20/08/2026
🍷🍇 NATIONAL PINOT NOIR DAY — AUGUST 18! 🍇🍷
❤️ THE HEARTBREAK GRAPE IS CALLING… WILL YOU ANSWER?
Vagabond Wine & the Vagabond Wineguy LOVE Pinot Noir! ❤️🍷
From the legendary vineyards of Burgundy, France 🇫🇷 to the cool-climate magic of Willamette Valley, Oregon 🇺🇸, California, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, South Africa and beyond — Pinot Noir may be one of the world’s most difficult grapes to grow, but when it gets it right…
WOW.
Silky. Elegant. Aromatic. Earthy. Fruity. Spicy. Sometimes hauntingly complex.
And that's exactly why they call Pinot Noir the “HEARTBREAK GRAPE.” 🍇💔
Pinot Noir has thin skins, relatively low tannins and a reputation for being extremely temperamental in the vineyard. But that delicate nature is also part of its magic.
🏆 THE VAGABOND WINEGUY'S PINOT NOIR CHALLENGE
We're putting together the ULTIMATE PINOT NOIR GUIDE TO THE PHILIPPINES!
🍷 TOP 10 PLACES TO BUY OR ENJOY PINOT NOIR
We're hunting for the best:
Wine Shops • Wine Bars • Restaurants • Hotels • Fine-Dining Destinations • Hidden Gems
in:
📍 Angeles City
📍 Clark
📍 Mabalacat / Dau
📍 San Fernando
📍 Mexico
📍 Pampanga
📍 Subic Bay
📍 Metro Manila
🇵🇭 AND THROUGHOUT THE PHILIPPINES
One standout destination in Pampanga is Clark Wine Center, which says it carries more than 2,000 wines from major international regions, including Burgundy and the United States, and regularly hosts wine tastings and events.
Another local option is Wine City Philippines in Dau, which describes itself as a wine shop with more than 1,500 selections and an on-site wine lounge serving wine-friendly food.
And for the serious wine-and-food experience, Yats Restaurant, Wine Bar & Lounge in Clark has long been associated with an extensive international wine list and fine dining.
The Veranda Herbs & Spices, a must visit
ABC Hotel Angeles City Philippines
La Bodega Wine + Tapas
Amare by Chef Chris
Lighthouse Marina Resort
Prism Hotel
The Penthouse Hotel and Residences
But we want to hear YOUR recommendations!
🇵🇭🍷 TOP 10 FILIPINO FOOD + PINOT NOIR PAIRINGS
Could these be the ultimate Filipino Pinot combinations?
🥇 Crispy Pata + Pinot Noir
🥈 Lechon + Pinot Noir
🥉 Chicken Inasal + Pinot Noir
4️⃣ Pancit + Pinot Noir
5️⃣ Sisig + Pinot Noir
6️⃣ Mushroom Adobo + Pinot Noir
7️⃣ Tokwa't Baboy + Pinot Noir
8️⃣ Grilled Bangus + Pinot Noir
9️⃣ Kare-Kare + Pinot Noir
🔟 Lumpia + Pinot Noir
And we're especially interested in your unexpected pairing!
Because Pinot Noir's acidity and relatively low tannin make it unusually versatile with food. Classic pairings include duck, chicken, pork, mushrooms and salmon.
🍷🔥 10 PINOT NOIRS TO PUT ON YOUR RADAR IN THE PHILIPPINES
Availability changes by retailer and vintage, but here are 10 bottles/styles worth hunting for:
🇳🇿 1. Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir — Marlborough
Silky, elegant and extremely food-friendly. A current Philippine retailer lists the 2022 at around ₱3,039.
🇳🇿 2. Oyster Bay Pinot Noir — Marlborough
Dark cherry, juicy plum and silky texture.
🇳🇿 3. Kim Crawford Pinot Noir — Marlborough
Red berries, dark cherry, spice and savory notes.
🇺🇸 4. Beringer Founders' Estate Pinot Noir — California
A fruit-forward, approachable option that can work beautifully with salmon, turkey and soft cheeses. Philippine listings have put it around the ₱900–₱1,350 range, although stock varies.
🇺🇸 5. La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Red fruit, mocha, spice, balanced acidity and fine tannins.
🇺🇸 6. McManis Pinot Noir — California
A value-oriented California option currently listed by a Philippine wine retailer.
🇺🇸 7. Submission Pinot Noir — California
Another accessible California Pinot Noir appearing in Philippine retail listings.
🇺🇸 8. Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir — California
A mid-priced California option found in Philippine wine listings.
🇺🇸 9. Sand Point Pinot Noir — California
A value-level bottle worth exploring if you're building a Pinot tasting flight.
🇦🇺 10. Jacob's Creek Pinot Noir — Australia
Bright cherry and plum fruit with fine savory tannins; designed as an approachable everyday Pinot.
👇 DROP YOUR FAVORITE PLACE + FAVORITE PINOT IN THE COMMENTS!
Let's build the VAGABOND WINEGUY'S ULTIMATE PINOT NOIR GUIDE TO PAMPANGA & THE PHILIPPINES! 🍷🇵🇭
Because life is too short to drink boring wine.
Happy National Pinot Noir Day!
🍷❤️ CHEERS TO THE HEARTBREAK GRAPE! ❤️🍷
