SOIREE BEAUJOLAIS 2014: Manila Join the World in Celebrating French Wine Harvest

Board of Directors of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, from left to right; Jean Caillard, Steven Rouche, Cyril Rocke, Bernard Flour, and Martin Ruby.  Photo: Ted Claudio

Every third Thursday of November each year, millions of cases of Beaujolais Nouveau young red wine make their way down the hills in the French region of Beaujolais to the bars, restaurants and bistros across France.  Not all cases are unloaded within French boundaries, as more will soon be opened in other parts of the world.

The produce from the first yield would be poured out as a reward for those who helped in the harvest.  French communities all over the globe celebrate this harvest fest, making it the world's biggest wine event.  This wine of varying fruity aromas is meant only to be enjoyed not swirled, sniffed and rated as one would do to red wines aged in oak barrels.

This merry-making half a world away comes to Manila once more as the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines holds the 23rd Soiree Beaujolais on November 20 at the Tent City of The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park Manila, at 6 PM.

The fete will be themed "Tradition and Innovation", telling the story of France's dynamic movement from the turn of the century in the 20's up to today by way of murals, visual collages, lighting. music, and the interpretative renderings in dance and other theatrical art forms.  Philippine stage stylist, Mr. Mari Hilario is tasked to transform the tent every year.

The Chamber President, Mr. Cyril Rocke, will welcome all the guests, while the keynote message will be delivered by His Excellency, Gilles Garachon, Ambassador of France to the Philippines.  The Chamber Board of Directors, headed by Soiree Beaujolais Committee Chairperson and Past Chamber President, Mr. Bernard Flour, will lead in the uncorking of the new bottles, declaring the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau.

Enjoy the gastronomic fares by indulging in cheese and other delicacies especially flown in from France.  The Manila Hotel will prepare even more delights, including exotic hors d'oeuvres, charcuterie, fresh oysters, a myriad of salad concoctions, hot French and continental cuisine, pastries and fabulous desserts, which the hotel is patronized for.

Major Sponsor, EDI Peugot will showcase its signature cars, and Marithe + Francois Girbaud will punctuate the evening with a dazzling denim show by the Philippine All Star dancers.

Major Partners of the event are: Banco De Oro Unibank, Inc., Lafarge Cement Services Philippines, Inc., Total (Philippines) Corporation, Pacific Hemisphere Development Corporation, and Thales Australia Limited Philippines Branch Office.

Participating Partners are DataOne Asia Philippines, Inc., Jones Lang Lasalle, JT International (Philippines), Inc., Oberthur Technologies, Powertech Asia Pacific, Inc., Schneider Electric, SDV Philippines, Inc., Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co., Le Cellier French Wine Selection, Qatar Airways, M. Lhuillier Jewellers, AGS Four Winds international Movers, Jewelmer Joaillerie, Asian Eye Institute, El Nido Resorts, Coffral Access and Shoring, TraveLife Magazine, and TraveLife TV, Dragonpay, The Manila Hotel, and Perennial Partner - The Embassy of France in the Philippines.

It is noted that Manila's version of the wine festival is regarded as among the best in this part of the world, with the grand food, entertainment, and raffle it offers.  Tickets are at Php 3,500 each.  Part of proceeds go to France-Philippines United Action, which started last year to help rebuild lives of Haiyan victims.

Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!

Book your ticket through the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, by calling telephone number, 02 491 7708.  You can also purchase tickets online at http://www.ccifrance-philippines.assetsdealer.com/

For more information, please visit: http://www.ccifrance-philippines.org/events/upcoming-events/vue-detail/d/soiree-beaujolais-tradition-innovation/