Federico's Fruit Wine: A Perfect Gift

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.