Every October I have something exciting to look forward. One, my birthday. Two, the Singapore Wine Fiesta. In its seventh year since the event’s humble beginning in 2008, the Singapore Straits Wine Company has once again grew the event bigger. To be held at Clifford Square, Singapore Wine Fiesta 2014 has caught the attention and garnered support from Singapore Tourism Board. Happening on the weekend that coincides with the inaugural BNP Paribas WTA Finals in Singapore, and Mariah Carey’s The Elusive Chanteuse concert, I am crossing my fingers that Mariah Carey or some tennis superstars will appear at the fiesta.
“The aim of the Wine Fiesta is simple: To offer a one-stop shopping, tasting and educational experience for everyone who loves wine – from the newbie to the connoisseur. There is something here for every palate and budget. We want to make wine accessible and fun for all.”
– Ms Kathy Lim-Sheehy, CEO of The Straits Wine Company
As the biggest outdoor wine event in Singapore, this year fiesta promises to be more engaging and informative than before. Continuing the practice of having masterclass sessions, visitors will be guided by Joel Payne, publisher and editor of the Gault Millau German Wine Guide, various wineries representatives, and local sommeliers Stephanie Rigourd from Hilton South East Asia and Alvin Gho of db Bistro Sommelier.
Topics that interests me are on iconic wine regions of the Iberian Peninsula (Vino Iberica), wines of Germany and Austria (Wine Speaks German Too), and pairing of wines with local delicacies. These topics cover countries which are gaining popularity within our market, and will be beneficial for both consumers and the local wine industry. The biggest challenge, however, is to get a seat in your preferred session. Each session accommodates a maximum of twenty audiences, but nonetheless standing crowd can still listen-in on the presentation.
Although the fiesta dates are from October 23 to October 26, the evening of October 23 will be the prequel event, Winemakers’ Table Dinner. During the dinner, Joel Payne and key winemakers will present 60 wines, one from each brand, to the visitors. These exclusive guests will also enjoy a tennis-inspired menu specially prepared by The Fullerton Bay Hotel in conjunction with the WTA event. While a one day ticket to the main event is S$55, the winemakers’ table exclusivity will cost each guest more than S$228.
Tickets to both events are available from SISTIC. And I really hope to see Mariah Carey on the 26th.
