One of my favorite events this year is the fantabulous 16th Grand Wine Experience which happened only last month. Held at the equally grandiose Marriott Grand Ballroom in Resorts World Manila befitting the affair, #GWE2016 is an annual event gathering over 500 eminent wines and spirits in the country’s most prestigious and extravagant wine and spirits event.
Noble Grapes
Organized by the Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM) last November 4, 2016, the 16th Grand Wine Experience proved to be an unforgettable night for wine enthusiasts, experts and novice, alike. The celebration started early with a brief welcoming program at the waiting lounge. The doors of the Marriott Grand Ballroom officially opened at about 6pm.

@ The Lobby of Marriott Grand Ballroom Hotel

The Noble Grape: Wines & Spirits

The Waiting Lounge of the Grand Wine Experience
In the main programme inside the ballroom, the Joseph Brothers, led by PWM President Mr. Ralph Lim Joseph, gave the opening remarks and led the official toast formally opening the Grand Wine Experience 2016 with an orchestra in the background of the stage.
And of course, the stars of the night are the wines and sporots! Among the featured wines and spirits were Remy Martin, Zonin Prosecco, Camus VSOP, Hennessy XO, Glenmorangie 10YO, Patron Tequila Silver, Alfonso Light, Johnnie Walker Red and Johnnie Walker Black, Montes Cab Sauv, Montes Chardonnay, Montgras Reserva Carmenere, Yalumba Y Series Chardonnay, and ladies’ favorite Gossips Moscato Sweet Lips, among others.

Philippine Wine Merchants‘ President Mr. Ralph Lim Joseph

The Orchestra

Remy Martin Team & Friends

Dalmore 46yrs.old – wirth Php 2.5 Millino

Camus VSOP

Gintrification: Fever-Tree Premium Natural Mixers

Jonel Uy of Blogger Manila
Furthermore, a lavish buffet fit for wine pairing filled the venue. A pleasasnt surprise also “fell” on the crowd as a chocolate buffet table also went down from the ceiling like manna coming down from the clouds. Other food included a gigantic paella pot, a lot of premium peking duck, cheese, sausages, tapas, and more
Other wines, spirits, and beers which made the night more exciting included Guntrum Riesling, Stolichnaya Red, Robert Mundavi – Woodbridge, Pebble Lane Sauv Blanc, Elderton E-Series Shiraz & Cabernet, wines from Premier, Citra Sangiovese, Gancia Asti Pinot Di Pinot, Hugo, crowd favorite Rosso Noble Ciocolata, Wente, Pirramimma Shiraz, Angove, Vina Maipo Chardonnay, John Lee Bourbon, Sapporo, Corona Beer, and Dalmore 46YO which is considered as one of the most expensive wines in the world at P2.5M per bottle!

The Chocolate Buffet from the “Heavens“

GWE 2016: Angove

16th Grand Wine Experience Guests

Guests form the Philippines’ Department of Tourism

Our Lovely Host and a brand representative on stage

Keep Walking Philippines
Earlier in the day, masterclasses were held at MGB Executive Rooms 1, 2, 3, also at Marriott Grand Ballroom, Resorts World Manila. Notable speakers included Mark Ramm (Export Manager), Christian Correa (Winemaker: Montgras Intriga), Sofia Kitouni (Asia Marketing Manager Quinta De Maipo Brands), Eduardo Stark (Export Manager, Montes), Adam Knox (The Dalmore Resident Whisky Expert), and Maurizio Bertacchini (Gruppo Italiano Vini Brand Ambassador)
Advance registrants booked online through the organizer website: http://grandwineexperience.com/#registration
Indeed, the Philippine Wine Merchants seemingly have achieved their vision in this year’s gathering which is to be the most illustrious wine event in Southeast Asia.

The Hennessy XO Station

Ms. Melissa De Leon answers questions from the press

Patron Tequila

Montes Wines

Pirramimma Station

Our Manila Bloggers: Ted, Lace, & Azrael

“Rock & Roll” to the World with Digital Circles

Sapporo @ Grand Wine Experience
Philippine Wine Merchant
The Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM) was founded in 1975 by Ralph Lim Joseph. Together with his three brothers- Robert, Ronnie, and Raymond, the Joseph brothers had successfully run the business becoming one of the biggest wine importers and distributors in the country with strong market presence in both on-premise and off-premise sales.
Philippine Wine Merchants
2253 Aurora Blvd. Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1300
Telephone Number: (02) 853 7423
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://grandwineexperience.com/

The Ralph Brothers & Guests of Honor

Blogger Manila congratulates the Philippine Wine Merchants on this Successful Grand Wine Experience

nice wine photos!