Cover Wine Drop’s shops allow clients to dine and try the wine in-store
Wine Drop’s shops allow clients to dine and try the wine in-store
1 / 1
The Bordeaux-born Managing Director of AWC Philippines and WineDrop brings centuries of wine traditions into a dynamic new frontier
For Jean Philippe Guillot, wine is not merely a profession—it is inheritance, identity and instinct shaped over centuries. “Wine, for me, is the most beautiful beverage ever created. It comes from the ground, from a living plant, from beautiful fruit. It can be shared with friends or enjoyed alone. There is no other beverage that pairs with food the way wine does. Wine connects cultures, people and moments.”
Born and raised in Bordeaux, Guillot’s path into wine was, in many ways, preordained. His family’s legacy stretches back to 1617, spanning fourteen generations of winemakers and négociants. Childhood memories are steeped in the rhythms of harvest and cellar life. “I did my first harvest at five years old. At ten, I would leave school and run to our vineyard to help during harvest. The smell of grapes falling into the press and the juice fermenting in the cellar are memories that stay forever.”
Though he once dreamed of becoming a pilot, it was his grandfather who steered him towards the family tradition—a decision he now embraces with gratitude. From Bordeaux, his journey expanded outward, first to Vietnam in 2005, then across Asia with stints in Hong Kong and Shanghai, where he worked with renowned wine figures and deepened his understanding of the regional market.
More from Tatler: Tatler’s Ultimate Guide: the 16 best brunch spots in Metro Manila
Above Jean Philippe Guillot
Jean Philippe Guillot
1 / 1
It was in Manila, however, that Guillot found both permanence and purpose. “After all those years moving around, I wanted to stay in one place. I have to admit that Manila did not attract me at the beginning. In 2017, I met my beautiful wife, Laura, and today we have three amazing children. I can truly say that Manila is home.”
As managing director of AWC Philippines and WineDrop, Guillot has helped shape the country’s evolving wine landscape. What began as a modest operation has grown into a dynamic business built on relationships, education and accessibility. “Our focus was mainly on the trade—casinos, resorts, hotels and restaurants. At that time, we had no website or retail shops. During COVID, we decided to develop the retail side because we had significant stock and needed to serve private customers. I love challenges, and I enjoy the energy—even the chaos—of Southeast Asia. The Philippine market is incredible. People are young, dynamic and there is so much happiness around that you naturally fall in love with the country.”
Above A selection of fine wine
Above Some of the best tequila and mezcal at Wine Drop
A selection of fine wine
1 / 2
Today, his approach balances expertise with inclusivity. In a market that is both price-sensitive and rapidly developing, Guillot emphasises thoughtful curation and strong partnerships with producers. At the same time, he is acutely aware of the need to make wine less intimidating. “Wine should never be snobbish—it is for everyone.”
This philosophy extends to the experiences his company creates, from wine cruises and tastings to playful activations such as jeepney tours and golf events—each designed to make wine approachable and engaging. Education, too, remains a cornerstone. As younger generations show less interest in wine globally, Guillot sees knowledge-sharing as essential to sustaining the industry.
Despite increasing competition, he maintains a collaborative outlook. Rather than focusing on rivals, his attention remains firmly on the customer. “They deserve the best service possible. We stay close to them and understand their business to curate the right wine list.” They always keep the customer in mind when curating their wine list too. “There are different ways to curate a portfolio. You either bring the wines you personally love and introduce them to customers, or you listen to the market and bring what customers want. At AWC Philippines, we do both. Relationships with suppliers are very important to us. They need to visit the Philippines, meet our customers, understand the culture and support the market.”
In case you missed it: Where to drink wine in Metro Manila: 15 wine bars, tasting rooms and restaurants worth the pour
The Wine Drop store allows clients to select wine that they can then enjoy in the seating areas available in both their Greenhills and Makati branches
1 / 3
When developing the team here on the ground, he empowers them to move with confidence and is proud of their standing today. “The success of AWC Philippines is truly built on the strength of our team. They are loyal, dedicated and incredibly hardworking. We are very fortunate and deeply grateful to be on this journey together.”
At its core, Guillot’s philosophy is rooted in connection—between people, places and moments. A great wine, he believes, is ultimately personal. “A great wine is one you genuinely enjoy. It is a bottle that gives you emotion.”
It is perhaps this sense of emotion—quiet, enduring and deeply human—that defines his journey. Whether in Bordeaux vineyards or Manila dining rooms, Guillot continues to champion wine not just as a product, but as a shared experience—one that transcends geography and time.
NOW READ
Types of water explained: seltzer, club soda, mineral water and more
In pictures: Tatler Homes Design Awards 2026 in the Philippines
The best meals of your life might be in cities you’ve never considered
Credits
Photography: Porro S.P.A.
Topics
