There are a few good reasons why wine and spirits lovers, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the 20th edition of the Grand Wine Experience happening on November 17, 5 p.m. onwards, at the Grand Ballroom of Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport World Resorts.
According to the provided press material, this event is touted as “the largest and most prestigious of its kind in Southeast Asia,” showcasing an impressive selection of over 1,000 wines, spirits, sakes, and beers from around the world. These offerings have been carefully curated by experts and will be presented by renowned winemakers and distillers.
The 20th Grand Wine Experience promises to be the most memorable edition yet, as “it marks two decades of excellence and innovation," it adds.
Philippine Wine Merchants director for Sales and Marketing Robi Joseph says “it’s going to be the most opulent menu, catalog of wines that we’d be offering.” Not only that, there will also be a wide selection of sake, whisky, cognac, tequila, gin, vodka, and beer.
Manila Marriott's Executive Chef Meik Brammer has prepared a gastronomic playground, featuring a delectable selection of dishes that perfectly complement the beverages. Picture two enormous paelleras, one grand enough to serve as a ballroom table, succulent Peking duck, and a tantalizing array of cold cuts and cheeses carefully sourced from diverse corners of the world.
“Bud Break,” as the organizers say, is a fitting theme for this year’s Grand Wine Experience, because it’s “the first stage of the grapevine’s annual cycle, when the dormant buds burst into life and produce new shoots. It is a critical time for the vineyard as it determines the potential yield and quality of the grapes. It is also a beautiful sight, as the green leaves contrast with the brown branches and create a stunning landscape.”
How should attendees make the most of this event? The Josephs suggest some tips. “What some people do is fast for a day or two,” says Robi half-jokingly. “It’s going to be a six to eight-hour party.”
But even if you don’t fast, you’ll be burning a lot of calories anyway because the venue is massive. A tip for the ladies: kick off those heels and opt for a comfortable pair of shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking that night. “We bring the different countries to the different booths,” says Robi, “and so it’s like traveling from one country to another.”
Robi says that discovering the terroir of each wine is a great experience. “Terroir refers to the influence of the environment, climate, and soil on a specific wine. All these elements are expressed in every single bottle. When you can discern the distinct characteristics from each country, it's a truly magical experience. It's also an opportunity to find out why certain wines pair well with particular foods or cuisines.”
There are no strict rules when it comes to deciding which wines to try first at the Grand Wine Experience. However, Raymond Joseph, the President and CEO of Philippine Wine Merchants, offers a suggestion. He recommends starting with the older wines from countries like France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. These wines tend to be more subtle in terms of flavor. Afterward, you can move on to the new world wines from Australia, Chile, Argentina, and the United States, which are known for being full-flavored, full-bodied, and bursting with flavors. Raymond compares this approach to the way we enjoy food, starting with something light and gradually progressing to heavier dishes.
On the other hand, Robi has a different perspective. “For me, the best way to enjoy it is without preparation. Just go ahead and try whatever is closest to you. Then, engage in conversations with your friends about your subjective perceptions, the wines they are enjoying, and the associations they make. Having these kinds of discussions and forming connections is what makes the experience enjoyable,” he says.
You may book your tickets online via https://grandwineexperience.com/grandwine
Photos courtesy of Philippine Wine Merchants