Named after small, secluded bay hidden on the Marlborough coast of New Zealand's South Island, the wines of Monkey Bay capture that distinct Kiwi spirit, with its fresh, clean, and approachable character uncorked with every bottle. And there's no better way to discover and experience being in the moment, with a full moon on a summer evening, than with a few bottles of Monkey Bay. All it takes is one sip, and you're there...
Held at Wave Restaurant at the exclusive City of Dreams, the elegant outdoor venue offered panoramic views of the of the Manila Bay skyline, as well as the perfect vantage point for an unobstructed peek at the full moon. It's also the perfect setting to illustrate Monkey Bay's concept of "being in the moment," that liberating feeling of spontaneity, all under the full moon. That evening, we sampled Monkey Bay's selection which included a Merlot, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris, each one highlighting the range of Monkey Bay's portfolio.
Throughout the evening, wine flowed freely getting you in the groove in no time at all. And soon, guests experienced being in the moment in true Monkey Bay style, with each sip of Monkey Bay's different wines spinning its own stories for an entertaining evening. 
A lavish poolside barbecue was set up, with a curated menu to pair with Monkey Bay wines, including Fresh-Grilled Lemon Grass Black Tiger Prawns...
...tender and savory fall-off-the-bone 8-Hour Smoked Pork Ribs, Hickory Smoked Black Angus Beef Brisket, and Indonesian-style Beef, Chicken and Seafood Satay along with an assortment of sausages and other dishes. 
The outdoor grills were fired up all night long, and the sausages seemed to be a popular choice that evening. Guests were encouraged to pair their Monkey Bay wine with the wide variety of dishes and simply following what they enjoyed, without any rules to limit the experience.
My Monkey Bay experience began with a glass Pinot Gris, with its subtle pale gold hue and fragrant aromatic hints of fruits and whisper of spice, followed by soft notes of melon and pear. The Pinot Gris pairs well with lighter dishes, with its crisp and delicate flavors. The Sauvignon Blanc features a lemon-like tint with a sharp clarity, with a nose resembling pineapples and finished with pronounced lemon and grapefruit notes. The Sauvignon Blanc is perfect with chicken and seafood dishes, complementing the delicate profiles of the dishes. The Rose, with its vibrant pink hues, has a more floral aroma, capped by the tart notes of strawberries and a crisp, dry finish. The Rose pairs well with light dishes and salads. And finally, Monkey Bay's Merlot, with its deep red shade and upfront aroma of blackberries, delivers robust and full-bodied flavors with hints of fruits and spice ideal for pairing with savory dishes and barbecues. Though each wine is different from the other, there seemed to be a playful, even whimsical character that threads these different wines, a distinct carefree spirit that is innate with Monkey Bay. And that's what makes Monkey Bay so approachable, with its fresh and clean notes complemented by its outgoing personality. It's good vibes in a bottle, just what you need to celebrate the full moon.
But the weather seemed to have other plans that evening, with a veil of clouds shrouding the full moon. But after a few more glasses, the evening skies began to clear, just enough time for the Philippine Astronomical Society to set up their powerful telescopes for an intimate peek at the moon. Nothing like being in the moment...
...with a glass of Monkey Bay. And all it takes is one sip, and you're there. Make that one too many sips, glasses and bottles of Monkey Bay for a memorable evening of moongazing and being in the moment, and it just can't get any better than that. One more glass for the road, just for good measure...
For more information on Monkey Bay, visit their website at http://www.monkeybay.co.nz.
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