“EDSA traffic has never looked this beautiful.”
This is one thing you can shamelessly say when you’re at the 45th floor of Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas. Just when I thought I had seen the best high-rise dining spot in the city, I had the privilege of being invited by my friends Ramil and Edgar of Pinas Muna to a wine tasting in this breathtaking, picturesque venue. VU’s Sky Lounge, located at the topmost floor of the elegant hotel, offers an unrivaled view of the cityscape, a perfect haven for businessmen and young professionals to retreat into after a long day of hard work.
It’s so easy to disappear into the hotel elevators and enter a whole new world once you step foot at VU’s Sky Lounge. The deck flaunts a 180-degree unobstructed view of the skyline—an intricate web of stunning golden lights at night. The lighting renders a bluish/purplish tint to everything, exuding a soothing, relaxing vibe perfect for laid-back gatherings or even romantic dates. Plush booths populate one side, but for smaller groups, the tables beside the railing are more recommended for better city views.
VU’s Sky Lounge offers a respite from corporate living with its selection of premium wines, cocktails, beers, and liquors paired with antipasti, tapas, and Mediterranean fare. Every month, the lounge holds special wine-tasting and wine-pairing nights; last September, the spotlight was on Torres Wines—a Spanish family-owned company that has established itself into a well-known brand in 140 countries with over 1,300 hectares of vineyards and wineries.
We got to try two white and two red variants of Torres wines. The Viña Sol white wine is refreshingly light with its citrusy, fruity and floral notes. Someone who’s just starting to appreciate wine or who hasn’t tried white wine would definitely like this, a very summery wine which I think would also be perfect for Christmas dinner. The Gran Viña Sol, on the other hand, is a bit stronger and more full-bodied; fermented in French oak barrels, it still flaunts flowery and fruity flavors with a slight aftertaste.
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| Both white wines are perfect with the Salmon Mi-Ciut |
The Sangre de Torro has hints of blackberries and licorice—a deep-red wine with rich aromas and even richer flavors. Its more premium counterpart, the Gran Sangre de Torro is more intense, more full-bodied, and has a longer finish.
These Torres wines are now available at Marco Polo Hotel’s bars and restaurants so make sure you try them when you dine at either Cucina, Lung Hin, or VU’s Sky Lounge!
The night was filled with free-flowing wine, tapas, classy music, and excited chatter from the diners, hotel guests, and regulars at VU’s Sky Lounge. Above us, the twinkling night sky and below us, the city lights crisscrossing the streets. Indeed, one of my most laid-back nights.
Sipping and sniffing into my wine glass while staring out at the lovely view from the balcony—this is not something I get to do every day. Thank you Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas and Pinas Muna for this amazing night! As I looked down at the headlights and taillights waving at each other from opposite lanes of the busy road, I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of it all from my vantage point. I’m sure “beauty” was the last thing in the minds of those who are driving down there. Hmm, just call me lucky.
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VU’s Sky Lounge
45th Floor, Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas, Meralco Ave. and Sapphire St., Ortigas Centre, Pasig City
+632.720.7777
3:30PM – 1:30AM
Fax: manila@marcopolohotels.com
Email: vus.mnl@marcopolohotels.com
Do you love wines? What's your favorite brand/variant? Have you been to VU's Sky Lounge? Tell us about your experience in the comments section!
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