While I’m neither of those things, I do enjoy wine as someone who’s unabashedly aspirational, although I cannot claim to be a connoisseur. Please don’t expect me to explain the difference between Chardonnay and Bordeaux.
For the more plebeian among us—this writer included—the pleasure of wine drinking shouldn’t be intimidating or out of reach.
It is precisely this belief that drives the folks behind World Kitchens at Gateway Mall 2 as they open what they dub a one-of-a-kind, wine-centric concept: World Cellar.
Wine culture rooted in everyday enjoyment
A brainchild of Araneta Group chair and CEO Jorge L. Araneta, a.k.a. JLA—who also spearheaded World Kitchens and is an avid wine collector—the vision behind World Cellar is “to be refined but not intimidating, bringing curated wine experiences closer to the people.”
(It’s worth remembering that Don Amading, Jorge’s father, also aimed to bring entertainment closer to the masses when he built the Araneta Coliseum—clearly a similar impetus)
Instead of positioning wine as something reserved only for celebrations or as a rare indulgence—another common misconception—World Cellar sets out to foster a wine culture rooted in everyday enjoyment.
To achieve this, the focus is on value-driven wines meant to be enjoyed with friends, family, or that special someone.
A varied wine selection
To show just how sincere and serious they are about this mission, World Cellar—which can accommodate just over 60 guests—boasts a thoughtfully assembled collection of up to 4,000 bottles.
These feature labels from renowned wine regions around the globe, spanning classic Old World wines to expressive New World varietals —all at what World Cellar says are “honest prices,” with decidedly low markups. Wines can also be ordered by the glass, with prices starting at P200.
This varied selection is sure to appeal to seasoned wine enthusiasts, first-time drinkers, and casual wine drinkers such as myself.
We’re also told that JLA will be transferring a portion of his personal wine collection to the space, offering guests a glimpse into his own tastes and preferences.
To make selecting the right bottle easier, World Cellar is supported by a specially trained staff led by Benedict Tan, the affable sommelier.
The space itself features expansive wine displays and a customized wine chiller system created in collaboration with Celsius Equipment—known for crafting state-of-the-art wine cellars in Singapore—and Cellar Solutions, a Taiwan-based specialist in advanced wine storage systems.
Interiors were handled by Singapore-based AT+Co, which also designed World Kitchens, resulting in a space that feels immersive yet relaxed; elegant without being too snooty, or as they say, alta.
Good food and good wine
Of course, what is wine without good food to pair it with? The beauty of the concept is that diners anywhere within World Kitchens can order wine from World Cellar.
Those who select a bottle or two from the cellar can also bring them out as they enjoy dishes from the surrounding show kitchens—15 in total—serving some 250 international dishes ranging from classic Hong Kong cuisine to Japanese, Indian, Italian, Spanish, and contemporary comfort food.
“Good wine belongs at every table, not just inside a wine lounge,” say the folks at World Cellar—making the experience as approachable as it is refined.
Let’s drink to that.
World Cellar opened for soft launch on Jan. 15 at World Kitchens, located at Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 9189394537 or email wk.reservations.aranetagrp@gmail.com.
Features Reporter
