Wine and epiphanies of form

MANILA, Philippines - There is the combination of wine and great literature — writers of the first water have been known to bleed their love of wine via ink on paper. There’s wine and great music — just listen to Jeff Buckley’s Lilac Wine or Neil Diamond’s Red, Red Wine subsequently covered by UB40. But then there’s the pairing of wine and great art.

“Wine and the works by the masters — it takes fine taste to appreciate both, an appreciation for the finer things in life,” shares Sari Ortiga, co-owner of The Crucible Gallery together with Randy Young. The Crucible is presenting an exhibition titled “The Art of Wine” currently on view for a month at the mezzanine of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel Manila in Mandaluyong City. The show features the sculptures of National Artists Arturo Luz and BenCab, Lor Calma, Ramon Orlina, Eduardo Castrillo and Jose Mendoza.

Ortiga explains that it takes years upon years for great talent as well as great flavor to emerge.

Raymond Joseph, director for sales of Philippine Wine Merchants, agrees. “Wine-making is also an art in itself. The connection between artists and winemakers is passion. Both are very passionate for what they do.”

Joseph talks about Montes, the featured wine for the opening reception. “Montes is Chile’s first ultra-premium winery. Montes started a wine revolution in the early ’80s (in terms of producing ultra-premium wines). Today, the winery consistently wins awards, beating even the iconic brands of France, Italy and Germany.”

EDSA Shangri-La Manila general manager Patrick Schaub confesses to being both an art lover and a wine lover.

 â€œThis is a great way for our guests to discover something new about art as well as wines. This is a tremendous opportunity to highlight the Filipino masters; EDSA Shangri-La’s way of embracing local culture and provide a platform for artistry. It’s such an inspiration to see the different viewpoints of each artist. The exhibition offers a brilliant discussion point.”

So what does Mick Jagger sing in The Stones’ Salt of The Earth? “Let’s drink to the hardworking people.”