Winery raises a glass to Filipina heritage with ‘Pinay Noir’

Filipino-owned Felicità Wine Company has announced the release of “Pinay Noir,” a tribute, according to its owner, to the enduring spirit and remarkable achievements of Filipinas around the world.

Crafted in the lush vineyards of Lodi, California, this rendition of the Pinot Noir is not just a wine, remarked Baguio-born Feli Ortega, a proud Filipina winemaker.

She said Pinay Noir encapsulates the essence of dedication and resilience exemplified by Filipino women, including Ortega’s own family.

“The wine celebrates the life and influence of my late mother, a devoted teacher, and honors her two sisters and nieces, all steadfast nurses, alongside countless other inspiring Filipinas making their marks in their local communities and global networks.

“Pinay Noir is my homage to the strong, courageous Filipinas who have shaped not only my life but also the fabric of our society,” she said in a statement. “Each bottle carries the spirit of my heritage and the stories of Filipinas who are leading, innovating, and inspiring across all walks of life.”

The statement says Pinay Noir offers a sophisticated palate of bright red fruits such as cherry, raspberry and boysenberry, mingled with subtle earthy undertones. The wine reflects the passion and depth of the Filipina spirit, with each sip embodying the artistry and intricacy that Feli admires about winemaking.

The bottle’s label features a stunning art piece designed by celebrated artist Franceska Gámez, whose work highlights the vibrancy of Filipina culture. Born in Manila and raised in the Bay Area, Gámez’s artwork on Pinay Noir captures the blend of traditional and contemporary influences that characterize the Filipino diaspora.

Pinay Noir is available in limited quantities online at PinayNoir.com, with limited shipping in the U.S. It is expected to attract wine enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering not only a unique taste experience from an acclaimed wine region but also a piece of cultural pride.

Feli shared with The FilAm that her father came to the United States as a migrant worker, a young man in the late 1940s. He worked in Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada and mostly in California’s Central Valley. Her mother was a grade school teacher in Baguio, Guam and eventually California where the family settled. Feli has an MBA from California State University Sacramento. 

Asked what got her interested in the winery business, she replied, “It was sort of serendipitous. Just decided to have a go at winemaking and did it.”