Mucking Around Manila: Robert Mondavi Wines are the New Affordable Luxury

With Christmas parties in full swing, bringing a bottle of wine as a host's gift can get pretty daunting, especially if you know nothing about wine and your host is a self-proclaimed connoisseur, or really is one - then you're in trouble! Wines can also be quite expensive, which would make anyone think twice before purchasing a bottle to give as a friendly gesture or to enjoy at home.

My go to bottle of vino nowadays that seems to make everyone happy and happens to also easy on the monthly wine budget is anything from Robert Mondavi - I have developed a special fondness for their whites and their Moscato - and lo and behold, I got invited to their exclusive wine tasting to celebrate the brand at Greenbelt 5, compliments of Future Trades International.

Robert Mondavi wines originated from Napa Valley, Oakville, California in 1966. The brand has established a reputation for being one of the finest producers of Cabernet Sauvignon selections in the world. Their wines are product of fine innovation, complexity and elegance with the use California vineyard grapes.

Along with the wine pairing we were served appetizers to pair with our favorite glasses of vino, to pick and choose what wines we would be our new favorite.

We were graced by the presence of James Du Vivire, CEO of FTI Wines; Eric Khan, Marketing Director for FTI Wines; Samantha Befus of Constellation Brands (distributors of Robert Mondavi); and Samuel Oliver Jeveons, Robert Mondavi brand ambassador, were present to thank the guest who supported the event.

The wines sampled at the party were bottles of Robert Mondavi Woodbridge: Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. I personally was attracted to the White Zinfandel for it's light, crisp, refreshing taste.

The special bottles that made a one night appearance that night came from the Robert Mondavi Private Selection: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

To set the mood for the occasion of wine sipping and wine networking, the Capo band was there to serenade the guests with some soothing jazz music. The price of the wines are pretty affordable and can be found in almost all supermarkets nationwide. My favorite place to shop for wine is Metro supermarket where they have small notes on the shelves to describe the wine, for you to make an informed decision when picking out a bottle.

When mucking around Manila and looking for a bottle of good wine, skip the 7-11 and head for an SM, Market! Market!, or Rustans and check out Robert Mondavi's selection of wines! If you find their Moscato, try pairing a glass with dessert and I promise you, you will never eat dessert the same way ever again.

Just mucking around Manila,