MAKATI CITY, Philippines—More than a beverage, wines and spirits are a shared language and the heart of vibrant communities. One glass can resurface conversations, create friendships, and bring cultures together. Tastin’ France Manila 2025 has again achieved this essence by bringing together French wine and spirits producers with Filipino importers, distributors, and retailers for an opportunity to learn more about the wine and spirit industry in the Philippines.
Held on April 7, the wine and spirit tasting event was made possible thanks to Team France Export through the collaboration between the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines and Business France. The event, which was held at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, introduced 15 exhibitors who represented various French wine regions and brought diverse tastes and flavors for the guests to try at the trade event.
Tastin’ France Manila 2025 began with a market presentation which discussed data and insights of the Philippine wine market. Alongside this presentation was a panel discussion with four guest speakers who shared their thoughts on the country’s wine & spirits market. These panelists were Mathieu Gendre the Portfolio Manager of Winery.ph, Jean-Philippe Guillot the General Manager of AWC and Winedrop, Simon Côté the Managing Partner of Dr. Wine and Founder of High Proof, and Julian Gagliardi the General Manager of Happy Living.
Upon conclusion of the market presentation, the French delegates embarked on a journey to visit retail outlets that were considered popular options for purchasing wines. Their first stop was at Rustan’s Marketplace, a grocery shop in Rockwell Makati. Afterward, they explored a local wine store, Winedrop Makati. By observing these stores, the delegates gained invaluable insights into how wine is presented and perceived in the Philippines— bringing them a nuanced understanding of the local consumer and market.
Following that busy and productive morning, guests were treated to an exquisite lunch at the hotel before they proceeded to engage in the afternoon session—the wine-tasting portion. This commenced with an inspiring address from Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, the Ambassador of France to the Philippines, and welcoming remarks from Kevin Charuel, Managing Director of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines. Over 100 participants of a diverse mix of French exhibitors, seasoned professionals, and enthusiastic connoisseurs embarked on a sensory journey through the heart of France’s viticultural heritage.
The wine exhibitors at the event represented a diverse range of French wine regions. From the Alsace region, Aurélie Le Digabel represented Alliance Alsace. Vignobles et Vins Picard, represented by Michaël Roy, showcased wines from the Bourgogne & Rhône Valley Region. The Bourgogne & Languedoc region was represented by Erwan Lacoste from Delaunay Vins & Domaines. Domaine Christophe Semaska, represented by Christophe Semaska, presented wines from the Rhône Valley Region, as did Laury Brisoire from Marrenon. Le Sang Des Seigneurs, represented by Christophe Vaudou, offered wines from the Rhône Valley & Languedoc Region. Château de L’Ou, represented by Séverine Burgueyre, came from the Roussillon Region. The Languedoc Region was represented by both Laurent Doyle from Domaine de Daurion and Damien Bazin with Nicolas Vellas from Vignobles Vellas. Finally, from the Bordeaux Region, Stéphane Correges and Akima Courregese represented Couregges Wines, Henri Yung represented Les Hauts de Palette, and Charles-Henri Dumas represented The Wine Merchant.
In addition to the exceptional wines presented, distinguished French spirits producers were also present. These included Cognac F. Voyer, represented by Morgan Moutet; Famille Cabanne – Cognac & Spiriteux, represented by Nicolas Poursat; and SARL Seguinot & Cie, represented by Philippe Seguinot.
Each exhibitor represented a distinct French region— turning the ballroom into a portal to France’s unique terroirs. The guests savored unique flavors of wines and spirits while connecting through meaningful conversations over glasses of wine. This event was a vibrant toast towards strengthening trade and cultural relations between France and Philippines and a testament to the enduring power of a single glass.
As each exhibitor represented a distinct French region the ballroom turned into a portal to France’s unique terroirs. Here, the guests connected through meaningful conversations as they savored unique flavors of wines and spirits. Tastin’ France Manila 2025 was a vibrant toast towards strengthening trade and cultural relations between France and Philippines and a testament to the enduring power of a single glass.
We would like to thank our media partners, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, DrinkCollectiv, Manila Bulletin, The Manila Times, and WhenInManila.com whose platforms played an instrumental role in amplifying the rich stories and flavors of the event.
