Virgilio Lorenzo Jr

Whether you’re taking your first sip of wine or already know your Champagne from your Chardonnay, there’s something to learn from the Wine 101 classes at World Cellar.

Article (news)

Jeeves De Veyra

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783064085265world cellars.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Wine appreciation classes at World Cellar. <em>J</em>eeves de Veyra</span></span></span></div><p>Whether you’re taking your first sip of wine or already know your Champagne from your Chardonnay, there’s something to learn from the Wine 101 classes at World Cellar.</p><p>Recently honored with an Award of Excellence at the 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards for its extensive selection of over 2,000 bottles across 400 labels, World Cellar is the passion project of Araneta Group CEO Jorge “Nene” Araneta, aimed at cultivating a local appreciation for wine. The 60-seat wine lounge reflects this enthusiasm, with walls lined with bottles and labels sourced from around the world.</p><p>One of the main barriers to wine appreciation in the Philippines is cost. Fine dining restaurants and hotels often mark up bottles at twice or even three times their retail price. There is still a markup at World Cellar but it is kept relatively modest to avoid wallet-breaking pricing. Most wines fall below P4,000, although there are bottles that can go into the six-figure range stored in a humidity- and temperature-controlled room at the back for those who know their wines and have the budget.</p><p>Another hurdle is intimidation. Even with more accessible pricing, many diners still gravitate toward safer, more familiar choices like beer or cocktails. There is also the risk of getting a bottle that may not suit one’s taste. As a result, many local drinkers tend to stick to what they know rather than experiment.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783064190186classroom.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783064206266bottles and sheet.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Wine appreciation classes at World Cellar. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>To address this, World Cellar has a resident WSET Level 3 sommelier, Benedict Tan, who guides guests in selecting wines suited to their preferences and budgets.</p><p>For those looking to deepen their understanding, that&#x27;s where the Wine 101 sessions come in.Typically held on Friday evenings, the classes are led by Tan alongside restaurant consultant CJ Juntereal.</p><p>Tan starts off with the rudimentary academic history and classifications of grapes. But this session hits its stride when he relaxes and talks about the more practical side of wine — from reading the labels, to describing the flavor notes, to pairing wines with flavors and dishes, to safely opening a bottle of sparkling wine.</p><p>Tan is an engaging lecturer, while Juntereal, a wine lover and a respected food writer herself, intersperses Tan’s discussions with casual observations and tips from a wine drinkers’ perspective. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783064015625cj and ben 2.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Sommelier Benedict Tan and consultant CJ Juntereal. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Then comes the fun part where they present a sparkling wine, a white wine, and a red wine to sip and sample. Participants have the option of rating the wines based on what was shared during the session.</p><p>Portions are surprisingly generous, so attendees are well advised to eat beforehand unless they wish to feel the effects early into the evening.</p><p>For those staying on for dinner at World Kitchens, the experience doesn’t end with the class. Tan remains on hand to recommend pairings tailored to the dishes ordered, seamlessly extending the lesson into the meal.</p><p>Overall, Wine 101 at World Cellar stands out as one of the most approachable wine education experiences available. They are off to a great start with Juntereal hinting that they are developing Wine 102 sessions for those who thirst for more wine and information.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783064034785Ben Tan shows bb pilipinas candidate 2026, arah reguya how to open a bottle.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Sommelier Benedict Tan shows Bb. Pilipinas candidate Arah Reguya how to open a bottle.<em> Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>There are drops of wine geekery for everyone from the wine-curious to the wine-wary. World Cellar&#x27;s Wine 101 session and the optional World Kitchen wine pairing dinner afterwards, makes for an easy, enjoyable, educational recommendation for a Friday night out.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>World Cellar is located inside World Kitchens, Level 4, Gateway Mall 2. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday to Sunday).</em></div>

<p>Whether you’re taking your first sip of wine or already know your Champagne from your Chardonnay, there’s something to learn from the Wine 101 classes at World Cellar.</p>

Want to learn about wine? Start with World Cellar's Wine 101 classes

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Want to learn about wine? Start with World Cellar's Wine 101 classes

Jeeves De Veyra

Published July 03, 2026 04:47 PM PHT

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