If you think good wines are made from grapes only, think again. A dear friend gave me a bottle of Federico’s Island Wine made from Duhat as a Christmas gift last year. I was surprised to find that the fruit wine was made in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. I’m not a wine connoisseur but the fruit wine tastes good and has a distinct flavor from the usual grape wines.
Federico’s Island Wine is owned by the couple Federico and Aurora Barredo. They were already featured in local and national newspaper for their family business. Winemaking is a hobby of Federico, a research plant pathologist/microbiologist. Then in 2004, Federico made the wine as giveaways for thier son’s wedding. The guests loved it and urged the couple to make it into a business.
The fruit wines are made from hand-picked fruits of local fruits Duhat (Lumboy) and Bignay (Bugnay), processed fresh and naturally fermented. Without chemical preservatives and artificial color, Duhat and Bignay have only 12% and 13% alcohol contents, respectively, from natural fermentation.
Duhat and Bignay grow wild and the couple get their supply from 30 fruit tree owners who assured them of steady supply. The couple also came up with Piña (pineapple) wine since these are also locally grown in Negros Occidental. Piña wine is now available in the market.
If you are still looking for a gift to a loved one this season, try fruit wine from Federico’s Island Wine. Or better yet, get yourself a bottle to celebrate the new year with. The fruit wine is also an excellent gift for Negrenses abroad. Each bottle will remind them of the Negros countryside and bring back happy memories.
Federico’s Island Wine is available at
Merci’s Pasalubong at SM City Bacolod
Fresh Start at 1oth St. Bacolod City (beside Sweet Greens)
or you may contact Federico or Aurora Barredo at 399-3610.
davelyn says
is the wine still available at merci store sm? thank you
Glady says
I haven’t visited merci’s lately but i think it is still available.
Abe M. Manubay says
Hi Glady. May I know if Federico’s wine is available in Metro Manila? If not, may we know any distributor which we can contact? Is it possible to purchase the wine directly? If so, how can we contact FIW? Thanks.
Glady says
Hi Abe! Federico’s wine is available at Eco Store or you may contact the owners directly at 399-3610.
Teepee says
Hi, we are their only distributors here in metro manila…pls visit qc centris and eastwood mercatos on christmas holidays for purchase..pre orders are welcome you can text 09157559996.thank you..:)
eu says
do they accept orders for wedding souvenirs? and do the ship to manila? do they have an email add where i can reach them? thanks!
Teepee says
Hi, we are their only distributors here in metro manila…pls visit qc centris and eastwood mercatos on christmas holidays for purchase..pre orders are welcome you can text 09157559996.thank you..:)
Glady says
It’s available at Merci’s pasalubing at Sm City and at Fresh Start Organic Foods. It’s really affordable too.
oliver says
I have read about Frederico’s wine from the internet ( Visayan Daily Star) . Unfortunately, the last time I went home to Bacolod I was not able to taste it. However, I saw some of them displayed at SM I think. I’m coming back again this March and I will make sure that I will not miss it.
Mark says
hi! im a wine enthusiasts and hope to visit negros occidental very soon just to have a bottle of Federico’s wine. 0918-407-6879
Glady says
Hi James! I already texted and emailed the info you needed. I will have to edit my post and put that info there for the benefit of those who don’t know where to buy the wine.
James says
I am in Negro’s Victoria right now and no one knows where the winery is oand the stores mentioned have no idea about it? I am very disapointed and made the trip fom Bacolod specifically for this could anyone text me info in the next day? 09052810476