Photo: Waterfall Ristorante Italiano
Cover Photo: Waterfall Ristorante Italiano

The hotel’s inaugural event introduces guests to an intricate spread of world-class wines alongside specially curated gourmet creations

Hot on the heels of Shangri-La, Singapore's triumphant wine dinners held in recent years, the luxury hotel has given its well-anticipated event an impressive reformation. Taking on the grand objective of turning wine and champagne into a gateway to finer living, the Festival of Wines is bound to make epicureans of us all. From September 7 to 12, the festival calls forth a long dormant desire for opulence and self-pampering. Spearheaded by award-winning head sommelier Britt Ng, the elegant alcoholic affair brings guests on a tasting fare of more than 50 prized wine and champagne labels from around the world.

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Head Sommelier Britt Ng with a Prized Collection of Wines and Champagnes
Above Head Sommelier Britt Ng with a Prized Collection of Wines and Champagnes

Three gourmet wine lunches, six luxury wine dinners and a limited-time grower champagne showcase will immerse participants in the intoxicating world of high society. Kick off the festival with The Gems of Gaja Family Wine Dinner, held within the upscale yet homey atmosphere of Waterfall Ristorante Italiano. Four varied hidden gems from Gaja’s three estates in Montalcino, Bolgheri and Barbaresco are presented to diners, accented by a splendid four-course set menu. Look forward to exquisite pairings such as the 2017 Ca’Marcanda Vista Mare, Toscana IGT, a generous bouquet of peach, apricot, sage and green herbs, alongside a fresh Boston lobster salad.

Then, venture into the lesser-known corners of the global vineyard with “Experience the Unknown” Four-Hands Dinner. An exceptional partnership between acclaimed masters, executive Chinese chef Mok Kit Keung and Ng, this coveted meal allows you to savour wines from unexpected locations, along with authentic Cantonese delicacies from Shang Palace. From a fine 2012 Château Musar Blanc from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon to a 2018 GranMonte, Asoke Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah from the Asoke Valley in Khao Yai, Thailand, relish in the elixirs of the world as you feast on cod dishes with lobster bisque and braised abalone with fried Nepal rock rice dish.

See also: The Best Food to Pair With Red Burgundy Wine

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Executive Chef Mok Kit Keung and Head Sommelier Britt Ng
Above Executive Chef Mok Kit Keung and Head Sommelier Britt Ng

Next up on the menu is a real treat for rosé paramours. The Dom Pérignon Rosé Experience is centred around the Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2006, one of the most expensive rosé champagnes in the world. Sit back and enjoy a regal dining experience in a private room, featuring an exclusive Dom Pérignon service ritual from the ceremonious opening of the bottle to the art of pouring a glass of bubbles, complete with Dom Pérignon trolleys and glasses. Boasting a versatility that puts an eccentric twist on its food pairings, the unique Rosé elevates already premium dishes such as Australian ocean octopus with kimchi mayo, seaweed panko, burnt leek purée and onion ash, into an even more upmarket repast.

See also: 4 Louis Roederer Champagnes to Drink Now

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Photo: Origin Grill
Above Photo: Origin Grill

Gracing your lunch table at the Antinori Family Wine Lunch are four exquisite wines from the Antinori family. A forerunner in the admirable art of winemaking for more than six centuries, each of these bottles presented by the 26th generation Antinori family embody the careful blend of tradition and innovation. One of the main leads in this event is none other than the 2017 Tignanello from Tuscany, one of Italy’s trademark wines, accompanying a scrumptious grilled stockyard beef Angus ribeye. Savoury and elegant on the nose, crushed violets lead the way for an intense palate of cassis, wild blackberries, perfumed black plums and quality Kirsch.

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Photo: Waterfall Ristorante Italiano
Above Photo: Waterfall Ristorante Italiano

For the romantics out there, the 1971 Vintage Wine Dinner is an exhilarating time-traveling experience, serving rare bottles and seven 50-year-old vintage wines from the shores of France and Italy. Heralding Shangri-La Singapore’s and Shang Palace’s 50th anniversaries this year, the historical beverages are paired with current signature Cantonese cuisine from Shang Palace. Swirl, sniff and sip from a glass of 1971 Misserey et Frére, Vosne-Romanée from Burgundy, France as you tunk into executive Chinese chef Mok Kit Keung’s iconic deep-fried boneless chicken wing filled with bird’s nest and fresh crab meat, or taste 1971 Borgogno, Barolo from Piedmont, Italy, matched with a grilled Australian prime Wagyu beef tenderloin.

See also: New Fizz On The Block: The Rise Of English Sparkling Wines

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Photo: Shang Palace
Above Photo: Shang Palace

Of course, the festivities are not truly complete without the Grower Champagnes Unite session at The Lobby Lounge, showcasing bottles from artisanal winemakers who produce champagnes only from estate-owned vineyards. Ng offers up a handpicked selection of pours catered toward a diverse spectrum of palates, ranging from blanc de blancs to blanc de noirs and flavour profiles ranging from sharp to voluptuous. We recommend keeping your eyes peeled and tastebuds braced for Pierre Gerbais Grains de Celles Extra Brut Champagne—a smooth and soft blend with aromas of citrus and white fruits.

Ending with finesse, festival will culminate with Hidden Gems of France by the Sea, an al fresco beachside barbecue dinner at the magnificent Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore. 

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Photo: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa
Above Photo: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa

Live the high life as you lounge by the shimmering South China Sea, serenaded by the sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore and basking in the pastel hues of the setting sun as it descend below the horizon. In one hand, you’ll find a pale gold 2017 chardonnay from Domaine Rolet with silver reflections from one of Jura region’s flagship wineries. In the other, you’ll discover Chateau l'Escarelle’s 2020 Les Deux Anges Rosé from Provence, blooming with a bouquet of wild strawberries and citrus. Paired with grilled seafood entrées like langoustine and scallops, the dinner allows wine lovers to soak in the multifaceted experience of five-star drinking. Coming from the creators of outstanding wine dining, one would expect nothing less. 

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