Rowena Dumlao #133
From Curiosity to Calling
Coming from the Philippines – a tropical archipelago far removed from any traditional wine culture – Rowena Dumlao’s relationship with wine began unexpectedly in South Africa. That first spark followed her to Italy twenty-seven years ago, where marriage to an Italian and the experience of raising a family drew her naturally into a life centered on the kitchen.
What began as everyday cooking slowly transformed into a passion, and eventually into a profession focused on recipe development and food photography. Within a year of launching Apron and Sneakers, Rowena was creating recipes for U.S.-based web magazines and collaborating with a start-up food establishment in Paris.
These experiences culminated in the publication of The New Filipino Kitchen: Stories and Recipes Around the Globe in the United States – a curated collection of 30 stories and recipes by Filipino expatriates from around the world. Rowena is one of the contributing writers and the photographer of the entire book. Supported by various Philippine embassies, the publication became both a professional milestone and a deeply personal tribute to Filipino cuisine beyond borders.
From Vineyard to Emotion
“Every glass of wine carries a beautiful story. It is a story of hard work fueled by passion – of families who, generation after generation, labor in the vineyards, facing the uncertainty of every vintage and the constant challenge of climate and survival. Wine is never just liquid poured into a glass. It holds stories, emotions, and hope. Sharing it with the very people who brought that wine to life is what makes it truly beautiful – a story told through words and photographs.” says Rowena Dumlao.
Finding Her Voice in Food and Wine
As her journey evolved, Rowena gradually stepped away from recipe development and turned her focus toward writing about restaurants and wineries. This shift gave birth to The Chosen Table, a platform driven by curiosity and a desire to understand wine beyond the glass.
To deepen her knowledge, she became a certified sommelier through the Associazione Italiana Sommelier and pursued immersive studies at the Barolo & Barbaresco Academy in Piedmont, the French Wine Scholar program in Avignon, and Bordeaux AgroSciences in Bordeaux.
Her work has taken her to inspiring programs such as a week-long exploration of Italian wines for foreigners at the International Center for the Arts in Monte Castello di Vibio, Umbria – an experience that continues to influence both her writing and photography.
Now affiliated with GNS Press International, Rowena travels through the culinary world tasting wines, dining at restaurants, and documenting flavors, people, and places. Each article and photograph reflects a deep connection to tradition, landscape, and craftsmanship, inviting readers to experience food and wine as a journey of discovery.
A New Chapter in Tuscany
Recently relocating from Rome to Tuscany, Rowena has embraced a gentler rhythm of life – one that encourages slowing down and savoring everyday moments in one of Italy’s most influential wine regions. Looking out the window, wandering through quiet villages, or driving along winding hill roads feels like a daily spectacle, a striking contrast to the urban landscape she called home for twenty-six years. This move marks the beginning of a new chapter, where a slower pace allows fresh perspectives to shape her writing and photography. In Tuscany, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and rich culinary heritage, new stories unfold quietly – offering both inspiration and a canvas for the next stage of her journey.
