With SANTÉ as its theme, this year’s Grand Wine Experience celebrates good health, meaningful connections, and the pleasures of sharing a glass, while welcoming a new generation of wine enthusiasts.

There are few things quite as convivial as gathering around a table with good food, good company, and a bottle worth sharing. And as the world continues to navigate its share of uncertainties, the simple pleasure of coming together feels more meaningful than ever.

This is the sentiment behind the 23rd Grand Wine Experience (GWE), organized by Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM), which returns on November 20, 2026, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom of Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport World Resorts.

Ahead of the much-anticipated event, PWM hosted a press conference at the hotel, offering a preview of what guests can expect from one of Southeast Asia’s most established wine gatherings. This year’s theme, SANTÉ, the French toast to good health, captures the spirit of the occasion: celebrating relationships, shared experiences, and the pleasure of enjoying life’s finer offerings responsibly.

For Raymond Lim Joseph, Director of Sales and Marketing at Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM), the Grand Wine Experience is as much about people as it is about what’s in their glasses. “Really, for me personally, it’s the time of the year when we relate to one another in different ways, through different wines, different varieties, and different dishes. We’ve also been promoting sake, which is now beginning to boom worldwide. We started planting the roots of sake here in 2004, and now we’re reaping the harvest,” he shared.

“But it’s really all about relationships, the Grand Wine Experience, and celebrating life. I want to toast along with you and say SANTÉ,” he added.

Making wine more welcoming

While GWE has built a loyal following over the years, PWM is also looking ahead, with an eye toward attracting younger audiences and cultivating the next generation of wine enthusiasts.

Ronald Lim Joseph, Director of Operations at Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM), sys that the key lies in offering variety, accessibility, and, above all, an experience that doesn’t intimidate newcomers. “You don’t want to intimidate the younger generation. You want them to feel very welcome. It’s also, in a way, about inclusivity. You don’t want them to feel that some people are snooty about wine or that they have to be wine snobs to enjoy it,” he explained.

Younger audiences, he observed, are drawn to community and a sense of belonging. Giving them the opportunity to explore food and wine pairings, discover different varieties, and learn about what they enjoy in a relaxed setting can help bridge the generational gap.

The event’s extensive selection also plays a part. Beyond wines, guests can explore beers, spirits, sake, and cocktails, with zero-alcohol and lower-alcohol options also available. These choices reflect PWM’s efforts to make beverage appreciation more inclusive, catering to different preferences and drinking habits. The company also organizes Sake Manila, another event that has been attracting a younger crowd and introducing new audiences to the world of sake. PWM will continue carrying zero-alcohol options beyond GWE as part of its wider portfolio.

For PWM, introducing younger Filipinos to wine is not simply about expanding an audience. It is about developing an appreciation for a lifestyle that values moderation, food, family, friendships, and celebrations. “We’ve never promoted excess or anything like that. We’ve always connected wine with food, wine with family gatherings, wine with celebration, and wine with friends,” Ronald noted.

He also emphasized that wine appreciation is a personal journey, adding, “Whatever is good in your palate is the best one.”

A grand gathering of flavors

That philosophy is reflected in the sheer breadth of this year’s Grand Wine Experience. The November 20 gathering will feature more than 1,000 wine varieties, alongside over 70 sakes, premium beers, and more than 50 spirits, including whisky, cognac, tequila, and gin. Sourced from over 200 producers across 17 countries, the selection offers guests an opportunity to explore an impressive range of international beverage traditions under one roof.

Of course, no grand wine gathering would be complete without food. Manila Marriott Hotel Executive Chef Meik Brammer has curated an all-night gourmet spread featuring fine steaks, artisan cheeses, and an extensive dessert selection, giving guests plenty of opportunities to explore food and beverage pairings throughout the evening.

With its SANTÉ theme, the 23rd Grand Wine Experience looks forward to bringing together familiar faces and a new generation of enthusiasts for an evening of discovery, conviviality, and appreciation. Whether a seasoned collector or simply curious about what the world has to offer, guests are invited to pull up a chair, explore, and raise a glass to good health and good company.

GET THE DETAILS, here:

The 23rd Grand Wine Experience takes place on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 5 PM at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport World Resorts.

Tickets are priced at ₱9,500 per person. For tickets and further information, visit grandwineexperience.com.

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