Indulge in Over 700 Wines and Spirits at The 19th Grand Wine Experience

The Grand Wine Experience is one of the most-awaited drinking events that seasoned drinkers and even casual imbibers look forward to each year. Now on its 19th year, the Grand Wine Experience promises to be one of those outrageously fun nights we won’t soon forget (depending on how much you drink). 

The brainchild of the Joseph brothers, Bobby, Ronnie, Ralph, and Raymond, of Philippine Wine Merchants, the Grand Wine Experience, has steadily grown into one of the biggest wines and spirits event in Southeast Asia and one of the most-awaited drinking events of the year. 

This year’s Grand Wine Experience (GWE) features over 700 varieties of alcohol from over 100 wineries, breweries, and distilleries from 20 countries, plus a decadent buffet. This year’s theme is Generations, highlighting the story of wine as a legacy since heritage in winemaking plays across generations in vineyards and the families that cultivate them.

“We connect it to the wine trade, connect it to wine philosophy, and we connect it to life,” shares Philippine Wine Merchants’ director of marketing Ronnie Joseph about the theme. “That’s why we also asked (Manila Marriott Hotel) executive chef Meik Brammer that this year’s recipes should be the ones passed down from his family, so it’s all connected to the theme.”

The Grand Wine Experience is famous for both its astounding selection of drinks and its show-stopping exhibits of food. “We’ll have the usual: single-line caught tuna, your favorite canapes, our famous ribeye, our cheese bar,” shares Marriott executive chef Meik Brammer. Chef Meik will also be serving a German version of a bulalo (Filipino beef stew).  

2019 is GWE’s 8th year at the Marriott. “We’re committed to serving, engaging, and satisfying our guests,” says Marriott’s director of food and beverage, Mohamed Ali. “You can expect nothing but the best for this event coming up.” He also announced that they would be launching a new ballroom next year, a 3,800-seat at the top of the current grand ballroom.

Wine lovers can expect new vintages and new varieties of wines and champagne. New additions to the astounding wine selection include wines from Greece, Israel, and China. Add to that some of the best spirits from well-known brands, tasty cocktails (watch out for Hennessy’s Milk Tea cocktail), beers, and the top sakes from 14 legendary sake breweries from 11 prefectures in Japan. It’s not an exaggeration to say that there is something for everybody. 

The GWE differs from other drink expos, as there is no selling component. It’s more of a big party where people drink and eat and mingle and have fun to their heart’s content for a night. The good thing is that while Philippine Wine Merchants is the one responsible for this momentous event, the featured wines and spirits aren’t just from their company. Different suppliers from the spirit and wine industry will come together for this event.

The enduring theme of the Grand Wine Experience is that of celebration. Everyone involved is passionate about creating an unforgettable experience for everyone that is also great value for money. That’s why people keep coming back, and they bring their friends and family to take part in such a fun affair. The big event is a one-night-only thing, so best to plan and clear your schedule for the evening and the next day (for much-needed recovery).

The 19th Great Wine Experience is happening on November 15, 2019, at The Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel, Resorts World Manila. Doors open at 5:30. Tickets are Php 6,500 per person. For more information and to register, go to www.grandwineexperience.com.