We recently got invited to Wine at 38 at Solaire Resort Quezon City, and what started as a Friday evening of trying different wines turned into a surprisingly enjoyable learning experience.
The event started at around 6:30 PM, with the night’s featured wines introduced to the guests. For our tasting on September 4, all the wines came from Chile, giving us the opportunity to explore different expressions from the country throughout the evening. We were also given two tokens, which we would eventually use to vote for our favorite wines from the selection.
Then the tasting began.
We started with the Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Chardonnay while enjoying the grazing table prepared for the evening. The table featured a generous selection of cheeses, cold cuts, and canapés, giving guests something to enjoy alongside each wine as the tasting progressed.
The grazing table was prepared by Chef Joel, Finestra’s Chef de Cuisine, who made sure the selection paired well with the wines being served that night. The selection also changes depending on the wines featured, making the food part of the tasting experience rather than simply an accompaniment.
As each wine was poured, Torky Barcenas, Solaire Resort Quezon City’s Senior Manager for Resort Beverages, talked us through them one by one. Rather than simply telling us what we were drinking, he explained what to look for, how to approach the wine, and what made each selection different.
By the time we made our way through all seven wines from Chile, we realized that Wine at 38 was about much more than drinking wine. We were actually learning how to appreciate it.
Table of Contents
Wine at 38: Wine Tasting with a View
Wine at 38 takes place at the Level 38 foyer of Solaire Resort Quezon City, in the space between Finestra and Skybar. For select Friday evenings, the area is transformed into an elegant wine-tasting venue, combining a relaxed cocktail-style atmosphere with sweeping views of Metro Manila.
The experience features free-flowing pours of selected red, white, and sparkling wines alongside a grazing table of cheeses, cold cuts, and canapés. The wines featured can vary depending on the tasting journey planned for the evening, giving each event its own focus.
We particularly liked how naturally the food complemented the format. Guests could take a pour, try something from the grazing table, return to the wine, and continue the conversation without the evening ever feeling too formal.
It is also the kind of setup that works for different occasions. Wine at 38 can easily fit a date with someone special, a night out with friends, or even a relaxed evening with workmates.
Learning How to Properly Taste Wine
One of the biggest things we took away from the evening was learning that there is actually a proper way to approach a glass of wine.
We have always enjoyed wine, but we would not consider ourselves wine experts. Before this tasting, we honestly did not know that the way you hold, swirl, smell, and taste wine could make such a difference to the experience.
Torky gave us a hands-on demonstration, starting with something as simple as holding the glass.
Instead of gripping the bowl, we learned to hold the glass by the stem or base. This gives better control when swirling and keeps our hands from unnecessarily warming the wine.
Then came the swirling.
We had seen people swirl wine countless times but never really understood why they did it. Torky showed us how to gently swirl the wine inside the glass, allowing it to interact with oxygen. As we did this, we could observe how the wine moved around the glass before looking at the streaks that slowly formed and travelled down the sides.
These are commonly called the wine’s “legs.” We learned that they can provide some indication of viscosity and alcohol content, although they are not a definitive measure of a wine’s quality or body.
For us, even that simple step changed how we looked at the wine. Instead of simply picking up the glass and drinking, we were now taking a moment to actually observe it.
Smell Before You Sip
After swirling came another step we had previously overlooked: smelling the wine properly.
Torky showed us how bringing the glass toward the nose after swirling helps release its aromas. But he also demonstrated a technique we had never tried before: smelling the wine through each nostril separately.
He explained that airflow naturally shifts between the left and right nostrils throughout the day, which can affect how we perceive scents. By smelling the wine first through one nostril and then the other, we could pick up subtle differences in the aromas and nuances coming from the glass that might be less noticeable when simply smelling it with both nostrils at once.
It was one of those small techniques that made us realize just how much there is to learn about wine appreciation. What initially seemed like simply taking a sniff from the glass became a more deliberate way of exploring its aromas.
We normally think about wine in very simple terms: Do we like it? Is it too sweet? Is it too strong? But the tasting encouraged us to pay closer attention to the aromas and characteristics of the wine before deciding what we thought about it.
When it came time to taste, Torky demonstrated how to take a sip and allow the wine to move across the palate. We learned to pay attention to its texture, flavors, acidity, and tannins rather than immediately swallowing it.
He also showed us how to gently draw in a little air while tasting, helping the wine move across the palate and bringing its aromas and flavors forward.
We definitely did not walk away as wine experts, but we came away with something more useful: a better understanding of how to taste wine and a newfound curiosity to learn more.
Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Wines from Chile
For our September 4 tasting, we explored seven wines from Chile, starting with Chardonnay before moving through the reds.
The lineup included:
- Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Chardonnay
- Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Pinot Noir
- Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Carmenere
- Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon
- Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Malbec
- Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Syrah
- Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Merlot
Starting with the Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Chardonnay, which Torky referred to as the “queen of white grapes,” gave us our introduction to the evening’s wine selection before moving into the reds.
With each pour, Torky explained the wine individually, giving us something to look for as we tasted. It made comparing the wines much more interesting because we were no longer simply moving from one glass to the next. We were paying attention to how each one smelled, felt, and tasted.
Discovering the Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Malbec
One of the wines that particularly stood out to us was the Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Malbec.
Torky described it as medium-bodied and remarkably fruity, with a rich, velvety feel and deep dark berry notes. He also pointed out subtle eucalyptus and mint aromas on the nose.
We followed along, swirling the wine and giving it a little time to breathe before tasting it again. Once those characteristics were pointed out, we found ourselves paying closer attention to the fruit-forward profile and how the wine changed as we allowed it to open up.
The Malbec also paired particularly well with the cold cuts from the grazing table. The combination worked naturally, making it one of the pairings we particularly enjoyed during the evening.
It was also a good example of why having a sommelier guide the tasting made such a difference for us. We might not have immediately thought to look for those characteristics ourselves, but once they were explained, we became more curious about what else we could discover in the glass.
The Merlot and the Idea of “Jamminess”
The Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Merlot gave us another memorable lesson.
Torky explained how Chile’s climate, with abundant sunlight and cool coastal winds, influences the grapes. As we tasted the Merlot, we followed the same process we had learned earlier, holding the glass by the stem, swirling the wine, looking at its legs, and then bringing it toward the nose.
This time, we picked up aromas that reminded us of raisins and very ripe grapes. There was something about the character of the wine that reminded us of sweet dried fruits, even bringing to mind the kind of fruit aromas associated with Christmas.
Torky also demonstrated how the fruit character can linger when you move the glass away after smelling it, describing this quality as “jamminess.” It was a simple but effective way of helping us understand a wine with a ripe, concentrated fruit character.
Again, the lesson was less about memorizing technical wine terminology and more about learning to pay attention.
Once someone points out what to look for, you start noticing details you might otherwise miss.
Finishing with Cabernet Sauvignon
We eventually closed the tasting with the Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon, which Torky described as the “king of grapes.”
The wine came across as big, bold, and robust, with rich fruit character and noticeable tannins that lingered across the palate.
We also had another chance to observe the wine’s legs as we swirled the glass. The wine moved slowly down the sides, giving us an opportunity to see the viscosity we had been discussing throughout the tasting. By this point, however, we had also learned that the legs alone should not be treated as a definitive indicator of body or quality.
Torky also talked about the reputation of Cabernet Sauvignon from places such as Bordeaux in France and Napa Valley in the United States, while introducing us to this Chilean expression.
For us, it was a fitting way to finish the flight. The wine was bold, structured, and left a lasting impression on the palate.
And perhaps more importantly, by the time we reached the final glass, we were no longer simply drinking the wine. We were actively thinking about it.
Choosing Our Favorites
Another fun part of the evening was being given two tokens to vote for our favorite wines from the night’s selection.
After tasting seven different wines, choosing favorites was actually harder than expected. Having the tokens gave the tasting a playful element while also encouraging us to think about which wines stood out most to us personally.
That is something we appreciated about Wine at 38. Even though there was a lot to learn, the experience never felt like a test.
There was no pressure to know the correct terminology or have an expert palate. We could simply listen, taste, compare, and decide what we enjoyed most.
For us, that made wine appreciation feel much more approachable.
Where Wine Meets Good Food
The food is an important part of the Wine at 38 experience, particularly because the grazing table changes depending on the featured wines.
For our September 4 tasting, the table featured cheeses, cold cuts, and canapés selected to complement the wines being served. Chef Joel, Finestra’s Chef de Cuisine, prepared the grazing table and made sure the selection paired well with the wines for the night.
We genuinely enjoyed the table during our visit and, honestly, thought it was generous enough that it could almost pass for dinner on its own.
We had a dinner reservation afterward, so we deliberately held back a little and reserved our appetite. If you are attending Wine at 38 without another dinner planned, however, the grazing table makes the experience feel considerably more substantial.
We also liked how naturally it fit the format. You can grab something to eat between tastings, try another wine, return to the table, and continue talking with the people you came with. It keeps the evening relaxed and social while still giving the wine the attention it deserves.
Is Wine at 38 Worth It?
Wine at 38 runs from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and includes free-flowing wines and an unlimited grazing table.
Solaire Rewards members pay ₱738++, while non-members pay ₱938++.
For us, the value comes from the combination of variety, food, and the guided experience. A single glass of wine can already cost around ₱300 to ₱400, so being able to try a range of wines during one evening while also enjoying a substantial grazing table makes the experience worth considering, especially for someone who wants to explore different wines without committing to an entire bottle.
There is also the educational side of the experience. If you enjoy wine but are not necessarily confident about tasting terminology or techniques, having a sommelier guide you through the wines adds another layer of value.
And if you discover a wine you particularly enjoy during the tasting, we also learned that the wines can be purchased at the property.
More Than Just a Wine Tasting
Wine at 38 is designed as a series of themed tasting journeys, with the featured wines changing from one session to another.
The August 21 edition, for example, focused on wines from California, while our September 4 experience took us through a selection of Chilean wines. That change in focus is part of what makes the series interesting because each visit can offer a completely different tasting experience.
We do not yet know which wines or region will be featured at the next Wine at 38, so if you are planning to attend, we recommend checking Solaire Resort Quezon City’s social media channels for the latest announcement on the upcoming tasting.
For us, this also gives us another reason to come back. After experiencing the Chilean selection firsthand, we are curious to see what the next edition will bring and which wines we might discover next.
Why Solaire Rewards Makes Sense
If you regularly visit Solaire Resort Quezon City, we would recommend looking into Solaire Rewards.
Members receive the discounted Wine at 38 rate of ₱738++, compared with ₱938++ for non-members. Solaire Rewards also offers dining benefits across the property, including up to 20% off dining, while new members may receive 30% off their first bill.
Beyond the discounts, membership is also a useful way to stay updated on dining promotions and experiences happening at Solaire Resort Quezon City.
For Wine at 38 specifically, the difference in pricing makes the membership worth considering if you plan to return for future tastings.
Wine at 38 Dates and Details
Wine at 38 takes place on select Friday evenings through the end of the year, with each edition featuring a different wine selection.
The scheduled dates are:
- September 4 and 18
- October 2 and 23
- November 6 and 20
- December 11
The experience runs from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Solaire Rewards members pay ₱738++, while non-members pay ₱938++. Reservations can be made through +632 8888 8888 or the Solaire website.
We attended the September 4 tasting and experienced the Chile-focused wine journey firsthand, including all seven Montes Alpha Special Cuvee wines, the wine-paired grazing table, and Torky Barcenas’ guided tasting. Since the featured wines change between editions, we recommend checking Solaire Resort Quezon City’s social media channels for the latest announcement on what wines will be featured at the next Wine at 38.
Our Verdict
ICONIC MNL APPROVED
What we appreciated most about Wine at 38 was that it did not require us to already be wine experts to enjoy it.
We went in knowing that we liked wine, but without really knowing how to properly taste it. By the end of the evening, we had learned how to hold the glass, swirl the wine, observe its movement, smell it using different techniques, and pay closer attention to its texture, flavors, acidity, and tannins.
Torky Barcenas’ guided approach made a big difference. Rather than making wine appreciation feel intimidating or overly technical, he gave us practical things to look for and allowed us to experience them ourselves.
The seven Montes Alpha Special Cuvee wines from Chile gave us plenty of variety to explore, while Chef Joel’s wine-paired grazing table made sure there was good food to enjoy alongside the tasting. We also liked the simple addition of the two voting tokens, which made the evening more interactive and gave us a reason to think about which wines genuinely stood out to us.
For us, the biggest takeaway was simply wanting to learn more. We left Wine at 38 appreciating wine a little differently, and now, when we pick up a glass, we know there is more to do than simply take a sip.
We also think Wine at 38 offers good value for money. At ₱738++ for Solaire Rewards members and ₱938++ for non-members, guests get to explore multiple wines, enjoy an unlimited grazing table, and learn from a sommelier throughout the evening. Considering that a single glass of wine can already cost around ₱300 to ₱400, being able to try a variety of wines while enjoying food and the overall experience makes it feel well worth the price.
After experiencing Wine at 38 ourselves, this is an experience we would genuinely recommend, especially for anyone who enjoys wine but wants to learn more about what they are drinking without stepping into an overly formal tasting environment.
The combination of guided wine appreciation, free-flowing pours, a grazing table designed around the featured wines, and sweeping Metro Manila views makes for a memorable evening. Wine at 38 works equally well for a date with someone special, a night out with friends, or an evening with workmates.
Solaire Resort Quezon City also has plenty more to discover beyond Wine at 38. Its gastronomy experiences have always been among our favorites, and we are looking forward to trying more of the restaurants and other experiences the property has to offer. We will definitely be sharing those experiences here with you.
For now, we hope to see you at the next Wine at 38. We will definitely be going back ourselves to experience the other wines and see what the next tasting has in store.
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