BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ
Dubbed as the “The World in a Glass,” visitors to the Grand Wine Experience will get to enjoy more than 1,000 wines, spirits, premium sakes and beers from world-renowned wineries and breweries. Some may even meet the love of their life.
Southeast Asia’s biggest wine event — The Grand Wine Experience — returns this Friday, Nov. 15 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Marriott Hotel Manila. Organized by Philippine Wine Merchants and its partners, this year’s event will stay true to its name by transporting attendees across the globe through the finest wines and spirits. With the theme, “The World in a Glass,” the 21st edition of the Grand Wine Experience trains the spotlight on Terroir aka “the soul of wine.”
In a recent sit-down with the press, brothers Raymond and Ronald Lim Joseph, along with other members of the Joseph family, explained how every glass will capture the essence of the earth and tell stories of distant lands. “The unique combination of environment, soil, climate and human touch that are as distinct to a place as a fingerprint. So, just as a glass of wine can transport you to different regions, so, too, can it convey the story of its origin, the passion o its makers, the legacy of its land,” expounded Raymond.
Stories over wine
This year’s Grand Wine Experience will attract over 2,500 guests, including wine connoisseurs, collectors, affluent consumers, food and beverage industry professionals, and corporate executives. And as the playful Joseph brothers often add – in jest or otherwise – the guest list could even include the love of your life!
“You know, a lot of my friends who got married met at the Grand Wine experience,” said Ronald. “Sometimes we’d joke that for the price of a ticket, he got himself a wife, and she got herself a husband.” This year, that price is at P 9,500.
Ultimately, Raymond reminded that the Grand Wine Experience ultimately boils down to all-important human connections. “You know what makes this event so special? It’s the coming together of souls. Building beautiful relationships that last. And, you know, the grand wine is just a celebration of those beautiful relationships, and we’re just creating a platform,” he said.
The biggest wine event
Over the past 21 years, the Grand Wine Experience event has established itself as Southeast Asia’s largest and most prestigious event for wines and spirits. This year, attendees will enjoy an elevated experience with exciting new brands from the world’s top wine regions, including Tuscany, Bordeaux, Rhone, Barossa Valley, and Washington State.
The event will also feature an expanded Asian portfolio with new sake brands, which are growing in popularity globally, along with the introduction of more biodynamic and organic wines. Philippine Wine Merchants, the organizing body, continues to represent labels from major wine-producing countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, the USA, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Japan, ensuring a truly global experience.
For his part, Marriott Executive Chef Meik Brammer promised to build on the existing tradition of creating a gustatory feast that matches the size and scale of Philippine Wine Merchants’ extensive selection. “We’re going to have, again, the largest cheese selection with homemade cheese. But this time, we’re also flying cheese in. Our big paella pan, which keeps getting bigger is also a highlight. What will be in it? Now that’s a secret!” he teased.
Other perks await certain guests, too. Security Bank clients, for instance, may avail themselves of a 10-percent discount by using their credit or debit card to purchase the tickets. Guests can also use their Cathay Pacific miles to purchase their tickets through the Cathay Pacific website or the Asia Miles app.
Cheers to all these and more!
For tickets and inquiries, click here.
