Cover Kim, Feli and Emman Atienza enjoying wine as a family (Photo: courtesy of Feli Atienza)
Kim, Feli and Emman Atienza enjoying wine as a family (Photo: courtesy of Feli Atienza)
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Feli Atienza shares her insights on wine selection and the finer points of hosting—proving that the perfect gathering is as much about ambience as it is about the perfect pour
At the heart of a well-hosted gathering lies the perfect bottle of wine. Whether it’s an intimate dinner party or a large celebration, wine has the power to elevate any occasion, sparking conversation and deepening connections. Few understand this better than Feli Atienza. With a keen appreciation for fine wines, she shares her insights on pairing, serving and setting the stage for unforgettable events.
In this conversation, Atienza delves into the essentials of entertaining with wine—from selecting the right bottle to ensuring guests enjoy every sip to the fullest. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just beginning to explore the world of wine, you will find her advice both insightful and practical.
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Above Chilled, light and crisp wines are perfect for a warm, tropical environment (Photo: courtesy of Feli Atienza)
Chilled, light and crisp wines are perfect for a warm, tropical environment (Photo: courtesy of Feli Atienza)
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How did you first fall in love with wine?
In 1995—30 years ago when I was a stockbroker—an institutional client introduced me to Bordeaux wines. Those were the “boom” years in Asia, and we mostly drank 100-pointers.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about choosing or enjoying wine?
People often equate price with quality, but in reality, many affordable wines offer just as much complexity and enjoyment. We should remember that choosing wine is a personal preference—it’s about pleasure, not perfection, rules or price tags.
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Above Ruinart Rosé (Photo: courtesy of Feli Atienza)
Above Feli and Kim Atienza (Photo: courtesy of Feli Atienza)
Ruinart Rosé (Photo: courtesy of Feli Atienza)
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How important is the right wine glass? Can it truly enhance the drinking experience?
A well-designed wine glass enhances both aroma and taste. Shape matters—a wider bowl provides a decanting effect, especially for bold wines and the tannins typically found in reds like cabernets. In contrast, white wine glasses have a smaller bowl to maintain cooler temperatures and preserve delicate aromas. Beyond aesthetics and refinement, thin-rimmed glasses allow for a smoother, more seamless sip.
What makes a wine perfect for daytime sipping in a tropical setting?
In a warm, tropical environment, my preference would be for chilled, light, crisp and vibrant wines. Full-bodied wines with a lot of structure and tannins may taste too heavy and overwhelming in the heat.
How do you choose the right wines for a long day outdoors, from lunch to sunset cocktails? What styles remain refreshing despite the heat and humidity?
My personal preferences for a long day outdoors are for rosés, sauvignon blancs, champagnes and for fun, easy drinking—proseccos.
Above Beach settings are a call for fun and unfussy food and wine pairings (Photo: courtesy of Feli Atienza)
Beach settings are a call for fun and unfussy food and wine pairings (Photo: courtesy of Feli Atienza)
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What are your go-to wine recommendations for hosting a large gathering? How do you balance quality with crowd-pleasing appeal?
For large beachside gatherings, I opt for high-quality wines that are affordable, versatile and crowd-pleasers. To kick off the festivities, I recommend proseccos like Mionetto, Nino Franco, Riondo and La Marca. Spanish cavas are also a great option. When it comes to rosé, favourites include Miraval, Domaine Ott, Tempier and Whispering Angel. For sauvignon blanc, reasonably priced bottles like Craggy Range and Dog Point are excellent choices, while Cloudy Bay or Duckhorn offer a splurge-worthy upgrade. Portuguese vinho verdes and German rieslings are also great crowd-pleasers. And for red wine lovers, a lighter pinot noir is always a good call.
Are there any unconventional food and wine pairings that work particularly well in a beachside or casual setting? What do you enjoy serving when entertaining by the beach?
I am not a stickler to conventional wine pairings and don’t overthink it. Beach settings are a call for fun and unfussy pairings. In general, champagne pairs with fresh oysters, caviar, sushi and your charcuterie board filled with nuts, olives, cured meats and cheeses. Sauvignon blancs pair well with grilled seafood and shellfish like fresh prawns, crabs or lighter fish dishes and grilled vegetables; goat cheese and brie are notable pairings too. Rosé is fantastic with grilled seafood, chicken skewers, light BBQ dishes and even pizza. For a day out on the boat, I love prosecco—it’s fresh, light and pairs effortlessly with salty snacks and sweets.
Red, white or champagne—which do you gravitate towards and why?
I love champagne. The bubbles exude effervescence and fun: their freshness is matched by the complexity of delicate aromas and flavours. I’m particularly drawn to grower champagnes, and when I want to indulge, I enjoy rosé champagnes like Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth, Krug or Dom Pérignon.
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
