Davao’s wine scene got a delicious upgrade last weekend as Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM) brought a touch of Chilean elegance to Swiss Deli Davao. The event was far from your usual sommelier-led lecture — this was a walkabout-style tasting, chic and casual, where guests were encouraged to mingle and discover the magic of Montes Wines at their own pace.
Leading the evening was sir Butch Montiadora, PWM’s VisMin area Sales Manager and the driving force behind this refreshingly social approach to wine tasting. With over a decade of hospitality experience, Butch brought both technical expertise and an intuitive grasp of how wine should be experienced. Through events like this, he aims to deepen people’s understanding of wines — helping customers feel more confident when choosing bottles that suit their flavor preferences or align with their business needs.
By pioneering the walkabout format, he created a space where guests could engage with the wines and with one another, sharing their thoughts freely and organically. That openness shaped the entire evening — relaxed, curious, and full of conversation.
Hailing from Chile’s celebrated Colchagua Valley, Montes is known for crafting wines that are bold, refined, and unmistakably expressive. PWM’s curated lineup featured five standout bottles — each with a story to tell and a flavor profile to suit personal preference.
To gracefully open the night with its quiet confidence was Montes Alpha Special Cuvée Chardonnay 2021 — smooth with touches of chamomile, vanilla, and papaya.
Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah 2023 easily charmed us with its playfulness— light, fruity, and the perfect bottle for a girl’s night. It was a hit among both first-time tasters and seasoned drinkers.
Introducing Montes’ line of reds was Montes Alpha Special Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 with its deeply aromatic yet balanced taste.
Montes Outer Limits Syrah 2022 had an intensity and flair with its pronounced berry and spiced flavor, which paired perfectly with deli meats.Last, and definitely not the least — Montes Wings 2020 — aromatic, velvety, and with a creamy finish that left you coming back for more.
Thoughtfully curated meats, cheeses, and artisanal bites from Swiss Deli perfectly complemented the wines, elevating each sip and rounding out a tasting experience that was equal parts luxe and laid-back.
In a city where wine appreciation is still growing, PWM’s walkabout event was more than just a tasting — it was a celebration of flavor, connection, and curiosity. And if this is a glimpse into the future of wine culture in Davao, we’re all in — glass raised, heart open.
