Grand wine experience

Wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts, young promising executives, leaders in the hospitality business, top honchos of the tourism industry and lovers of the good life gathered at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel to celebrate the much anticipated 2nd Grand Wine Experience in Cebu.

Considered to be Southeast Asia’s biggest and most sophisticated wine tasting event, guests enjoyed an evening of unadulterated indulgence.

Distinguished host Johnny Revilla, together with event organizers, the Joseph brothers, Bobby, Ralph, Ronnie and Raymond of Philippine Wine Merchants and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits invited everyone to partake, savor and enjoy the over 200 different excellent wines and spirits  from 14 countries.

Ever innovative, chef Luke Gagnon and his team simply outdid themselves with the lavish spread they laid out. There were different food stations, from  sushis and sashimis, open-faced tea sandwiches of pate and salmon, cheese, to carving stations of roasted leg of lamb, roast sirloin, and a variety of salads.

This year’s event showcased high-end wines and spirits such as Remy Martin, VSOP. XO, Fundador Exclusivo, Absolut Vodka, Jim Beam, Chivas Regal Royal Salute, Carlos Primero, Jack Daniels, Patron Tequila, Jaegemeifter, Bacardi,  Johnny Walker Red. Black, Green, Blue,  Baileys and Piper’s Hiedsieck and bubbly  Moet and Chandon Champagne.  This sensory overload was further enhanced by the charming models who graciously served the drinks.

Inside the grand ballroom, the mood was festive as guests such as Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña. Vice Mayor Michael Rama, Department of Tourism Regional Director Dawnie Roa, wine connoisseur Dondi Joseph, Bailli Delegue of the Philippines Michel Lhuillier and his philanthropist wife Amparito, working socialite Marguerite Lhuillier, enterprising realtors Ato and Gigi Alvarez, trend setters June Alegrado and Grace Selma, hoteliers, Hans Hauri,  of Marco Polo Plaza,  Roy Abraham, of Marriott Hotel, Baby Ignacio, of Montebello Villa Hotel, rose fearlessly to the challenge of sampling as many varieties of wine as possible.

It was a night of bountiful celebrations as fabulous  prizes were raffled off to lucky winners. Indeed the successful event far exceeded everyone’s expectations.