Whether they were longtime oenophiles, casual appreciators, or simply curious tasters, guests found a welcoming space to sample some of the the best of what the Philippine natural wine scene has to offer.
On an early Saturday afternoon, one charming enclave on the third floor of YL Holdings Building in Legaspi Village was thrumming with an unmistakable energy. It was only the first day of the Manila Natural Wine Fiesta 2025, and the party already started even before the sun went down: guests made their way inside the venue at Open Space, ready to see (or rather, taste) what was in store for them at the festival’s third edition.
Even before entering, one could hear disco-inspired beats coming from the guest DJ, and the steady buzz of chatter that felt at once calming and invigorating. Excited yet relaxed, a crowd of different guests decided to spend their afternoon to evening unwinding in the presence of friends, natural wine, and tasty canapés—and what good company it was.
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The Curators
Eight tables were spread across the space, each presenting one natural wine importer based in the Philippines. Every brand has their own ethos when it comes to choosing what bottles to import and present. The range encompassed everything from fizzy, light whites and rosés, to full-bodied reds from countries like Spain, Italy, France, Japan, Russia, and South Africa—with quite a few wines that subverted expectations with new or unexpected characteristics.
For instance, (Super)Natural Wine carried a white from Milan Nestarec of the Czech Republic with an interesting name that matched its equally interesting profile: “If God Exists, I Hope He Has A Good Excuse.” It was bright, yet possessed a subtle spice and funk that added layers to its profile; a “thinking wine,” as the company’s General Manager and wine educator Chie Gatchalian puts it.
Sure, some natural wines can be divisive (to each their own), but even then—they give you something to talk about or ponder on, which in itself, is part of the fun. These kinds of tasting events broaden your horizons, and if you’re new to the world of natural wine, they give you a good idea of what the drink actually is, isn’t, and can be; which is to say, there are many types of natural wine, and they aren’t limited to the funky and cloudy concoctions that its most avid fans adore.
Good Morning Wines, for instance, had bottles of light and approachable natural wines from Japan that would sit perfectly for newcomers (they certainly did for this writer, who’s by no means a wine aficionado). Even the rest of the importers—(Super)Natural, Bombvinos, Some Love Wine Store, Gran Hacienda Wines, Rouge, Anybody Wines, and Wine FM Live—had a little bit of everything in their portfolios, with more than a few natural wines that delightfully debunk misconceptions.
Guests wandered and immersed themselves in the roster of wines, returning to their tables to chat with friends, staying a little longer to discuss their new finds or pose questions to the accommodating importers, and of course, drifting toward the snack table’s appetizing spreads.
The Creators
Catering service Sunday Street Co. provided the delicious canapés that kept coming, in collaboration with Chef Luis Locsin. It was clearly a match made for success, evident in the continuous refilling of the silver platters that lined the food section’s long tables. What’s wine without good food, and the team delivered with a varied roster of contrasting textures and flavors.
Some standouts included the Goat Cheese and Olive (laid on pastry base and featuring the right mix of salty, savory, creamy, and sweet flavors); Whipped Lardo and Guava Mostarda (again a great interplay of textures and flavors); Chicken Liver Pâté & Roasted Grape (chicken liver is chicken liver, and that addition of tart and sweet grape made it all the better); and the Smoked Fish and Cucumber (refreshing, smoky as the name suggests, and a little briny). Cheese, pickles, and plain bread were also available to those who craved the basics, though the overall activity by the food table showed that these creations were truly the stars of the show.
The Experience (Or, What’s Wine Without Community)
The Manila Natural Wine Fiesta, like its previous iteration, followed the standard protocols of any wine tasting event: guests were given a glass of their own to sample the featured bottles; buckets were available to dispose of leftover wine; there was enough distilled water to clean glasses and take a sip from (very important); and entrepreneurs and sommeliers helped guide everyone through their respective selections with an enthusiasm you can only describe as contagious.
They’ve probably gone through the motions dozens of times before, yet they tackled each pour and explanation with the earnestness of a first time experience. Which brings me to this point: perhaps more than the wines themselves, though they are amazing, what draws many to the natural wine landscape is its community. While small, and tight-knit as a result, it’s not gatekeep-y or intimidating.
Whether it was knowledgeable experts or passionate business owners, the people behind the event welcomed every guest with open arms (and bottles). So who wouldn’t want to partake in the fun and explore a wine tradition that, while old, remains dynamic in all the best ways? And if you missed your chance to experience it all for yourself, there’s always next year.
Photos courtesy of (Super)Natural Wine.
