Discovering the Vineyard in Sorsogon, in the Heart of Laboy
A Journey from Backyard Hobby to Agri-tourism Gem
Welcome to vineyard in Sorsogon, our little corner of paradise, where our small family began our journey into the world of grapes farming in the beautiful province of Sorsogon. Let us share to you the story of how a hobby evolved into a passion project and ultimately an opportunity to share the joys of vineyard life with locals and visitors alike.
Planting the Vines: A Backyard Adventure in 2019
Three years have passed since we, the Lleno family, ventured into grape farming in the luxuriant fields spreading across our backyard vineyard in Sorsogon. What had begun as a means to escape the regular humdrum of life soon turned into an all-consuming passion that refused to be held within the confines of our home. From the first sun-kissed day of planting grape seeds, we envisioned sharing our own Sorsogon-grown vine grapes with fellow countrymen and showcasing the thriving grapes farming industry, yet budding in the nooks of the Philippines.
We learned early on that grape farming had many misconceptions to contend with. The mistaken belief that it could only thrive in the crisp, cool climates of European vineyards was a particularly common one. What we discovered, in contrast, was that grapevines loved soaking in the warm tropical rays of the Philippines, and the evident success of our vineyard in Sorsogon bore witness to this.
Branching Out: Cultivating Vineyard in Sorsogon
Despite the success of our backyard vineyard in Sorsogon, we realized that grape farming was still a relatively new phenomenon in the Bicol Region, of which Sorsogon province is a part. However, hope sprung at the sight of several agri-tourism vineyards blooming in different parts of the Philippines such as Visayas, Mindanao, and northern Luzon.
In 2022, after burning the midnight oil over countless dreams and strategies, we decided to turn our passion into a living reality. Armed with relentless determination and unwavering courage, we transformed our agricultural lands into a verdant 850 sqm greenhouse vineyard, as we call it – The Vineyard Patio. This was our heartfelt attempt at sharing our passion for grape farming with our Sorsoganon siblings– and what’s more! The grapes showcased the product of our fertile Sorsogon soil and glorious sunshine.
The Future of the Vineyard in Sorsogon: A Growing Community
Our vision for the vineyard in Sorsogon transcends the common tropes of agricultural ventures. We visualize our vineyard as tangible tendrils of sustainability and love for Mother Earth, reaching out to every local and visitor exploring these lush valleys. Our faith in the potential of our province leads us to dream of a future where our vineyard bolsters Sorsogon’s standing on the agricultural map — both as a beacon for sustainable farming and an agri-tourism destination.
In our quest to cultivate more than just produce, we imagine the vineyard as an platform for educators and mentors, instilling agricultural wisdom and dispelling common farming misconceptions. Our goal is to inspire a new wave of agriculturists and entrepreneurs in our region.
We envisage a community burgeoning with vineyards and agri-tourism destinations, tying parts of Sorsogon province together in a formidable network. Such a community would strengthen the local economy by not just creating employment opportunities, but also by attracting tourists from across the globe.
Join Us on this Exciting Journey
We extend an open invitation to you to be part of our journey, as the vineyard in Sorsogon, evolves from a simple greenhouse vineyard to an esteemed agri-tourism hotspot. Witness our vineyard’s growth first-hand, learn from our experiences, failings, and triumphs, and draw inspiration from our unwavering dedication and passion.
Join us, as we strive for a brighter future for our beloved Sorsogon province and delight in the delectable fruits of our labor. Revel in the joy of sharing our success with every glass of wine poured! Every vine planted represents a story of our journey — your journey — into the enchanting world of viticulture in the resplendent valley of Matnog, Sorsogon.