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The Philippines may not be one of the first countries that come to mind when you think about wine, perhaps because there's an abundance of wines from more well-known wine-producing countries in the market. But we have a wide range of spirits sourced from locally-grown material. These local wine brands can be easily found in supermarkets, along with roadside stalls, and even in your local palengke.
Given that wine grapes aren't naturally available in the country, our version is often made from native resources like fruits, coffee, and even cacao. Local wines may also reflect the region's history and culture, like, for example, the local wines from Ilocos Norte or Batangas. In this article, we will take you on a tour of homegrown wines and our recommended top 10 local wines in the Philippines.
Raymund is currently the chief sommelier who sources and evaluates wines for the portfolio of La Peregrina Filipina, a Philippine-based wine import company. He is a proponent of wine as culture, art, a lifestyle, and an all-important element in the world of gastronomy.
Justine joined mybest in 2020. She gravitates toward writing all things food-related and how they connect people. Aside from writing, she’s made it a point to hunt for the perfect croissant and chocolate chip cookie.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Local wines in the Philippines often differ in taste from international wines due to several factors:
The Philippines' tropical climate and diverse terroir also contribute to the unique characteristics of local wines. The warm weather and fertile soils influence the flavors and aromas of the fruits used in winemaking. International wines, on the other hand, reflect the specific terroir of their respective regions, which can vary greatly from the Philippines.
Trying out local wines is definitely exciting for people with adventurous palates. To get you started, here's guide of the flavors you can expect from the different kinds of source materials used in local wines.
Bugnay and tuba wine are some of the most prominent local wines. These choices provide bold options for those who appreciate distinctive and powerful flavors in their wine.
This local wine typically has a deep red color and a fruity, tart flavor. It’s known for its strong tannins and acidity, which can make it quite bold and robust. Moreover, it’s often described as having a unique taste that’s both sweet and sour, which is why it’s often compared to red wine.
It typically has an ABV ranging from 10% to 14%, making it ideal for more seasoned wine drinkers. However, it's worth noting that the alcohol content can vary depending on the specific production methods and the winemaker's preferences.
Tuba is a traditional Filipino wine made from the sap of coconut palm trees. It's produced in various regions, with lots of coconut palm trees, such as Batangas, Quezon, and Laguna in Luzon, as well as in parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Production and consumption of tuba are deeply ingrained in the local culture of these regions.
It is a clear or slightly cloudy beverage with a mildly sweet and tangy flavor; it is not as potent as grape wines and has a distinctly tropical flavor. Plus, it has a low ABV compared to other wines, ranging from 4% to 6%. Its fermentation process is relatively short, which results in a lower alcohol content. However, it can be distilled to produce a higher alcohol content, which is "Lambanog."
Fruit wines are made from various fruits other than grapes, such as berries, apples, peaches, or even tropical fruits. The taste of fruit wines can vary widely depending on the fruit used. They tend to have a fruit-forward flavor profile, ranging from sweet to tart, depending on the fruit's natural sweetness and acidity.
Generally, fruit wines have an ABV ranging from 7% to 14%, although some varieties may have higher or lower alcohol content. Some popular fruits used in the production of Filipino wines include:
Mango: one of the most common fruit wines in the Philippines. It is made from ripe mangoes and has a sweet and tropical flavor.
Pineapple: another popular choice. It is made from fermented pineapple juice and has a refreshing taste with a hint of acidity.
Duhat: made from the fruit of the duhat tree, also known as Java plum or black plum. It has a deep purple color and a sweet and tangy flavor.
Guyabano: also known as soursop. It has a unique taste that's often described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple.
Strawberry: In cooler parts of the Philippines, such as the mountainous regions of Benguet, strawberry wine is produced. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and is often enjoyed as a dessert wine.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Source Material | Region | ABV | Volume | ||||||
1 | Saint Ambrose Bignay Wine | ₱360 Low Mid | A Refreshing Berry Wine Perfect for Pairing With Meat Dishes | Bugnay | San Pablo, Laguna | 11.5% | 750 mL | ||
2 | Vino Isla Tropical Mango Wine | ₱1,149 High | A Light-Bodied Wine Bursting With the Sweetness of Philippine Mangoes | Mango | Not Indicated | 11% | 750 mL | ||
3 | Lakang Hari Basi Wine | ₱459 Mid | Traditional Sugarcane Wine Made With a Balanced Acidity and Sweetness | Sugarcane | Luzon | 12% | 400 mL | ||
4 | Dielle's Apiary and Meadery Melomel Black Plum Wine | ₱369 Low Mid | Features a Unique Winemaking Approach to Local Wines | Duhat | Muntinlupa | Not Indicated | 375 | ||
5 | Proudly Promdi Bielma Bugnay Fruit Wine | ₱450 Mid | A Local Alternative for Making Sangria | Bugnay | Adams, Ilocos Norte | 14% | 450, 750 mL | ||
6 | Vino Isla Tropical Coconut Wine | ₱849 High Mid | Experience Tropical Paradise With Coconut Wine | Coconut | Not Indicated | 11% | 750 mL | ||
7 | Vin de Pays Guyabano Wine | ₱849 High Mid | Made using Traditional Winemaking Methods | Guyabano | Not Indicated | 11% | 750 mL | ||
8 | Proudly Promdi Pedronan Tapuey | ₱620 Mid | A Rich and Velvety Rice Wine With Caramel Notes | Rice | Adams, Ilocos Norte | 17% | 330, 750 mL | ||
9 | Destileria Limtauco Dragon Fire | ₱629 Mid | A Sweet and Vibrant Wine With an Added Kick | Dragon Fruit | Ilocos | 36% | 750 mL | ||
10 | Don Conrado Paradise Wine Strawberry Wine | ₱320 Low Mid | A Fruity Wine Made With Baguio Strawberries | Strawberry | Baguio | 12% | 750 mL |
Looking to quench your thirst with something truly refreshing? Try Bugnay wine! Known as the currant tree, Bugnay resembles the tang of cranberries when unripe and acai berries when ripe. This remarkable fruit traces back to San Pablo Laguna, where the brand sources their berries.
With its deep, red wine color, bugnay reminds you of classic red wine. Its medium body also pairs well with hearty, meat-based dishes like kaldereta. If you’re looking for an unconventional wine for gatherings or date nights, let this be it!
Source Material | Bugnay |
---|---|
Region | San Pablo, Laguna |
ABV | 11.5% |
Volume | 750 mL |
The Philippines is known for its ripe, luscious mangoes, and now Vino Isla has captured its sweetness in a bottle! This tropical mango wine is made from mangoes grown in volcanic soil. Volcanic soil has been known to be beneficial for farming, making this wine taste delicious. It’s the perfect drink for anyone who is not fond of robust wines.
This wine is one of the brand’s bestsellers, and for good reason. It’s great as a dessert drink because of its light body and sweet, fruity notes. This also makes it the ideal companion for hot summers or a delightful afternoon refresher!
Source Material | Mango |
---|---|
Region | Not Indicated |
ABV | 11% |
Volume | 750 mL |
Lakang Hari takes you on a journey into the Philippines’ heritage. Made from naturally fermented muscovado derived from Luzon sugarcanes, it is noted to have a balanced acidity and a refreshingly sweet aftertaste. This makes it great for any occasionーas an afternoon drink or a pre-game drink.
Source Material | Sugarcane |
---|---|
Region | Luzon |
ABV | 12% |
Volume | 400 mL |
Unlike other local wine brands, Dielle stands out for using mead as their wine’s base. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey and water. Meanwhile, melomel pertains to mead that contains fruit, which is what they name their drinks. This unique take could be attributed to their apiary or bee farm, where they source the honey to produce their wines.
Their Duhat or plum wine offers a hint of sweetness that’s slightly refreshing, making it great for cutting through rich and greasy foods. Aside from the black plum wine, they also offer a variety of other melomels such as mangosteen and passionfruit.
Source Material | Duhat |
---|---|
Region | Muntinlupa |
ABV | Not Indicated |
Volume | 375 |
Source Material | Bugnay |
---|---|
Region | Adams, Ilocos Norte |
ABV | 14% |
Volume | 450, 750 mL |
Fond of seafood? Try pairing it with coconut wine! Vino Isla’s coconut wine is crafted from the purest coconut nectar. It is then fermented into beloved tuba where it offers a smooth and vibrant taste that can reduce the lansa factor in dishes like sugpo or inihaw na bangus.
Its crisp and refreshing aftertaste also makes it an ideal companion for outdoor barbecues or beach outings. Additionally, this wine only contains 11% ABV, making it easy to drink even for those non-alcoholic drinkers.
Source Material | Coconut |
---|---|
Region | Not Indicated |
ABV | 11% |
Volume | 750 mL |
Source Material | Guyabano |
---|---|
Region | Not Indicated |
ABV | 11% |
Volume | 750 mL |
Source Material | Rice |
---|---|
Region | Adams, Ilocos Norte |
ABV | 17% |
Volume | 330, 750 mL |
Just like its name, this wine is sure to set your tastebuds on fire. Dragon Fire wine is made from the meat of 100% red dragon fruit. This is what gives it that mesmerizing magenta hue. It is characterized by a gentle sweetness and subtle tartness that lingers on the palate.
Don’t be fooled by its appearance though, as this wine can pack quite the punch. Each bottle contains 36% ABV for that added kick, so this might not be suitable for non-alcoholic drinkers. However, if you’re looking for something that packs a stronger punch, this might be it!
Source Material | Dragon Fruit |
---|---|
Region | Ilocos |
ABV | 36% |
Volume | 750 mL |
You can't talk of Baguio without mentioning strawberries, one of the fruits that grow in abundance there. This fruit is versatile and often used in baking or simply for dipping in condensada. But thanks to innovative winemakers in the region, we can now get to enjoy strawberries in liquor form, like this one from Don Conrado!
This export-quality wine is made from organic strawberries and is great for people who would like a drink that's both refreshing and heart-healthy. And because it's naturally sweet, you can use it for purposes other than drinking. You can incorporate it into your baking recipes or just mix it with milk, jams, or chocolate for that juicy strawberry blast!
Source Material | Strawberry |
---|---|
Region | Baguio |
ABV | 12% |
Volume | 750 mL |
Tuba’s sweet and slightly sour taste pairs nicely with seafood dishes, particularly grilled or steamed fish, kinilaw, and snacks like adobong mani, salted fish, and crispy dilis. The slight sourness of tuba complements the seafood’s natural sweetness and the savory and garlicky flavors of the peanuts, creating a delightful contrast.
Fruit wines, in general, tend to pair well with light and refreshing foods. Consider pairing mango with tokwa't baboy to complement the dish’s savory flavors and create a refreshing and sweet contrast. You could also pair pineapple wine with tropical fruit salads, grilled chicken or fish with fruit salsas, or light and creamy desserts like panna cotta or fruit tarts.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by wine professional Raymund S. Manzanillo.
Overall, local wines like bugnay, tuba, and fruit wines can offer unique and diverse flavor experiences. While they may not be as potent as some red or white grape wines, they often have distinctive characteristics that reflect the local ingredients and traditional winemaking techniques.
Local wines like bugnay and tuba are not necessarily more suitable for experienced wine drinkers. In fact, they can be enjoyed by both novice and experienced wine enthusiasts. Here are some reasons to consider:
1. Accessibility: Bugnay and tuba wines often have unique and distinct flavors that can be appreciated by anyone interested in exploring different taste profiles. Their flavors can be intriguing and enjoyable for both experienced wine drinkers and those new to wine.
2. Cultural Experience: Bugnay and tuba wines are often deeply rooted in local traditions and cultures. Trying these wines can be a way to immerse oneself in the local customs and gain a deeper understanding of the regions where they are produced. This cultural aspect can be appreciated by anyone, regardless of their level of wine expertise.
3. Varied Palates: Wine preferences are highly subjective, and what one person may enjoy, another may not. Experienced wine drinkers may have a broader palate and be more accustomed to tasting different wine styles, but that doesn't mean bugnay and tuba wines are exclusively for them. These local wines offer unique flavors and characteristics that can be appreciated by anyone with an open mind and a curiosity for exploring new tastes.
Basically, local wines like bugnay and tuba are not limited to experienced wine drinkers. They can be enjoyed by individuals of all levels of wine expertise who are interested in discovering new flavors, cultural experiences, and expanding their wine knowledge.
No need to search far and wide for local products. These local pantry staples are worth looking into and they can be bought in the comfort of your own home.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Saint Ambrose|Bignay Wine
No. 2: Vino Isla|Tropical Mango Wine
No. 3: Lakang Hari|Basi Wine
No. 4: Dielle's Apiary and Meadery|Melomel Black Plum Wine
No. 5: Proudly Promdi|Bielma Bugnay Fruit Wine
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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