Last October 13, 2012 I attended Wine Depot’s The Festival 2012 held at the main ballroom of New World Hotel in Makati City. This festival is in line with the celebration of Philippine Wine and Food Week that happened from October 8 to 14, 2012.
Wine Depot’s The Festival offers its guests with the best taste of the world through bringing in wine makers and gourmet experts from most celebrated brands in one venue. On their 8th year, The Festival boasts of wine booths with 200 fine wines from 27 regions. Gourmet booths that served variety of high quality cheeses, homemade breads, and Iberian cured ham were also present during the festival.
It was my first time to attend Wine Depot’s The Festival and I noticed that it has somehow similar to the usual food festivals that I have been to. Guests are given a paper bag containing a wine glass which will serve as their access to tasting the wines being served, a little booklet they called passport which contains information about the participating brands, an order form for those who would want to purchase wines, and a pencil they can use to fill up their forms.
Internationally acclaimed winemakers, experts, and brand ambassadors were present on each booth that gave chance for the guests to have a little chat while enjoying the wine they offer. I, personally have met several winemakers and representatives and had a chance to talk to them about their wines, business, and the best food that their wines can be paired with.
During the event, when I told Chef Angelo Comsti that I am big on sweet wines, he recommends that I visit Banrock Station (Australia) and try their Moscato. When I did, it was indeed love at first sip. Too bad they ran out of stock during the festival so I wasn't able to buy some. But it's a good reason to visit Wine Depot soon.
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| Banrock Station Moscato's aroma is that of citrusy charateristic of lemon and grapefruit. While the taste is a perfect blending of pineapple and passion fruit. Best paired with desserts, cheese, and summer salads. |
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| Banrock Station and Grosset Off-dry Riesling |
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| Cosecheros Y Criadores Infinitus (Spain) |
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| Backhouse Cabarnet Sauvignon and Merlot / Tulloch's Chardonnay, Verdelho and Late Picked Verdelho |
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| Grant Burge Barossa |
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| Veramonte (Chile) |
Aside from the festive flow of wine, people also feast on the gourmet booths offering goodies that are all perfect wine partners. Vitoria Gourmet Coffee, Santa Vittoria Still Italian Mineral Water and Sparkling Drinks also had booths for those who want to have a break from their wine feast.
Also tagged as the biggest sale of the year, Wine Depot’s The Festival guests were given access to what I deem as the most awesome wine sale I have been to. Prices were cut to as much as 50% off and people have gone really crazy purchasing their favorite wines. Although they have run out of my favorite Banrock Station Moscato, it is comforting to know that they do sell it at Wine Depot branches.
Wine Depot’s The Festival 2012 was indeed a grand affair for food and wine aficionados. It is a rare experience to meet the makers or even the representatives of your favorite wines so festivals like these are one of those that should not be missed. With that, I cannot wait for the next year’s Wne Depot’s festival.
Wine Depot’s The Festival 2012 is supported by media partners; Asian Food Channel, Business World, BW High Life, HerWord.com, and Nissan as its official transport partner.
Wine Depot Philippines
Website: www.winedepot.com.ph
