Philippine Wine Merchants raises a glass to global flavors, in its latest installment of the GWE
I’ll say it from the get-go: the 21st Grand Wine Experience (GWE) held on November 15, 2024 at the Manila Marriott Hotel was far more than just an elegant wine tasting event—it was a robust celebration of culture, connection, and, of course, luscious libations and epicurean eats. Southeast Asia’s largest and most anticipated wine and spirits festival—this year, aptly themed “The World in a Glass”—gave guests the chance to sip their way through some of the finest bottles from all over the globe. The event transported me (and everyone else in the room) around the world, one glass at a time. And you can be certain I had way more than one glass!
Moreover, it was about the experience, the energy, and the incredible variety on offer. With more than 1,000 wines, spirits, sakes, and beers to explore, this installation of the GWE was as much a sensory adventure as it was a celebration of global culture—with a festive atmosphere that made networking with fellow wine enthusiasts all the more enthralling.
A toast to culture and connection
Perhaps the even more remarkable that wine brings to the table, beyond the amazing aromas and the pleasant palates of every pour, is the way it connects people and their stories. This year’s theme wasn’t just a clever catchphrase; it was a perfect reflection of wine’s power to bridge cultures and communities. The rows of bottles, atop rows of show tables, were like windows into the world, in all its wonderful diversity. To push the imagery even further, every sip was like a passport stamp, as we figuratively journeyed from one corner of the globe to the other, with each glass. From the rolling hills of Bordeaux and the sun-kissed vineyards of Tuscany, to the lush landscapes of Chile’s Maule Valley and the pristine orchards of Japan’s Niigata Prefecture, each spirited beverage disclosed unique stories of thrilling terroirs and time-honored traditions.
Truth is, wine isn’t just a libation of fermented grapes; it’s culture in a bottle, unfolding craft and artisanship with every sip. For instance, the profound, rich reds of Bordeaux tell tales of tried-and-true French tradition, while the bold, spicy flavors of Argentina’s Malbecs speak of a more passionate, piquant heritage; and then you have the newer narratives in biodynamic wines, which are a deep dive into the future of sustainable winemaking.
Wine is so much more than a drink: it’s a cultural exchange, a social lubricant, and—I would go as far as to say, if we’re being honest—a soft power in diplomacy. At its best, wine fosters connections that go beyond language and politics. I watched firsthand how people from myriad backgrounds, nationalities, persuasions, stations of life, and levels of love and learning of libations—whether seasoned connoisseurs or newcomers— instantly bonded over a shared appreciation for a well-crafted bottle. It’s a universal experience that can turn strangers into friends, and business deals into lasting partnerships. This event wasn’t just about getting your glass filled—it was about getting to know the world and the people who shape it, all while toasting to newly-formed friendships and cherished connections, alike.
In addition to the wines, the selection of spirits and premium sakes added another layer of excitement. The sublime smoothness of top-tier whiskeys and the delicate complexity of sake from Japan’s finest breweries spanned a broad range of flavors and traditions that enhanced the event’s global appeal.
My favorite finds of the night, in no particular order, were:
- Hakkaisan Awa Sparkling Sake, from Niigata Prefecture in Japan’s Hokuriku region, brewed using the same process as champagne. It’s suave, elegant, slightly fruity, and so refreshing.
- COEDO Beniaka Imperial Sweet Potato Amber Beer – Brewed with roasted kintoki sweet potatoes from Saitama, Japan. This amber beer is rich, with just the right smoothness of body and earthiness of flavor.
- Mount Hermon Red – From Israel’s Galilee region, crafted from a selection of classic grape varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It’s a flavorful, berry-rich, aromatic wine with just the right body. A true shining example of Israel’s emerging wine sector.
And of course, I indulged in my usual favorites (because, why not?), Montes Wines Alpha, Montes Twins, Finca Villacreces Pruno, Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir, Hardy’s Wines Tintara, Freixenet ICE Cuvée Especial Cava, and Sapporo Beers.
Yes, I do like my tipple!
Scintillating the senses, from sips to sounds
GWE wasn’t just about the wines and spirits, though. No doubt, the wall-to-wall wines from iconic regions and the spirits from across the globe were breathtaking! But the gorgeous gastronomy and marvelous music also had a hand in making the event nothing short of mind-blowing. AMP Big Band, an irreplaceable GWE tradition, filled the room with vivacious vibes that made the venue even more vibrant and highly spirited—pun most definitely intended. The energy in the ballroom was infectious; abuzz with a lively love for life, as guests sipped their wines, enjoyed the music, shared laughs, and danced the night away.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a grand wine event without a sumptuous spread of sweet and savory sensations, am I right? Wine and food? YES, please!—an affirmation that is especially more resounding when the food is crafted by Executive Chef Meik Brammer and the topnotch culinary team of the Marriot. The gourmet dishes were not only the perfect pairings to the bold reds, crisp whites, smooth sakes, and full-bodied ales—they were exceptional travel buddies, as we made our way around the world of wonderful wines and sublime spirits. Indeed, the carefully curated menu mirrored the international scope of the libations, making for a seamless, indulgent journey.
Pouring out family pride and passion
But if you’ve been to the GWE, you will know that aside from the libations and gastronomy, what really sets the annual event apart is the family spirit at its very core. The Joseph clan, founders of Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM), has championed the wine scene for years, and their pride in what they do is always evident in every detail of the GWE. This isn’t just a business for them—it’s a labor of love, one that reflects their deep commitment to elevating wine culture not just in the Philippines, but across Southeast Asia. As always, the 21st edition of the yearly fete was a family-run affair, with the Josephs in full multigenerational force; working behind the many bars, mingling with guests, and even hosting on stage. It was the ultimate “Welcome to our home!” vibe—no pretentious, pretty preening here, thanks very much—just pure passion.
The Joseph family’s zeal is infectious, led by brothers and PWM directors, Ralph, Raymond, and Ronnie. You can tell they don’t just want to share great wines with people—they want to educate, inspire, and create a community of wine and spirits lovers. Their tireless efforts go far beyond the event itself. With an expansive portfolio of wines from 12 major wine-producing countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, South Africa, and Japan, PWM has made it their mission to bring the world of wine to the Philippines. Their commitment to diversity in wine is pushing the local scene forward, offering Filipino wine lovers a chance to explore new styles and experiences—the 21st GWE was a shining example of that dedication.
The Grand Wine Experience’s ripple effect
In all, the 21st Grand Wine Experience was a testament to the incredible power of wine to bring the world together—starting with creating lasting memories, building relationships, and supporting a growing community. Wine, after all, is a social experience, and GWE had the perfect balance of accessibility and elegance. The event made it easy to connect and learn; especially with the wine makers, principals, estate owners, and brewmasters themselves in attendance. Ever wanted to chat with a winemaker? This was your chance! It was entirely enchanting, to hear the verbal vignettes behind each vintage—what a treat!
I’ll say it (again) at the outro: as I traversed the ballroom floor, with several “layovers” along the way, it became crystal clear to me that the Grand Wine Experience wasn’t just about a few hours of simply sipping wonderful wines or savoring sumptuous cuisine—it was about toasting to the connections we make, the cultures we celebrate, and the stories that are told through (and IN) every bottle. Cheers! I’ll definitely drink to that.
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