10 Best Local Wines in the Philippines

Alcoholic beverages have long played a vital role in Filipino culture, accompanying celebrations, festivities, and even simple gatherings. Among these drinks, local wines hold a special place as they showcase the richness of the country’s natural resources and the ingenuity of Filipino winemakers. Compared to grape-based wines offered in restaurants like Barcino Wine Resto Bar, Filipino wines often use indigenous fruits and plants, resulting in unique flavors catering to casual drinkers and connoisseurs. 

Read on to explore some of the most notable local wines in the Philippines!

ランバノグ


Lambanog, often called “coconut vodka,” is a traditional Filipino distilled wine made from fermented coconut sap. It is known for its high alcohol content, often reaching up to 80 proof.

This wine has a clear appearance, similar to vodka or gin. It is commonly produced in Quezon, Batangas, and Laguna, where coconut trees thrive. Some commercially available lambanog include Lakan Premium Lambanog 700 mL.

Tuba

Tuba is a palm wine derived from coconut or nipa palm sap. It is traditionally consumed fresh, offering a slightly sweet and tangy taste. Fresh tuba has a milky white color, while aged tuba turns reddish-brown, known as bahal or bahalina. It is widely produced in Visayas, Mindanao, and Quezon.

Tapuy

Tapuy is an indigenous rice wine from the Cordillera region, known for its smooth and slightly sweet profile. This wine has a clear to cloudy appearance, depending on its fermentation. It is mainly produced in Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ifugao.

Traditionally used in rituals and celebrations by the Igorot communities, tapuy is now commercially available and is often compared to Japanese sake.

Bugnay Wine

Bugnay wine is made from bugnay berries, which give it a rich, fruity flavor with a hint of tartness. This wine is a favorite in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions and is gaining popularity among wine enthusiasts for its antioxidant properties.

It has a deep red color and is commonly produced in Ilocos Norte, Cordillera, and Cagayan Valley. You can savor the rich flavors of bugnay wine with top choices like Bielma Bugnay Wine, available in 750 mL bottles.

Basi

Basi is a traditional sugarcane wine from the Ilocos region. It undergoes fermentation in clay jars and is infused with bark extracts, giving it a complex, slightly woody taste. This wine has an amber to deep brown color and is mainly produced in the Ilocos Region. 

Calamansi Wine

Calamansi wine offers a unique citrusy aroma with a balance of sweetness and acidity. It is a refreshing alternative to traditional wines and pairs well with seafood and light dishes. It has a light golden yellow appearance and is widely produced in Quezon, Laguna, and Mindoro. Discover the zesty delight of calamansi wine with Vino Arsan’s Calamansi Wine, available in a 750 mL bottle.

Mango Wine

Mango wine is a tropical delight, capturing the natural sweetness and fragrance of Philippine mangoes. It is golden yellow, commonly produced in Guimaras, Cebu, and Zambales. Savor the taste of the tropics with Vino Isla’s Tropical Mango Wine, available in a 750 mL bottle.

Pineapple Wine

Pineapple wine is a smooth, semi-sweet wine with a hint of tartness from the tropical fruit. It is a popular souvenir item, especially from regions known for pineapple production. This wine has a light golden appearance and is widely made in Bukidnon, Camarines Norte, and Davao.

Strawberry Wine

Strawberry wine embodies the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries. This wine has a deep red appearance and is commonly made in Benguet and Mountain Province. Delight in the sweet, vibrant flavors of strawberry wine with Novellino’s Strawberry Passion Light.

Guyabano Wine

Guyabano wine is an exotic and healthful choice, boasting a mild, slightly tangy flavor with a creamy undertone. It is said to contain antioxidant properties, making it a sought-after wine for health-conscious consumers. It has a pale yellow to light green color and is produced in Laguna, Quezon, and Davao.

Final Thoughts

The Philippines is home to a diverse selection of locally made wines, each reflecting the country’s rich natural resources and deep-rooted traditions. From the potent lambanog to the sweet and fruity bugnay and mango wines, Filipino wines offer a unique experience that is distinct from traditional grape-based varieties.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to explore new flavors, these local wines are worth trying. So the next time you’re looking for a bottle to celebrate with, why not raise a glass of Filipino-made wine and toast to the country’s vibrant winemaking culture?