The demand for wine among Filipinos still doesn't match the popularity of beer, but it has been steadily increasing over the years.
In 2021, during the pandemic, the Philippines emerged as "the largest U.S. wine market in the region, surpassing major transshipment destinations like Singapore and Vietnam," according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a report published by Inquirer.net.
Read: WINE101: PEP's Beginners Guide to Wine Appreciation
Now, why would the USDA bother releasing this data?
That's because the U.S. has been the country's top wine supplier for
the last two decades.But why wine?
Some argue that a glass or two can benefit heart health. While this hasn't been definitively proven, many wine drinkers hold this belief.
Others opt for wine because it tends to have minimal post-drinking effects, avoiding the infamous hangover.
And then there are those who simply enjoy the taste.
Wine offers a variety of flavors, from the sweet pink Moscato to locally favored options, like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which boast rich flavors yet remain milder compared to other alcoholic beverages.
For the debut of PEP Finds, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) scoured the wine sections of major supermarkets in Metro Manila to look for imported wine priced at less than PHP300.
WATCH:
S&R's TAKE-ONE PROMOS FOR WINE
S&R in Congressional Avenue, Quezon City has expanded its alcohol section.
Its vegetables and fruits area is being overtaken by additional racks stocked with alcoholic beverages—three of them specifically dedicated to wine.
One standout is Mathieu & Blanes Tempranillo, which offers a buy-one-take-one deal for PHP464. This Spanish grape variety is usually sold out, as it technically offers a bottle for PHP232.
By the way, it needs a corkscrew to open this.
Another sought-after option is Wolf Blass Eaglehawk Cabernet Sauvignon, available for PHP239 through its buy-two-take-one promo at PHP718.
Food tip: Red wine is best paired with grilled steak, pasta with tomato-based sauces, cheese, and dark chocolate.
Similarly, Hardy's VR Cabernet Sauvignon offers a buy-two-take-one promo for PHP798, making it PHP266 per bottle.
For those who prefer smoother texture, Hardy's VR also extends the same offer to its Shiraz, priced at PHP814 or PHP271 per bottle.
If red wine isn't your preference, consider Table Mountain Chardonnay, priced at PHP599 for two bottles.
Food Tip: Chardonnay is best paired with mild and cream cheeses, such as Brie and Monterey Jack, pasta with pesto or cheese-based sauce, white fish, and chicken.
This South African brand also offers a similar deal for its Cabernet Sauvignon.
These promos can also be availed on Metromart.com, though non-S&R members has to pay a "5% surcharge."
Additionally, all these wine brands are available at other supermarkets and online wine shops, with prices ranging from PHP345 to PHP800.
wine WORTH PHP299 at Robinsons Supermarket
Meanwhile, the Meadows brand, popular in Hong Kong and Singapore, is now available at Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Easymart, Shopwise, and The Marketplace.
Meadows offers popular red varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir, as well as white varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, all priced at PHP299.
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