Perfect Pairings: Artisan Cellar Door’s New Look and Exclusive Dinners with Master of Wine Jeannie Cho-Lee

If you care about wine, drink it, talk about it, and buy it, then Artisan Cellar Door (Artisan) in Makati is an establishment that you are most likely familiar with. Open since 2015, it has become one of the country’s leading wine merchants and is known for its depth and range of superlative wines and vintages from around the globe.

Domaine Leroy and Domaine Armand Rousseau from Burgundy, Commando G from Spain, Silver Oak  from California, Borlotto from Piedmont, Casanova di Neri from Montalcino, and Bodega Chacra from Patagonia are just a few of the top global producers that Artisan carries, along with all of the Bordeaux Grand Cru wines.  It has also become well-known for its superb Champagne selection from some of the most elite growers and cellars–bottles from Champagne superstars like Cedric Bouchard, Pascal Agrapart, Pierre Gimonnet, and Champagne Geoffrey. 

But wine isn’t the only reason Artisan Cellar Door has become a destination for gastronomes in the know. Its adjacent delicatessen offers some of the world’s best meat, seafood, cheese, and gourmet products, like Joselito Jamon from Spain, Castaing Foie Gras de Canard from France, and Di Martino Pasta from Italy.

For owner Alex Ong, it soon  became obvious that the few sofas and little round tables they had in the showroom, along with the small plates being offered, were not enough to accommodate patrons in search of a place to wine and dine–in that order. When the space next to theirs became available, Ong asked his landlords if he could lease it to expand Artisan and add a  proper dining room where he would also be able to showcase the high-end products he distributes. Late last year, the renovation was completed, and The Artisan Cellar Door Dining Room opened.

The new dining area is neither a full-blown restaurant nor is it a wine bar in the strictest sense, though to guests it most likely feels like the best of both worlds. With an  exceptional list of wines offered at retail and served in exquisite Zalto Glasses (which Artisan distributes exclusively in the Philippines) and the excellent choice of food, the space evolves through the day until the late evening. In the main lounge, guests may come as early as lunch and choose to linger until the late afternoon. Three private rooms may  be booked for meetings, small parties, or events. 

Beyond cheese and charcuterie are offerings that you would find at many of the city’s fine dining restaurants. While the menu is tight in scope, it is able to highlight Artisan’s garage of gourmet products. Come with a group of people to share a great bottle or three, a bunch of appetizers, and stay for the larger entrees. 

Start with the Joselito Iberico charcuterie selection that includes jamon, paleto, lomo, coppa, and salchichon that comes with some lavosh crackers, grissini, cheese, and grapes. Each type of charcuterie can also be ordered individually. For something extra-special, try the sliced vintage 2013 jamon that is pure indulgence. Another must-order is the warm Joselito longganiza served on a bed of caramelized onions and an innovative vegetable X.O. sauce. Similar to an  Italian cotechino, this sausage is fatty and full-flavored but a squeeze of fresh lemon provides just the right amount of acidity to tame its richness.

Another starter that will make your mouth pucker is the burrata with tomato confit, studded with Joselito jamon strips. Drizzled with honey and extra-virgin olive oil that adds to its creamy goodness, it is meant to be savored and sopped up with Artisan’s house-made bread.

Pizzas, too, are equally special here. Whether you opt for a classic Margherita or the Okan Wagyu sukiyaki pizza, you won’t be disappointed. Impressive pastas such as a carbonara with the rare Joselito guanciale, a mouthwatering aglio olio, and an anchovy pasta are all tasty and soulful. 

For heavier dishes to accompany your bottles of wine, grilled Okan wagyu ribeye and striploin steaks are available, as are a well-done duck cassoulet, a chicken parmigiana, and a miso-glazed aged Patagonian toothfish. If you are planning ahead of your visit, you may also pre-order a specially prepared turbot. 

Desserts are made well here. You  may think it sounds redundant to order both the Crème Catalan and the seasonal panna cotta, but in a side-by- side tasting, each can be appreciated for their distinct characteristics.

Like many wine stores, educational events such as winemaker dinners are planned for its patrons. This March, Artisan Cellar Door welcomes Hong Kong-based Master of Wine, Jeannie Cho-Lee. The first Master of Wine from Asia, Ms. Cho-Lee is a graduate of Smith College and  has a masters in public policy from Harvard University. She is a journalist, a wine educator, and highly-sought public speaker. She has authored three award- winning books: Asian Palate, Mastering Wine for the Asian Palate, and The 100 Burgundy.

While in Manila, Ms. Cho Lee will host two master classes and two wine dinners  that are open to the public at The Artisan Cellar Door: 

March 3, 2025, 6:30 PM: Côte de Beaune Wine Dinner

March 4, 2025, 3:00 PM: Champagne Master Class

March 4, 2025, 6:30 PM: Côte de Nuit Wine Dinner

March 5, 2025, 3:00 PM: Master Class on Vintage Variances in Burgundy

For more information, please contact The Artisan Cellar Door, 2276 Chino Roces Street, Ground Floor, Narra Building, Makati; 632.888.0619.