Cebu’s bon vivants troop to Grand Wine Experience

Wine connoisseurs, movers of industries and young promising executives, leaders of business and commerce, top honchos of the tourism industry and generally genuine lovers of the good life gathered at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel to celebrate the much anticipated Second 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 of, savor and enjoy the over 200 different excellent wines 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, sushi and sashimi, open-faced tea sandwiches of pate and salmon, a selection of cheese and a variety of salads to carving stations of roasted leg of lamb and roast sirloin.

This year’s event showcased the world’s most desired 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, Jaegermeister, Bacardi, Johnny Walker Red, Black, Green and Blue, Baileys, Piper’s Hiedsieck and Moët et Chandon champagne. This sensory overload was further enhanced by the charming models who graciously served the drinks.

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 Lhuillier, working socialite Marguerite Lhuillier, enterprising realtors Ato and Gigi Alvarez, trendsetters June Alegrado and Grace Selma, hoteliers Hans Hauri of Marco Polo Plaza, Roy Abraham of Marriott Hotel, and Baby Ignacio of Montebello Villa Hotel, rose fearlessly to the challenge of sampling as many glasses 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.