Imagine spending Mother’s Day weekend surrounded by lush greenery, sipping wine, and picking fresh grapes with a panoramic view of the Taal Volcano. Sounds like a dream European getaway, right? The good news? You don’t need a passport for this one.
Over Mother’s Day weekend this May, Twin Lakes in Laurel, Batangas transformed into a bustling vineyard escape for the second annual Grape Harvest Festival. Families, residents, and weekend travelers gathered at Megaworld’s gorgeous 1,200-hectare estate to celebrate moms, enjoy the cool mountain breeze, and get a real taste of the countryside lifestyle.
Photo: Twin Lakes
Here’s a look at what went down during this ultimate weekend escape:
Grapes, stomping, and good vibes
Photo: Twin Lakes
The star of the show was, of course, the stunning Twin Lakes Vineyard. Guests spent the day wandering through 16 terraced rows on a massive hillside, harvesting nearly 200 kilograms of grapes. Vineyard experts have been carefully cultivating three specific varieties that thrive in the Batangas climate: Brazilian Hybrid, Concord, and Red Cardinal.
Festival-goers didn’t just pick the fruit—they also got their feet dirty. One of the absolute highlights of the day was the traditional grape stomping activity. Actor Geoff Eigenmann and his family kicked off the fun, leading the crowd into a super lively, communal grape-stomping experience that had everyone laughing and snapping photos.
Fun for the whole family
Photo: Twin Lakes
While the adults enjoyed wine tastings and grape-inspired dishes at the Wine Gallery, the rest of the township was buzzing with energy. There was a charming farmers’ market to explore, interactive photobooths to capture memories, and creative workshops for the kiddos, including cookie decorating and wine painting (using grape juice, of course!).
To wrap up the perfect day, guests treated themselves to a massive dinner buffet at the Twin Lakes Hotel, capped off by a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the night sky over the vineyard.
“What makes the Grape Harvest Festival at Twin Lakes special is how it allows guests and residents of our community to really immerse and experience the vineyard estate in a more meaningful way,” shared Monica T. Salomon, President of GERI. “The celebration has evolved into a countryside lifestyle experience that brings together food, leisure, nature, and community in a setting found nowhere else.”
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Staycation
Twin Lakes Hotel | Photo: Twin Lakes
Since it was Mother’s Day weekend, Twin Lakes Hotel pulled out all the stops to make sure moms felt like queens. They rolled out special staycation packages, relaxing wellness activities, cozy family accommodations, and a dedicated Mother’s Day lunch buffet that left everyone happily stuffed.
Now in its second year, this festival is quickly becoming the signature summer event to watch out for. With its cool weather, unique vineyard views, and laid-back estate layout, Twin Lakes is proving to be the perfect quick escape from the Manila hustle.
Missed out on the fun this year? Keep your eyes peeled for next year’s harvest and make sure to plan ahead and bring the whole family.
ALSO READ: This Pet-Friendly Hotel in Boracay Has a Pet Menu and Amenities for Your Fur Baby
~
