Not Your Snooty Wine Party

There's no other drink in the world that has such a "leisurely" repuation. And rightly so, wine was created to be enjoyed in a place where you and your wine can breathe... and you can dress down... and lay back... and maybe even walk barefoot... like in a garden...

Secret Garden: You wouldn't think to find this quaint spot behind Wine Depot in Reposo.

An unfussy setting for an al fresco dinner

The Voyage Estate Garden Party is, I think, the perfect example of why parties that serve good wine and fine food need not be black-tie-stuffy or annoyingly snobbish.

The casual set-up at Purple Feet was more a backyard family dinner than an actual restaurant. Long, rustic, linen-less wooden tables were filled with both long-time friends and acquaintances. Probably the only thing everyone had in common was an appreciation for wine.

Guests started arriving as early as 6 pm

The agenda was pretty simple: to taste the Voyager Estate Shiraz 2007 that beat the $550 Penfolds Grange in a respected wine guide.

One of the first guests... Jomi Deveras and Selina Gecolea

Mr. and Mrs. John Casey

Tony and Jacqueline Alleje

Line 'em up: Voyager Estate Shiraz 05, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and the controversial Shiraz 07. 

The atmosphere was as light as the Chenin Blanc paired with a mild sour mango and carrot soup - first on the menu. 

More people started pouring in later on when a second round of wine, the Voyager Estate Chardonnay went around with the appetizer of Mesclun Cigars with honeydew goat curd.

Come the main course of Wagyu top blade, everyone was loosened up and engaged in lively conversation about everything under the moon.  

Super tender Wagyu melts in your mouth

Assuming that not everyone is a connoisseur who knows the difference between a Shiraz 2005 with the Penguin Good award-winning Shiraz 2007, glasses came with a little disc labels at the base, to differentiate each one – another conversation starter that sparked more friendly banter.

 Toast club members Othmar Ober, Lawrence Martin, Richard Barclay and Robert Jenkins

 

Amy Yap, Poch Robles and Leny Reyes

Christina Mendoza and Shai Villalon

And more happy couples were spotted enjoying the evening al fresco...

Brian and Rebecca Forrester

Tim and Loriann Staermose

Daniel and Sally Pena

The verdict, this garden party that opened the year will be the first of many well-attended ones. And for P950 per head, even the price isn't too high-brow for my taste.