Highlights from the California Wine Institute Fall Asia Vintners Tour - Manila 2023

The California Wine Institute launched its Fall Vintners Tour 2023 and marked its last tour in Manila on October 23, 2023, at Shangri-La Fort. The main highlight of the tour is the masterclass, where the speaker serves as the American Wine Specialist for JancisRobinson.com, global wine educator, and wine writer, Ms. Elaine Chukan Brown. Followed by a tasting session in the next room that features over 150 wines for trade and media.

Masterclass Insights by Elaine Chukan Brown

I must say that Elaine Chukan Brown is a great speaker. At our table, we had 8 glasses of wine with different vintages on them, and she was able to discuss every wine very well. Elaine also discusses how climate affects the harvesting of grapes and how the land has a significant impact on the wine itself. Attending a class like this is good because you get to feed your mind with new experiences from what you have learned and from what the experts teach you. Indeed California wines are great; that’s why if California were a country, it would be placed fourth among the leading wine-producing countries in the world.

The following wines were featured during the masterclass:

Tasting Notes and Personal Favorites

During the masterclass, my personal favorite was the Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2021; it has a bright acidity yet is tolerable. On the palate, it has a berry-fruit taste and earthy characteristics. It is recommended for wine beginners. Next on the spot is the Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Fault Estate Pinot Noir 2021. When you smell it, the aroma is earthy with a touch of mint. While on the palate, it delivers a juicy, concentrated taste that is persistent, showcasing the wine’s exceptional depth.

On the third is the Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2019, which smells like cherry and rose, is a bit dry on the mid-palate, and is rich in tannins that leave a spicy finish. Finally on my top 4 is Calera Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir, Ryan Vineyard 2019. It has an expressive aroma of sweetness, like plum, with a hint of pepper. I must say this wine is food-friendly because it has this earthy taste that goes along well on the palate.

Upcoming Wine Events in Manila

Manila Uncorked 2023

Philippine Sommelier Association is proud to present the 4th annual Manila Uncorked 2023, an extraordinary wine-tasting experience that brings together Manila’s wine suppliers in a fun and casual party atmosphere as they showcase well-curated wines from around the world. Manila Uncorked 2023 will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Enderun Tent, 1100 Campus Avenue, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Apart from the tastings that will feature over 300 selections of wines, various activities will take place during the thus well-awaited event. This year’s Manila Uncorked celebrates our return post-pandemic with a wider variety of selections, including sake and natural wines. The highlight of the evening is a “Chef Throwdown,” where two chefs battle against each other to showcase their food and wine pairing skills.

The 20th Grand Wine Experience

The 20th edition of the largest public wine event in Southeast Asia will be held on November 17, Friday at The Grand Ballroom of Marriott. As the ultimate destination for wine and spirits lovers, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts, the Grand Wine Experience is the biggest and most prestigious event of its kind in Southeast Asia. Experience an exceptional evening with unlimited tastings of over a thousand premium wines, whiskies, gins, rums, sakes, and beers from top global producers while indulging in an all-you-can-eat gourmet buffet, live music, and expert guidance enriching your knowledge and appreciation of wines and spirits. There will be over 1,000 award-winning wines, spirits, sakes, and beers from around the world, curated by experts and presented by renowned winemakers and distillers.