La Rosa Vino Feels Like a Warm Hug

By Cesar Cruz Jr.

Along Maginhawa St. in Quezon City, La Rosa Vino is quickly becoming the go-to spot for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and curious newcomers. “Approachable” is the word that best captures the spirit of this seven-month-old wine shop, which feels more like a cozy living room than a formal wine store.

Rose Abes, the founder and CEO of La Rosa Vino, envisioned a place where people would feel welcomed, not intimidated—a space where they could be themselves, grab a bottle, and unwind with friends. During the pandemic, Rose started selling wine online and took WSET wine courses to add to her credibility. Soon, she was hosting online wine appreciation events, but she had a bigger dream: to open her own wine store. Through determination and a bit of manifestation, Rose found the perfect space, made a financial plan, and brought La Rosa Vino to life with interiors that invite guests to linger.

The shop’s logo—a wine glass with a blooming rose—perfectly captures the essence of La Rosa Vino. It’s about more than just the wine; it’s about the stories, laughter, and sometimes even the tears shared over a bottle. What lingers isn’t just the taste of the wine but the memories created.

Innovative Offerings at La Rosa Vino

La Rosa Vino offers over 100 wines, carefully curated specifically for the Filipino palate. Most wines range between ₱1,000 and ₱2,000, with selections catering to various tastes and budgets. The shop goes beyond traditional food and wine pairing by offering unique experiences like tarot and wine, makeup and wine, and more.

Her approach to wine is refreshingly down-to-earth. Rose has observed that her market prefers sweet wines, like Moscato, and she tailors her wine appreciation events to be non-intimidating. Instead of diving into technicalities like terroir or Bordeaux, Rose focuses on the basics—how to hold a glass, chill a bottle, and simply enjoy the experience.

It is interesting to note that Rose’s personal wine choices often reflect the weather or the mood of the conversation. During heatwaves, she prefers rosé and white wines, while cooler weather calls for red. Her selections also depend on the company—red for deep conversations, something lighter for casual catch-ups.

More Than Just a Wine Shop

Whether you’re an oenophile or a complete novice, La Rosa Vino offers something new and exciting to discover. It’s more than just a place to buy wine; it’s a space where memories are made, one bottle at a time. As Rose herself says, La Rosa Vino is about experiencing wine on a new level where everyone is welcome to relax, savor, and connect.