Your Neighborhood Guide to Wine Shops: Salcedo Village, Makati

My husband and I moved to Salcedo Village when we got married back in 2011. Those days, weekends were relatively quiet during which one could feel the neighborhood sigh as it immersed itself in a much-needed break from the daily grind. But these days, it has become arguably one of the biggest foodie places in the heart of Makati’s bustling CBD.

Of course, where there’s an abundance of proper food, there’s a pretty good selection of wine. I’ve always appreciated the fact that there’s always a fairly good wine shop a couple of minutes’ walk from any apartment in the area. Having lived in the area for a few years, I’ve slowly developed a list of my go-to wine shops around the neighborhood:

Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, 120 L.P. Leviste Street
Why: It’s got a pretty comprehensive selection (everything from entry-level to high end wines, gin, whiskies, and even sake). My must haves include anything from the Montes line (I’m partial to Purple Angel), Ungava Canadian gin, and the affordably reliable Boroquel Malbec from Argentina.

The Market, G/F Tiffany Place, L.P. Leviste Street
Why: While getting their interesting international grocery finds, it’s pretty convenient to pick up a couple of bottles from their selection. I’ve scored a pretty good Yarra Valley Chardonnay there once which went well with the risotto I made for dinner (using ingredients I got there as well).

Rustan’s Fresh, Basement, Paseo Center, Paseo de Roxas corner Sedeño Street
Why: It’s a reputable grocery brand with a nice deli selection, and it’s too easy to buy a couple of bottles while getting things for the household. I confess I am guilty of having bought a household cleaning item (a need) with a bottle of La Mascotta Malbec (a want).

Terry’s Bistro, G/F One Lafayette Square, L.P. Leviste Street
Why: This is my go-to place to get bottles for fellow winos without worrying about the quality, and often, the price tag. I’m a big fan of their Laxas Albariño, which is amazing with gambas, pulpo, and boquerones.

Cartel, G/F Picasso Boutique Residences, L.P. Leviste Street
Why: In Cartel, one can buy some of the best jamón in town (courtesy of Txanton PH) and pair them with wine found in the store. Of course, where there’s jamón, there’s Spanish wine. This dangerous thought has driven me to buy bottles of Borsao (a little too often) for several at-home wine and tapas party.

Wildcard: Wine Depot, Nicanor Garcia Street, Makati

Why: While this is technically not in Salcedo Village, people who live in the area know that it’s a matter of crossing the little estero near the Church of Latter Day Saints to cross Buendia and get to N. Garcia. Personally, it’s always worth the walk from the village just so I could borrow books from Alliance Française and pick up a couple of bottles from Wine Depot. I have raved about Château Ste. Michelle over the years (which is thankfully constantly in stock in all their branches), and am a big fan of Pikes Riesling.