On its 22nd edition, the Grand Wine Experience returns with over 1,000 reasons to time travel
The recent press conference for the 22nd Grand Wine Experience was proof—again—that this isn’t just another wine event. It’s the wine event, mounted by Philippine Wine Merchants, the country’s most established and forward-thinking purveyor of fine wines and spirits. Even the media teaser felt like a mini masterclass-slash-reunion-slash-gastronomic flex. But it barely scratched the surface of what’s coming on November 14, when the Manila Marriott Hotel’s Grand Ballroom transforms into a full-blown vinous voyage.
There’s a reason this event is locked in as a yearly must on my calendar. Somehow, each edition finds a way to top the last—more bottles, more brilliance, and that unmistakable pulse you only get when passion, not profit, is running the show.
Sip happens—make it count
Yes, let’s talk about the elephant in the tasting room: ₱9,500 for a ticket. I get it. But before you clutch your pearls, here’s the truth—if you’re even remotely serious about wine, spirits, sake, or simply there for the world-class dining, this is the smartest splurge (with the best bang for buck) you’ll make all year.
It may seem a lot, but here’s what you’re actually paying for:
- 1,000+ pours—from rare vintages to cult favorites, classic terroirs to experimental gems, plus standout spirits, sakes, and brews that deserve just as much swirl and sip
- Chef-driven food stations that could easily double as a standalone fine dining event (seriously, this spread is wall-to-wall gastronomy. Trust me on this, the Manila Marriott’s Executive Chef Meik Brammer always goes above and beyond)
- Direct access to the rockstars of the wine world—winemakers, importers, collectors, sommeliers, brewers
- Live entertainment and that signature GWE party vibe (because yes, you will be dancing. AMP Big Band, the country’s top big band, never disappoints) )
- And this is important: No per-pour fees. No drink tokens. Just unlimited, uncapped exploration.
The theme? Time travel. And yes, it works
This year’s theme—Time Travel—is more than a clever tagline. Think: tastings that show how a wine evolves over time, bottles that reach into the ancient, old, and new worlds. Every pour becomes a portal. Every sip, a little déjà vu across an elegant epicurean bridge.
At the preview, we sampled some serious vino—including 2015 vintages that reminded us how provenance and patience can turn grapes into poetry. We weren’t just drinking wine—we were drinking where it came from.
And true to PWM tradition, this event won’t just dazzle—it’ll educate. The winemakers, brand principals, and other key personalities behind the pours will be right there, ready to talk shop, share stories, and answer the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. That kind of access is uncommon. And incredibly valuable.
So, come curious. Bring a notebook or your favorite wine app. Don’t be shy about asking questions. This is the moment to taste and ask boldly—to drink deeply of the entire experience.
Meet the Josephs, your hosts on this vinous voyage
At the heart of it all is the Joseph family, the founders and force of Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM)—the team behind this annual bacchanalia. As hosts, the Josephs aren’t just curators—they’re conversation-starters. They don’t just bring the juice; they bring the heart. Always present, always gracious, always excited to talk shop, taste with you, or point you toward a bottle you’ve never heard of but won’t soon forget. It’s a true family affair, with multiple generations—and yes, the formidable wives—working in seamless sync to deliver events that are as welcoming as they are world-class. And that intergenerational energy shows. It’s one reason PWM gatherings consistently attract a vibrant, cross-generational crowd where learning, discovery, and good fun flow as freely as the wine.
The Josephs and the PWM team have turned what could have been a highbrow, intimidating affair into a welcoming, joy-fueled celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just wine-inquisitive, GWE is the ultimate tasting terrain—a place to explore, indulge, and learn without limits. But mind you, this is far from your typical tasting tableaux. It’s lively, unpretentious, and wonderfully social—the fanciest, most delicious kind of deep dive, served with a wink and zero snobbery.
One night only, all in
Here’s what you need to know before you go:
- What: The 22nd Grand Wine Experience
- When: Friday, 14 November 2025 | Doors open 5:00 PM
- Where: Marriott Grand Ballroom, Marriott Manila Hotel, Newport World Resorts
- How much: ₱9,500 | Worth. Every. Peso.
- Tickets: grandwineexperience.com
(Heads up: this event sells out every year. Don’t sleep on it.)
The best kind of indulgence
One epic night. One all-inclusive ticket. You’ll walk in intrigued and leave a little more inspired, a lot more knowledgeable—and quite possibly dancing as you go and high-fiving new friends you’ve made. Because this event isn’t just built on labels; it’s built on legacy. On culture, connection, and the kind of collective passion that has made the Grand Wine Experience one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious—and most joyfully unmissable—annual gatherings.
November 14 is coming fast. Ready to time travel?
Stay tuned to PWM’s socials and Expat Travel and Lifestyle Magazine for more insider coverage as the date draws near.
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