This year, Anya Resort Tagaytay invites diners on a culinary journey around the world with a curated wine dinner series at Samira by Chele, showcasing the finest wines from iconic regions in Spain, France, and the United States.
What’s better than traveling to Spain for a Friday night dinner? If jetting off isn’t on the agenda, you can still indulge in its flavors—letting the power of gastronomy transport you there. That’s the essence of Anya Resort’s new Anya Wine Dinner Series, a quarterly celebration of cuisine and fine wines from around the world.
Held at their signature restaurant, Samira by Chele—helmed by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Chele Gonzalez—the dinner series brings a world of flavors to Tagaytay. The first of four dinners took place on February 28, 2025, highlighting wines from Ribera del Duero, a Spanish province known for its high-quality grape varietals.
“Anya Resort Tagaytay and Samira by Chele have an extensive wine cellar, and we thought this would be a great way to showcase different wine regions,” shared Anya’s General Manager Mikel Arriet. “Ribera del Duero is one of Spain’s most important wine regions, home to some of its most prestigious and expensive wines. Known for their elegance and full-bodied character, these wines are primarily made from Tempranillo, though the region has also embraced other grape varieties over time.”
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More Than Just a Dinner
Since the evening promised an indulgent feast, why not make a weekend of it? Anya Resort Tagaytay offered the perfect setting for an extended escape before and after the Spanish feast. Before dinner, guests pampered themselves at the Niyama Wellness Center or simply sat back and enjoyed the spacious suites and seamless hospitality of Anya’s exceptionally trained staff—all dedicated to making their stay effortless and relaxing. After all, the resort wasn’t recognized at the 2024 World Luxury Awards for nothing.
After a refreshing dip in the pool, it was time to get ready for dinner. Cocktail hour at the bar began at 5:30 PM, giving guests a chance to enjoy a drink of their choice before an evening of fine wine and dining. The doors to Samira by Chele opened once the kitchen was ready, marking the start of a remarkable culinary journey—transporting guests to another land through the art of cuisine.
Salmon & Tapioca Crackers; Anya Resort General Manager Mikel Arriet helmed the kitchen that evening; Gambas and Mushroom Al Ajillo
Spain On Your Lips
The Ribera del Duero dinner featured authentic Spanish dishes with Chef Chele Gonzalez’s signature touch, paired with wines curated by sommeliers Pierre and Cyril Adison. The first of six courses was a trifecta of delicate bites: Salmon & Tapioca Crackers, which had a crisp bite yet melted in the mouth; Bulalo Crispy Tacos, a delightful Spanish take on the beloved Tagaytay mainstay; and Txistorra Takoyaki, showcasing the succulent red sausage from Spain’s Basque region. These three bites were paired with the elegant Franck Massard, Mas Sardana, Cava Brut Nature—a sparkling wine that, while not from Ribera del Duero, the sommeliers assured was the perfect way to begin the Spanish feast.
The second course, Fresh Coconut & Snapper Ceviche, paired beautifully with Bodegas Valduero Blanco del Albillo 2022, a native white grape varietal from the Ribera del Duero region. Its aromas of pineapple and grapefruit perfectly complemented the richness of the coconut milk.
This was followed by Gambas and Mushroom Al Ajillo, a savory dish featuring large, perfectly grilled shrimp and king oyster mushrooms. It was paired with Arzuaga Rosae 2023, a refreshing, dry, pink-hued wine that many agreed was their favorite of the night. Santi Elizalde, President of Roxaco Land Corporation, noted that this might be his favorite dish of the evening.
Charred Pulpo; Lamb Shank Stew paired with Cruz de Alba Reserva Fuentelún
Full But Happy
A bottle of Bodegas Viñedos Valderiz 2021 was opened for the next course. This dense purple wine is considered iconic for its vineyard, capturing its identity, heritage, and terroir in a single sip. Its balance of fruit, earth, and minerals on the palate complemented the Charred Pulpo, coated in black-ink bread crumbs and resting atop homemade ali-olio.
The penultimate course featured a generous portion of Lamb Shank Stew. Though everyone was already full, they knew it was too good to resist. The rich aroma of the stew filled the air, carrying notes of its beautifully braised broth—wine and tomato, vinegar, bay leaf, and thyme. It paired perfectly with Cruz de Alba Reserva Fuentelún, an intense, silky, and complex wine aged for 20 months in French oak
Just when everyone thought the culinary showcase had ended, the kitchen doors flung open to reveal a live demonstration. A barista prepared Anya’s signature decaffeinated coffee right before our eyes, pouring a special concoction into a large metal pot before flambéing it. The performance was worthy of applause, especially as it was served alongside a rich dessert: Torrija & Latik Ice Cream.
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A live demonstration showcased the creation of Anya Resort Tagaytay’s signature decaffeinated coffee, which was paired with Torrija & Latik Ice Cream.
The Start of a Culinary Journey
When dinner concluded, the talented kitchen team, waitstaff, sommeliers, and chefs all came out for a well-earned round of applause. Group photos were taken before Marilen Elizalde, Santi’s wife, jokingly encouraged everyone to walk back to their rooms to burn off some extra calories before bed. While her remark earned a few chuckles, everyone agreed it was probably the right thing to do.
Guests went to bed happy and satisfied, not only dreaming of a good night’s rest but also reminiscing about the Spanish delicacies that had delighted their palates. Another thing on their minds? The next Anya Wine Dinner. Following the Ribera del Duero dinner will be ‘French Discovery’ in June, ‘American Cult Wines’ in September, and ‘Sparkling Discovery’—showcasing the best of Champagne—come November this year.
For reservations to the next Anya Wine Dinner Series, call 0998-995-3630. Visit www.anyaresorts.com for more details.
Photos courtesy of Anya Resort.
