We asked people in the business of wine to share their recommendations spanning entry-level to high-range bottles suited for various occasions.
Wine: that long-necked bottle of goodness that sometimes feels too sacred or lofty to open on any occasion. Yet, the age-old drink is only as intimidating and complicated as we make it out to be. The truth is, we don’t have to spend years training to be connoisseurs (unless that’s the dream) or waiting for the “right moment” to enjoy great sips. Though, if you want to brush up or get started on your wine tasting journey, we created a simple guide in our April 2025 issue to help you with that. The question now, however, is what wines are worth adding to your collection—especially if you’re new to the scene. This is when asking people in the know can be especially helpful. (But hey, if you’re a longtime collector just searching for the next great find, recommendations come in handy, too.)
Who better to tap on than Jaime Jalandoni of Premium Wine Exchange (PWX), and Kai Yulo of (Super)Natural Wine? Both have graciously given us the lowdown on some of their favorite wines, so you know exactly what to add to your cart and try at the next opportunity.
READ ALSO: Natural Wines: Diving Into The Old-New Trend
The Best Of Classic Wine
First, the classics, handpicked by Jaime based on what he’s enjoyed in the PWX business and during his travels abroad.
Budget-friendly: Maison Lou Dumont Bourgogne Rouge 2021
Jaime: My entry-level pick would be a Bourgogne Rouge because it’s versatile in food pairings and enjoyable to drink independently without food. It’s usually approachable upon release and doesn’t need much time in the cellar to age.
In my opinion, this is the most accessible way to enjoy the charm of Burgundy, the birthplace of Pinot Noir. The quality of these wines is at the regional level, being labelled as “Bourgogne.” Yet, they’re still made with careful attention to detail and winemaking principles or treatment similar to the village-level, premier cru and top grand cru wines.
Mid-range: Pierre Vincent Girardin Meursault 2021
Jaime: This is a white burgundy from the village of Meursault made by a young winemaker who’s considered a rising star in the region. I picked this wine because it can get better with age, but it’s already a pleasure to drink upon release. A concentration of orchard fruit and elegant floral nuance balanced by a refreshing acid structure highlights the exceptional quality of fruit that goes into this wine.
High-End: Champagne Salon
Jaime: Champagne Salon stands out to me as the pinnacle of a singular vision and uncompromising quality. It’s singular in that it’s a Blanc de Blancs Champagne, which is exclusively made from Chardonnay grapes that only come from one Grand Cru village (Les Mesnil-sur-Oger), and are produced only in exceptional vintages.
This dedication to a single grape, terroir, and vintage results in a Champagne of breathtaking purity, precision, and longevity. Salon embodies a rare elegance and intensity, making it the ultimate expression of Chardonnay and a truly exceptional, coveted Champagne that only gets better as it ages.
Fun Times With Natural Wine
Natural wines have also been experiencing a boom in the F&B scene over the past few years, as more people are learning to enjoy the special drink. We discussed the movement in depth within the pages of our April 2025 issue as, with insights from Kai and Bombvinos Co-Founder Paolo Monasterio.
Trying natural wine for the first time or looking for your next favorite? Here are four recommendations from Kai to check out.
Budget-Friendly: Anything from Judith Beck (Austria)
Kai: If you’re looking for a great entry point into natural wine, Judith Beck’s wines are always a safe bet. They’re vibrant, well-balanced, and consistently deliver great quality at an affordable price. She’s one of our best sellers. People love the Weissburgunder, Blaufränkisch, and Beck Ink.
Mid-Range: Noumin Rosso, Coco Farm & Winery (Japan)
Kai: An approachable, juicy red that pairs with just about anything. I brought this to a bunch of Christmas dinners, and it was a hit—even with people who had never tried natural wine before. It’s smooth and super easy to love.
High-End: Moje, Milan Nestarec (Czech Republic)
Kai: This bottle is pure magic. It tastes like green apple and fresh lychee. Nestarec is one of my favorite producers; he’s super edgy, obsessed with his craft, and one of the best in the business right now. His wines are full of personality.
Something Special: Family Reunion Rot, Gut Oggau (Austria)
Kai: This is a one-of-a-kind vintage. 2016 was a difficult year, with frost and hailstorms pummeling their vines. They salvaged what they could by blending different wines together, resulting in a funky yet beautifully balanced red. What makes it extra special is that it’s a mix of red and white grapes—truly a bottle with a story.
Photos courtesy of Premium Wine Exchange, (Super)Natural Wine, and Coco Farm & Winery
