The presence of wine at gatherings goes back several centuries and I am certain that our ancestors began to analyze and discuss its many benefits shortly after they discovered its gifts to enhance the quality of life.
Wine highlights a wide range of international cuisines, from the simply and truly traditional to the utterly sophisticated and most innovative.
Wherever you are, at the privacy of a wine party among close friends, or at the popular reknown winery, wine tasting can be fun, lots of fun, and highly educational.
A perfect opportunity presented itself when Bacchus Wines International and Shangri La Mactan Resort and Spa recently hosted the Cebuanos to an evening of excellent wine featuring selections from the great vineyards of the world.
On hand to personally welcome guests were wine connoisseurs Alexander and Clifford Lichaytoo of Bacchus, and the hotel’s general manager Raymond Bragg, and F & B director Darren Conole.
Also present were reputable winemakers and representatives of well known brands such as Laroche, Catena Zapata, Ferngrove, Bordeaux Gran Crus, Paul Jaroulet Aine, Rupet and Rothchild, Henri Bourgeois, WArre’s Michele Chiarlo, Umberto Cesari, Garofoli, Highfield Estate, Mantellassi, Bisol, Pighin, Graham’s Carpineto, Dow’s, and Tommasi .
From a starting collection of 2,000 bottles, Bacchus now manages a full warehouse of over 300 labels. It imports wine directly from the old vineyards in Europe such as France and Italy and from new players such as Napa Valley in California, Chile, and Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia, and South Africa.
The Lichaytoo brothers say, “We personally know the vineyard owners and we value our relationships. To fully enjoy a particular glass of wine one must among many things, learn the wine makers philosophies and its interesting heritage”
Among the attendees were restaurateurs Ato and Gigi Alvarez, Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, hotelier Baby Ignacio, Casino Español de Cebu GM Ed Tongco, fashion designers Arcy Gayatin and Jun Escario, food critic Debbie Enriquez, SM’s Marissa Fernan, wine connoisseur Corinne Joseph, party couples Horst and Queenie Amman, Juergen and Sandra Pesch Greg and Agnes Huettel, and sought after optometrist Yong Larrazabal and his lovely wife Donna Cruz.
Everyone agreed it was a great way to spend an evening, and let’s not forget the cheese and appetizers that perfectly complemented the magical beverage.