In an elegant ballroom at Fairmont Makati, the air was filled with the fragrance of French wine and spirits as the 2025 edition of Tastin’ France Manila unfolded on April 7. The annual event, organized by CCI France Philippines in collaboration with Business France through Team France Export, showcased the breadth of France’s viticultural and distillation heritage to a discerning Filipino trade audience.

More than just a tasting, the event celebrated the cultural and commercial bridge between France and the Philippines, fostering dialogue, discovery, and trade through the shared language of wine.

French wine regions take the spotlight
Fifteen exhibitors flew in to represent an impressive lineup of French wine and spirits producers. From the delicate whites of Alsace to the bold reds of Bordeaux, attendees sampled wines from some of France’s most celebrated appellations.

Among the participants was Aurélie Le Digabel of Alliance Alsace, Michaël Roy of Vignobles et Vins Picard showcasing Bourgogne and Rhône Valley bottles, and Christophe Semaska, representing his namesake Domaine from the Rhône Valley. The Languedoc region was well-represented by Damien Bazin and Nicolas Vellas of Vignobles Vellas, alongside Laurent Doyle from Domaine de Daurion.

From Bordeaux, Couregges Wines sent Stéphane Correges and Akima Courregese, while Les Hauts de Palette and The Wine Merchant were represented by Henri Yung and Charles-Henri Dumas, respectively. Spirits producers, including Cognac F. Voyer, Famille Cabanne, and SARL Seguinot & Cie, added depth to the showcase with their artisanal cognacs and spirits.

Each booth transformed into a miniature vignette of its origin region, offering guests a chance to experience the nuances of France’s diverse terroirs.

Insight into the Philippine wine market
The event began with a market presentation detailing key data and consumer trends within the Philippine wine industry, followed by a panel discussion featuring four notable voices in the local market.

Panelists included Mathieu Gendre, portfolio manager at Winery.ph; Jean-Philippe Guillot, general manager of AWC and Winedrop; Simon Côté, managing partner of Dr. Wine and founder of High Proof; and Julian Gagliardi, general manager of Happy Living.

Their dialogue underscored the rising interest in wine among Filipino consumers, highlighting new opportunities for growth and distribution in a market traditionally dominated by spirits and beer.

A sensory journey and industry exchange
French delegates were also given a closer look at local retail dynamics with visits to Rustan’s Marketplace in Rockwell and Winedrop Makati. These excursions provided context to how wines are shelved, marketed, and purchased in the Philippine retail scene.

Following these retail visits, attendees returned to Fairmont for a lunch reception, where they were welcomed by Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines, and Kevin Charuel, managing director of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines.

The afternoon session featured the highly anticipated wine tasting, where over 100 professionals—from importers and distributors to restaurateurs and sommeliers—tasted, evaluated, and explored new potential partnerships.

Bridging cultures through wine
Tastin’ France Manila 2025 was not merely a trade event—it was a celebration of connection. As glasses clinked and conversations flowed, it became clear that wine, in all its complexity, has the remarkable ability to create community across borders.

The event concluded on a high note, with guests leaving not only with business cards and samples but with a deeper appreciation for France’s enduring legacy in winemaking and distillation.

In the end, Tastin’ France 2025 stood as a testament to the transformative power of a single glass—its ability to educate, inspire, and connect.