Some studies revealed that Filipinos’ wine consumption increases by 10% each year. With this, Wine Depot opens its doors to Pinoys of today who are getting more comfortable when it comes to vintage drinking, as they scour for alternative alcoholic drinks other than their own beer, rice wine, and lambanog (coconut wine). Photography by Jerome Apostol

Let’s Toast to That!
Gone are the days when wine drinking is just for the elite and the experts. Thanks to the influx of various wine shops, making vintage more accessible to more and more Filipinos, young and young-once alike, who are now discovering the wonders of sipping a glass of red or white wine while having a great meal. Thus, the launch of Wine Depot, the country's wine superstore, is some good news to both die-hard wine drinkers and novices. As the leading advocate of wine appreciation in the Philippines, Wine Depot hosted a series of wine-tasting events, dubbed “Toast 2007: The Wine and Food Festival,” which roved around various hotels in Manila. Recent stopover was at Cats Disco of the Renaissance Makati Hotel. Aptly called “The Not Too Serious Wine Dinner,” the night was an opportunity for attendees to drink, chat, and party with Aussie vintners Jock Tulloch, business development manager of Tulloch (est. 1895) and Tony Ingle, senior winemaker of Angove’s (who also developed Angove’s finest flavors like Nine Vines, Red Belly Black and Vineyard Select). Aside from the overflowing booze, also feasted on during the evening was a sumptuous buffet prepared by Renaissance’s executive chef Colin Healy. Topping Chef Healy’s must-pair-with-wine recommendations were: cheese and Tulloch Pokolbin Dry Red 2005, salmon and Angove’s Clare Valley Riesling 2006, sweet crepe with Angove’s Regent Brut Pino Noir Chardonnay, and savory crepe with Tulloch Verdelho. That night, we became witnesses to the adage, “Eat, drink, and be merry.” So shall we say then, let’s toast to that?

Still thinking of what to give your folks and dear friends this yule season? A bottle of wine makes a perfect present. Rush to the Wind Depot, which carries thousands of wines and over 50 brands from nine known wine-producing countries. Wine Depot has showroom located on N. Garcia (former Reposo), Makati City. Other outlets are in West Gate in Alabang and Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. For inquiries, phone (2) 889 4889 or log on to winedepot.com.ph

Planning Christmas dinner at home?
Want to get hold of the complete menu prepared by executive chef Colin Healy?
Grab a copy of Appetite Dec-Jan 2008 issue and have yourself a very merry Christmas.

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