From vision, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Novellino Wines Vicente “Nonoy” Quimbo turns his wine making business into a mission: To convert as many Filipinos to wine drinking, democratizing wine among Filipinos with an aspirational and healthy drink.
His business is not just to generate income for his family but to contribute to the country’s economic growth. The company imports grapes from different countries to produce wine, giving added value to its products. And since all the raw materials are manufactured here, the company provides more job opportunities as well.
With a market share of 41.6 percent in the light grape wine category in 2023, Novellino continues its market leadership. Following its steady growth, the company has upgraded its manufacturing plant with the latest technology and state of the art equipment to maintain high quality standards in wine production.
“We take pride in the workmanship and craftsmanship involved behind every Novellino bottle. A big toast to Novellino!,” Nonoy said during the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations held at the Novellino winery in Calamba, Laguna last October 17.
Nonoy, together with his whole family, shared the colorful journey of Novellino to business partners, guests and media. His two sons – Director and Chief Strategy Officer Carlos Quimbo and Chris Quimbo, President and General Manager of Novellino Wines – highlighted the success of the wine brand for the past 25 years.
“Before, people would buy any kind of drink during the season – beer, whiskey, imported wines,” Nonoy shared. “Now, Christmas isn’t Christmas for most families unless there’s Novellino on the table.”
The wine brand has become part of Pinoy lifestyle, a brand of choice at any given occasion of whatever reason and season. Novellino has changed the culture in wine drinking: That it is not only during big occasions like Christmas but also in small gatherings – deepening bonds and ties between friends and families. Significantly, the brand has made winemaking, drinking, and appreciation part of the growing cultural movement in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Chris led the guests and members of the press to a facility tour showing them the Novellino’s five-stage process in wine production – Fermentation, Centrifugation, Micro Filtration, Chilling and Bottling. The winery boasts of its latest acquisition, the state of the art Alfa Laval centrifuge from Sweden. It’s the first and one of the few wineries in Asia that has this modern equipment. Accordingly, the manufacturing plant has the capacity to produce 30,000 liters of sweet wine per batch. All the upgrades are complemented with revolutionary wastewater disposal solutions and renewable energy.
“We really want to have a sustainable company to meet the increasing demands of the market.” Nonoy beamed. “We have already captured the hearts of the Filipinos. And this time, we want to make the brand known globally.”
“We want to continue delivering fantastic Filipino wine in the Philippines and beyond,” added Chris. “That’s why we’re exploring other wine-infused experiences, giving Filipinos more options to enjoy and appreciate our wine.”
In the past twenty-five years, Filipinos have fallen in love with Novellino. That sweet and rich taste has become their standard in choosing a wine. And when it comes to wine, they think of the only brand that they are familiar with – Novellino Wines.
To date, Novellino has 17 wines and counting with the Filipinos in mind. This Pinoy wine brand has consistently pursued excellence and achieved milestones making it synonymously a national pride. And Novellino Wines is ready to conquer the global market as it continuously writes in the world history of winemaking in the next 25 years and beyond.
