Felipe Motta 8th Annual Wine Tasting Fair in Panama City

Felipe Motta's 8th Annual Wine Tasting Fair, or VIII Gran Feria de Vinos, took place at the Felipe Motta Wine Store in Marbella on Wednesday October 22nd and Thursday October 23rd from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30p.m. Given that Felipe Motta is on a highly trafficked one-way street and that the event took place during rush hour, there was some unavoidable “tráfico,”  though complimentary valet parking was available for all guests. Upon entrance to Felipe Motta, attendees pay a reasonable admission fee of $20.00, which gets them a wine glass and passport, not to mention fully preparing them for an exclusive journey through 24 wineries from California, Chile, Argentina, Spain, France, Italy and Australia. All tasting booths are manned by recognized professionals from all over the globe. What's more, the admission fee is 100% redeemable during the event for the purchase of wines being shown. Though the coupon is specifically for the event day that you attend, I'm sure you could get away with buying the passport the first day and swinging by the next!

Compared to other wine-related events in Panama, such as the Expo Vino at Atlapa Convention Center or wine tasting at the Super Gourmet in Casco Viejo, the ambiance is more serious and professional. Though there is no dress code, most Panamanian male attendees were wearing suits and I could count the number of jeans on one hand. Despite the “uptight” attire, people were mingling and having a good time...Funny how wine does that!

Expats were in attendance, tasting wine along with the locals in Felipe Motta. Gail from IslasTabogas.com said, “I love that Panamanians and Panama are so interested in learning about wines from other countries and cultures.”

Jocelyn from SuccessInCentralAmerica.com said, “This is why I came to Central America...Great wine, great company, what more could I ask for!”

Amongst the large variety available for tasting, an especially appropriate selection for Panama's climate is the Cavas Hill Brut Rosado, which goes for $9.25 retail. A Cavas Hill representative told PlayaCommunity.com, “This choice is great for Panama's climate because it is refreshing and possesses a low level of acidity.”

If you are looking for something a little more intense, then try the offerings of Californian Ravenwood Winery, whose slogan is, “No wimpy wines!” If you're looking to sit back, relax and drink a glass of wine, then try the Ravenswood Vinters Blend Chardonnay 2006, which goes for $11.50 per bottle.

For a dinner party, best to serve the Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay. This selection, a reasonable $18.75 per bottle, has a rich oak flavor and hails from Napa Valley.

If you didn't get a chance to attend this year, then be sure to mark your 2009 calendars!