DFS group hosts the premier and largest retail exhibition of wines and spirits in Asia: Master of wines and spirits
NOVEMBER 16, 2013 - Singapore – Today, DFS Group (DFS), the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, celebrated the opening of its third annual Masters of Wines and Spirits exhibition, the most prestigious retail event of its kind in Asia. More than 400 VIP guests, passionate connoisseurs and collectors of fine wines and spirits, as well as a large contingent of international press joined the Group’s senior management for a two-day programme of activities in Singapore. Among the many notable attendees who participated were Philippe Schaus, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DFS Group and ambassadors from prestigious brands representing the pinnacle of the Champagne, wine and spirits world.
Addressing the attendees at the opening of the weekend, Mr. Schaus said: “Encounters with some of the world’s rarest wines and spirits, as well as the very Masters behind them have defined this event for the past two years. Now, we also hope to share with our guests a deeper appreciation of what Masters of Wines and Spirits offers: a holistic understanding of the intersection between exceptional drinks, fine cuisine and good company.”
Guests were first treated to a specially designed meal, created by renowned chef, restaurateur and friend of DFS, Luke Mangan, at his restaurant, Salt Grill & Sky Bar. As the meal unfolded, DFS’ distinct approach to curating an entire category and lifestyle of luxury emerged. Mr. Mangan’s menu inspired diners with its expert pairing to the wines and spirits served at the occasion: Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004, Château Cos d’Estournel Vintage 2000, Penfolds Grange Vintage 2007, Richard Hennessy, and The Royal Salute Kensington Blend Essence - 49 Year Old.
Further elevating the dining experience, Mr. Mangan joined other specially-invited experts and DFS friends — Ch’ng Poh Tiong, the acclaimed critic and leading Asian authority on fine wines, and Aki Eguchi, Singapore’s award-winning bartender — in a lively discussion illustrating the sense of harmony that develops from the perfect balance of exquisite drinks, fine cuisine, and the best of company.
An unprecedented selection of exclusive wines and spirits
Activities continued the following day with a high-profile Gala Event at the National Museum of Singapore, where the collection enjoyed its first public viewing by guests. Comprising 79 masterpieces from 49 prestigious brands, the collection is the singular result of the strength of DFS’ deep-rooted relationships with the world’s most sought-after wine, spirit and Champagne Houses.
In keeping with tradition, Masters of Wines and Spirits features many rare and limited edition fine spirits, including the most expensive bottle of whisky in the world: The Dalmore Constellation Collection 1951 Vintage. A single 70cl bottle only of this remarkable single malt Scotch vintage is available. The Kensington Blend by Royal Salute is another fine spirit exclusive to Masters of Wines and Spirits. This whisky contains a portion of the very blend that marked the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Also on display is the 1949 Fine & Rare – The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition in Linley Cabinet. In cognacs, the collection contains the Camus Cuvée Masterpiece Organoleptic Piano collection, a spectacular selection of five beautifully-presented signature Cuvées.
The exhibition also includes bespoke offerings from some of the most prestigious wine châteaux in the world, such as 40 Years of Château Margaux and the Three Decades of Château Margaux Magnum Collection, comprising some of the Château’s most acclaimed vintages. Also part of the exhibition is the Dom Pérignon Balloon Venus by Jeff Koons, a magnificent sculptural creation designed by the artist that, when opened, reveals a bottle of Champagne: Rosé Vintage 2003, symbolising the continuity of life, rebirth, and sensuality.
The first Masters Collection event of the year
Masters of Wines and Spirits in Singapore is the first event of DFS’ 2013 Masters Collection, a signature DFS programme of exhibitions that also includes the highly-acclaimed Masters of Time from December 7-8. The Masters Collection showcases the Group’s unique ability to define and merchandise the best of the best across all core pillars of luxury.
“I am proud to say that this year’s Masters Collection is off to a very strong start,” said Mr. Brooks. “Building upon the success of the past two editions of Masters of Wines and Spirits, this time we have partnered with even more of the world’s best-loved brands to curate an unprecedented collection of the finest and rarest spirits, wines and Champagnes. As with all our Masters Collection events, I am certain that our guests will not only appreciate the depth and breadth of the collection, but also the chance to meet the Masters behind so many of these exceptional products on display. We are all very much looking forward to continuing the Masters Collection journey in the upcoming months.”
Masters of Wines and Spirits World Traveller Showcase
From November 17, 2013 to the end of February 2014, the Masters of Wines and Spirits collection continue to remain on display and become available for sale within DFS concessions at Singapore Changi Airport in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, as part of the Masters of Wines and Spirits World Traveller Showcase.
Francois Rosset, Managing Director, Singapore, DFS Group, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Changi Airport to showcase this exceptional collection of many of the world’s best wines and spirits in our terminal stores at Changi Airport. Through this curated showcase, we hope to delight and enhance the shopping experiences of the millions of world travellers who travel through this gateway South East Asian Airport.”
Ivy Wong, Senior Vice President, Airside Concessions, Changi Airport Group, said, “At Changi Airport, we work closely with concession partners on innovative ways to inject even more excitement and vibrancy into our transit malls, including exclusive products and novel on-ground activities. Since it was launched in 2010, DFS’ Masters of Spirits has been a key flagship event for Changi’s liquor and tobacco business every year. We are honoured to partner DFS, for the third time, on this prestigious event, which has strengthened our position as an airport that offers a world class travel retail experience.
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