Iriga vineyard finds sweet spot amid El Niño

IRIGA CITY, CAMARINES SUR, Philippines — When Rodel Llorente planted his first grape seeds in the mountains of Barangay Sagrada here, some residents told him grapevines would never grow there.

He proved them wrong.

Seven years later, Llorente, 48, runs Purple Hill Vineyard, a 2-hectare farm growing more than 30 grape varieties from the United States, Italy, Japan and other countries—and drawing visitors eager to pick the fruit straight from the vine.

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Llorente started the farm in 2019, growing ornamental plants and vegetables. A friend later gave him grape seeds, which he decided to plant. The experiment paid off.

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One grapevine produced as much as 30 kilograms of fruit, prompting him to grow more varieties. Depending on the variety, grapes take six months to a year to bear fruit.

READ: El Niño to bring drought to all provinces by March 2027 – DOST

Self-taught through experience and YouTube tutorials, Llorente initially grew grapes to provide healthy food for his family. As the harvest increased, he decided to share it with others.

Other fruits

Llorente said the warm conditions are favorable to grape growing. His latest harvest reached about 80 kg, which he attributed to the prevailing El Niño.

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During fruiting season, visitors flock to the vineyard, particularly on weekends. Grape picking is by appointment, with no entrance fee. Visitors simply pay for the grapes they harvest, at prices lower than market rates.

But there is more to Purple Hill Vineyard than grapes.

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Guests can enjoy dragon fruit, mulberries and “guyabano,” go fishing or request food to be prepared at the farm. Stingless bees, organic chickens, Peking ducks and other animals add to the experience—and provide plenty of photo opportunities.

The mountain setting offers a sweeping view of Iriga City and Mount Iriga.

For Ramon Parica, the farm provides a healthier alternative to buying grapes elsewhere while giving families a chance to bond.

But what he enjoyed most was picking the fruit himself.

“It is the satisfaction and thrill of picking the grapes that matters most. It is really a treasured experience, especially from tree to mouth,” Parica told the Inquirer on Sunday.

The experience was enough to make the Parica family want to return.

Ramon, his wife Majoy and their two daughters said they would come back whenever the grapes were in season.

For Bobby and Emmalyn Moreno of Naga City, the trip offered a different kind of reward. “The experience is fulfilling, relaxing and, at the same time, going to the mountain is an exercise. It really is a connection to nature, so it is satisfying,” the couple said.

For Llorente, such reactions make the farm worth opening to visitors.

He sees Purple Hill Vineyard as more than a source of food. It is also a place where people can learn about farming, enjoy nature and discover the rewards of growing their own food.

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“Planting is also a form of exercise and a stress reliever,” Llorente shared. /cb