Logo

LOFFA Website

Ifugao Rice Terraces

Our Heritage, Our Story

Preserving centuries of Ifugao winemaking tradition while bringing sustainable, artisanal wines to the modern world.

Back to Home

Our Story

From the ancient rice terraces of Ifugao to your table, our journey spans generations of tradition and craftsmanship.

A Legacy of Tradition

Founded in 2010 by Maria Dulnuan, a descendant of Ifugao winemakers, Ifugao Wines began as a small family operation dedicated to preserving the ancient winemaking techniques that have been passed down through generations.

What started as a passion project in Maria's kitchen has grown into a thriving enterprise that supports over 200 local farmers and artisans while introducing the world to the unique flavors of traditional Ifugao wines.

Our commitment remains unchanged: to honor our ancestors by maintaining the purity of traditional methods while creating sustainable livelihoods for our community. Every bottle we produce tells the story of our people, our land, and our enduring cultural heritage.

Maria Dulnuan, Founder

Maria Dulnuan, Founder of Ifugao Wines

2010

Maria Dulnuan establishes Ifugao Wines with a mission to preserve traditional winemaking techniques.

2013

Partnership formed with the Lucban OFW and Family Farmers Association to source organic ingredients.

2015

First international recognition at the Asian Wine Festival, winning gold for our Tapuy Rice Wine.

2018

Expansion of production facility with sustainable practices and solar power implementation.

2021

Launch of our premium aged collection and establishment of the Ifugao Cultural Heritage Foundation.

2025

Celebrating 15 years with expanded distribution to 12 countries while maintaining our traditional methods.

Our Mission & Values

Guided by respect for tradition and commitment to sustainability, we create exceptional wines while preserving our cultural heritage.

Preserving Heritage

We honor our ancestors by maintaining authentic Ifugao winemaking traditions that have been passed down through generations, ensuring these practices continue to thrive in the modern world.

Community Support

We work directly with local farmers and artisans, providing fair compensation and sustainable livelihoods while fostering economic growth within the Ifugao community.

Environmental Stewardship

We are committed to sustainable farming practices, renewable energy, and eco-friendly packaging to minimize our environmental footprint and protect the natural beauty of our homeland.

Sustainability Initiatives

Our Sustainability Commitment

At Ifugao Wines, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's woven into every aspect of our operation. Our production facility runs on 80% solar energy, and we've implemented water recycling systems that reduce our consumption by 65%.

We practice organic farming methods that have been used for centuries in the Ifugao rice terraces, working in harmony with nature rather than against it. Our packaging is made from recycled and biodegradable materials, and we've eliminated single-use plastics from our entire supply chain.

Through our partnership with the Ifugao Cultural Heritage Foundation, we allocate 5% of our profits to reforestation projects and the preservation of the ancient rice terraces, ensuring that the natural beauty of our homeland endures for generations to come.

Our Traditional Winemaking Process

Centuries-old techniques combined with meticulous care create our exceptional wines, each step honoring our ancestors' wisdom.

1

Harvesting

Our ingredients are hand-harvested at peak ripeness from the terraced fields of Ifugao. For rice wines, we use traditional glutinous rice varieties grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. For fruit wines, we source from local farmers who practice sustainable agriculture.

2

Preparation

Rice is carefully washed and soaked according to ancient practices. For our Tapuy, the rice is steamed in traditional bamboo containers that impart subtle aromatic notes. Fruits are sorted by hand, with only the finest specimens selected for our premium wines.

3

Fermentation

We use indigenous yeasts cultivated from the Ifugao region, maintained through a starter culture called "bubod" that has been preserved for generations. The fermentation takes place in clay vessels buried partially in the ground, maintaining optimal temperature naturally.

4

Aging

Our wines are aged in various vessels depending on the variety. Some are kept in traditional clay pots, while others mature in bamboo containers or oak barrels. The aging process ranges from several months to years, allowing the flavors to develop complexity and depth.

5

Filtering

We use traditional filtering methods with natural materials like bamboo fibers and banana leaves. This gentle process preserves the wine's character while achieving clarity. Some varieties are intentionally left unfiltered according to traditional recipes.

6

Bottling

Our wines are bottled by hand in small batches, with each bottle individually inspected for quality. We use recycled glass bottles and sustainable cork stoppers, with labels made from handmade paper produced by local artisans.

Traditional Winemaking Process

Meet Our Team

The passionate individuals behind Ifugao Wines, combining ancestral knowledge with modern expertise.

Maria Dulnuan

Maria Dulnuan

Founder & CEO

A fifth-generation winemaker from Ifugao, Maria founded the company to preserve her family's traditions while creating sustainable opportunities for her community.

Carlos Baguilat

Carlos Baguilat

Master Winemaker

With over 40 years of experience, Carlos oversees our production process, ensuring that every batch meets our exacting standards while honoring traditional methods.

Jasmine Dulnuan

Jasmine Dulnuan

Operations Director

Maria's daughter combines her MBA with deep respect for tradition, implementing sustainable practices while expanding our global presence.

Dr. Antonio Bugan

Dr. Antonio Bugan

Research Director

With a PhD in Food Science and Ifugao heritage, Antonio leads our innovation efforts, studying traditional techniques to enhance quality while maintaining authenticity.

Our Community Impact

Beyond creating exceptional wines, we're committed to supporting the Ifugao community and preserving our cultural heritage.

Farmer Partnership Program

Farmer Partnership Program

We work directly with over 200 local farmers, providing fair compensation and long-term contracts that ensure stable income. Our farmers receive 15-20% above market rates for their crops, allowing them to invest in their families and communities.

Through our agricultural training program, we share sustainable farming practices that increase yields while preserving the environment. We've helped 45 farmers transition to fully organic methods, improving soil health and biodiversity.

Our micro-loan program has provided over ₱5 million in interest-free financing to help farmers upgrade equipment, improve irrigation systems, and expand their operations, creating a more resilient agricultural community.

Education Initiatives

Our scholarship program has supported 78 students from farming families to pursue higher education, with a focus on agricultural science, business, and cultural preservation.

Cultural Preservation

Through the Ifugao Cultural Heritage Foundation, we fund documentation of traditional practices, language preservation, and cultural education programs for younger generations.

Environmental Protection

Our reforestation initiative has planted over 25,000 native trees in the Ifugao region, helping to prevent erosion and preserve the watershed that sustains the rice terraces.

Education Programs Cultural Workshops Reforestation Project Community Festival

Experience Our Heritage

Visit our winery to learn about traditional winemaking methods, meet our artisans, and taste our exceptional wines in their birthplace.

Shop Our Collection