruits like grapes, guaple, papaya, mango, even dragon fruit was rediscovered.
According to Mayor Eulogio Clarence de Guzman III, Bauang was the original home of grape farmers in the Philippines and agriculturists from all over the country visited Lomboy Farms to learn about growing grapes.
Lomboy Farm and vineyard pioneered in this grape farming since 1972. Known as the “the Grape King” Avelino Lomboy, founder, grower and owner of the 20-hectare farm supplied the country with freshly home-grown red cardinal grape variety. He was then followed by other vineyard viticulturist and also famously-visited Gapuz Grape Farm.
Lomboy farm has also developed over 300 wine varieties and passed part of his knowledge to Ancheta, a relative.
ENTRANCE FEE
The entrance fee is 100 for adults, senior is 60 and kids 5 years old plus is 80. During the time of our visit, the grape picking kilo was 350 php. So we only took ½ kilo. They say, it was because, the other farms no longer had fruits. Their wine bottle is 200 each.
HOW TO GET THERE
VIA COMMUTE
Take the bus bound for La Union, Vigan or Laoag at Cubao. Get off at Brgy. Urayong. Travel time will take around five to six hours and will cost around Php 350-400.
VIA PRIVATE CAR
It took us 3-4 hours via private car via T-PLEX.
There is a parking area. Must minimal space. 25 php for the tour hour. Tip amount for the tourist guide is your decision. The road is not cemented.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Before you go, take note of the grapes picking season which is from March to Mid-May.
ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY
Wine tasting
Grape picking
Vineyard visit to different farms
Entrance of the registration area of Lomboy Farm
Registration Lobby
Lomboy Farm Parking and entrance to registration Lobby
Lomboy Vineyard
FYI
Accommodation for grape tour is first come-first served basis. Always check their FB page for updates.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 4 pm
Sunday from 7 am to 3:00 pm
Side trip: Gapuz Farm is open everyday 7 am to 6 pm
Watch the road trip to grape farm and vineyard below.
