D + B Wineshop

I didn't know much of wines except for red and white wines which give not just a good impression but excellent effect for ladies like me to be invited for a date in one of the five-star hotels in Cebu in a formal dress with your man preparing to do this reservation and surprising you a date with a bottle of wine.

Sweet isn't it? Later on, this notion developed into occasional drinking with a group of friends in a wine cellar of a french bar. I came to love white wine as much as I love champagne. And that was it. I thought the wine was just as good as chill moments with friends and buddies telling stories and just enjoying the time with each other.

D + B Wines at The Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City

Until an invitation came for a food and wine tasting. I was doubtful to accept this event as I was presuming that I would not love it nor enjoy it or should I say, I don't have much to say about wines.

D + B Wines at The Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City

But when push comes to shove, I just found myself parking my car at the crossroads parking lot. Now, I will be preparing myself to learn more about wines. I am excited to know more about wines and I a little bit apprehensive coz I might find myself not liking it.

Still,  I pushed the glass door and a lady welcomed me with a big smile. I felt better, and it made me confident to go upstairs where the event is ongoing.

D + B Wines at The Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City

I was amazed when I see two french owners of the wine shop -  D + B wines ( which stands for Darras and Bowler Wines) I was in awe to know that I will be learning a lot from the experts.

D + B Wines at The Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City

Corinne (the wife) talked about how they came to love wines and touched a little bit of history on how food and wine came to be of significance to the kings and kins of France. Also, they have given us a bit of trivia about how toast came to be and how it's properly done.  So, let me share it with you. As per Corinne, kings from different parts of France have their men assigned to be the taster of the food and drinks offered to them by the other kings who want to gain connivance with them. As a sign of trust, their men, the taster, would have to bang their cups roughly and hardly so that the wines would overflow and some of it will go to the other cup and while they do it, their eyes should just be looking each other until they finished drinking. A toast is a sign of trust and friendship. It should be done with eyes sincerely offering friendship with the other person.

Mr. Dondi and Ms. Corinne Joseph (owners of D + B Wines at The Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City)

D + B has offered us to taste a variety of international wines from France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Spain, Chile and a lot more. They have been loving their wines as much as it becomes a big part of their everyday life.

They always have wines to share with their family in a day and that creates their natural bonding with their families and friends.

I felt funny when I learned that red wine shouldn't be served with ice the same as it shouldn't be kept for a long time in your chillers as it may lose its natural taste. I always love putting a lot of ice when drinking red wine because for me it's too strong but I am correcting that snow so I can appreciate the taste of red wine and how it ought to be enjoyed.

Mr. Dondi and Ms. Corinne Joseph (owners of D + B Wines at The Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City)

Ms. Corinne Joseph

I am fond of seeing this couple of D + B very happy to impart their knowledge about wines as they can see that slowly Cebuanos are progressing to be a wine drinker. They have shared with us their statistics through the years since they started in 2014.

One more important thing that I've learned, when serving wines at a party, It's best recommended to serve with light wines first like white or sparkling wines to put a lighter and chill mood to the event, then you may serve the red wine at a later part.

One of my favorites is the Rose wine, I love the color and the smell of it. The taste is not so strong and it's not that dry and acidic. For me, I love it when I partnered it with dark chocolate or brownie. It exemplifies the taste of food as you eat it with Rose Wine.

They are accepting events on their second floor where you can reserve the room for private parties for Php 500/ hour.. with your own food and drinks or room is free if the drinks you are serving are from D + B Wineshop.

It is always good to venture into new things. Learning other people's stories leads to a better understanding of their culture and most importantly, it adds to your friend lists.

Visit D + B now at The Crossroads, Gov. M. Cuenco Ave. Banilad, Cebu City. For Inquiries, call or text at 0927 649 3170.