With its fabulous selection of wines and fine French food, this "physician" has what it takes to boost your wellbeing, one visit at a time. And, while this "doctor” can make no therapeutic claims about the remedies on offer, there is, indeed, much to be said about their boon to your mood and mindset. Ultimately, good food and wine are a balm to many ails and ills of the human condition. Dr. Wine in Poblacion — the first of two “clinics” established by husband-and-wife business tandem, Vincent and Eva Landais — has been well-acquainted with this life hack since it first opened in July 2017.
I recently had the pleasure of an appointment with the good doctor, to sample a few of the new dishes on the mouthwatering menu. …And, of course, to have my fill of the fruit of the vine, a remedy lauded by the ancients themselves. Fun fact: Hippocrates of Kos, largely regarded as the Father of Modern Medicine, concocted “Hippocratic Wine” (infused with spices, botanicals and herbs) for use as a broad-spectrum germicide, to help ease fevers, as a diuretic, and as a tonic for convalescing patients. Then you have Dr. Louis Pasteur, acclaimed French chemist, pharmacist, and microbiologist, who declared wine as “the healthiest of all beverages.” Just two on a roster of many who believed in the wonders of wine, way back when.
Turns out, there’s more to Dr. Wine’s name than mere hype and coolness factor, yes?
Vintage soul meets cosmopolitan charm- Dr. Wine's interior are where cozy comfort and timeless chic collide; fresh, flavorful and flair-filled yet friendly French cuisine shines in dishes like Confit de Cuisse de Canard, Agneau de 7 Heures, and Ragoût de Poulpe to Filet de Bouef Sauce Perigueux.
The “healing” begins as soon as you walk through Dr. Wine’s stately old-wood-and-glass doors. Immediately, you sense not only the charming vintage-chic vibe of the venue, but also (and more importantly) the effortless ease it affords. In a city as fast-paced and ever-evolving as Makati, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. But tucked away in trendy, gentrified Poblacion—a neighborhood known for its mix of old-world charm and to-the-minute modernism—Dr. Wine offers an oasis of laidback leisure and fine French fare, minus the intimidation.
I mean, let’s be honest: French food can be intimidating. Between the long list of terms you need to Google (unless you’re fluent in French, that is) and the expectations of perfect plating and pristine presentation, the whole experience can sometimes feel like you need a PhD in Fine Dining just to enjoy a meal. But Dr. Wine is changing that. From the moment you step inside its flagship bistro in Poblacion, a warm, inviting space greets you and initiates chill out mode. The atmosphere isn’t about highbrow cuisine—it’s about appreciating flavor, creating community, and bringing people together over some seriously good dishes and well-loved vintages from around the world.
“Dr. Wine Poblacion offers a distinctive blend of international wine culture and local Filipino charm in a warm, elegant, and lively setting. It's a place that strikes a mix between socializing and intimacy, providing a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere for big events as well as informal evenings,” Vincent Landais shares. “The atmosphere encourages a sense of camaraderie and exploration. It's a vibrant area where residents and visitors alike can feel welcome and where wine, cuisine, and culture are thoughtfully and captivatingly combined,” he expounds, as he poses for a quick portrait session for this feature. Landais, ever the dynamic restaurateur, zips off to a new project, a soon-to-open (at the time of this writing) premium tequila bar and Mexican restaurant in neighboring Bonifacio Global City (BGC), which is also home to Dr. Wine’s second location, a more citified, modern iteration of the brand.
Moreover, Dr. Wine is a passionate player in the Poblacion scene, and has done much to propel its revival. The rise of Poblacion as a happening hub of gastronomy and nightlife has been nothing short of transformative. For Dr. Wine, however, it’s never been about just hopping on board the gentrification train; rather, it’s about being part of the story. “Dr. Wine was instrumental in Poblacion's development, especially in forming the vibrant blend of local business, entertainment, and culture. If Dr. Wine's role was symbolic, it would symbolize a vision of Poblacion as a cultural melting pot where many creative, culinary, and social elements come together to help the neighborhood develop into the hip, diverse community it is today,” Landais muses.
Charismatic sommelier and founder Dr. Wine, Vincent Landais. Dr. Wine is home to around 150 top-tier wines, personally curated by its owners.
Perhaps one of the biggest draws of Dr. Wine in Poblacion is Dr. Wine Rooftop, an exciting roof deck bar-meets-al fresco dining area that has morphed considerably since its early years of operations. “The space reflects the same attention to detail and quality that Dr. Wine Poblacion is known for, with a focus on creating an experience that’s both sophisticated and fun,” Landais notes.
From the original straightforward, utilitarian open space, the design now exudes a far more artsy feel. Curved concrete banquettes (that, to me, totally give Gaudi, rooftop-bar-in-Barcelona energy, especially with the tiled ice buckets built into the banquettes) constructed alongside the railings have replaced the old straight seating that run flush along the rails. Softly rounded edges lend an organic feel to the cement benches, a sense that is heightened by greenery. An elevated viewing deck affords even more breathtaking panoramas of the neighborhood. In all, the aesthetic is cozy, chic, and contemporary, set against the stunning city skyline. Plus, with its can’t-be-beat free-flowing Happy Hour Sunset Sessions and other exhilarating promotions, Dr. Wine Rooftop has secured a spot among the top haunts in the neighborhood. Pro tip: book a rooftop table in advance; this is one of the busiest, most sought-after places in Poblacion and enjoys a steady influx of clients.
The rooftop isn’t the only aspect that has evolved since Dr. Wine Poblacion’s opening—the main dining floor now boasts more seating with the addition of a new wing, Le Jardin. Drawing inspiration from lush countryside gardens, Le Jardin brings the outdoors in with lots of natural light, greenery, floral bursts, and rustic accents. The space is sexy and super special—and I am happy to sit and savor an equally sexy, special meal in this enchanting setting with asianTraveler’s publisher (and my editorial partner on this assignment), Gabriel dela Cruz, and Dr. Wine’s Head of PR and Marketing, Paolo Gomez.
Dr. Wine Rooftop is a wildly popular venue in Poblacion
Now, let’s talk food. As I mentioned earlier, French cuisine often comes with an air of formality that can be a little unnerving. Between the tongue-twisting names, precise techniques, and complex flavors, it's easy to feel like you need a master’s degree in gastronomy just to sit at the table. But Dr. Wine not only makes French dining authentic—it also makes it approachable. With an emphasis on blending the classic with the contemporary, the new menu at Dr. Wine is a testament to this balance. They’ve just introduced a range of re-imagined French classics, as well as seasonal flavors with a twist, designed to surprise and satiate your senses. Whether you're a French cuisine newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, the food here has something to offer that will make you feel right at home. It’s no wonder, though—Dr. Wine's Executive Chef Romain Escande, originally from the city of Toulouse in the south of France, credits his culinary chops to his mother and his grandmother, and he brings this homey touch to Dr. Wine’s menu.
We kick things off with the refreshing yet robust eponymous Chef Romain Salad, concocted with the freshest greens, embellished with generous Roguié smoked duck breast strips, quail eggs, orange supreme, and freshly grated 12-month-aged Comté cheese. The main dishes are a multisensory treat; a sumptuous synergy of sights, smells, and succulent sensations. There’s the bestselling Confit de Cuisse de Canard of Ernest Soulard duck leg confit drizzled with apple and mushroom sauce; the hearty Agneau de 7 Heures, Australian lamb shoulder slow cooked for seven hours, with a side of sweet potatoes, French beans, and assorted vegetables; the flavor-rich Ragoût de Poulpe of octopus ragoût in rich tomato reduction sauce, and perfectly cooked paccheri pasta; and the Filet de Bœuf Sauce Périgueux, perfectly seared Clear River USDA beef tenderloin, draped in a rich red wine truffle sauce straight from Aquitaine, served with creamy gratinated potatoes dauphinoise and an indulgent wedge of pan-seared foie gras. We demolish glasses of fresh and citrusy Wild House Chenin Blanc, bright berry-rich Wild House Pinotage, deeply luscious Bread and Butter Pinot Noir, and the elegant, well-rounded Chateau Des Tour Brouilly 2021. As expected on any given visit to Dr. Wine, each pour proves the perfect pairing and elevates the enjoyment of the food. Every soul-soothing sip calls to mind Dr. Wine’s mission to make wine-and-food pairings equal parts accessible and art form.
Overall, the dishes are still fancifully French, yet also fondly familiar, with taste profiles and textures that unfold comfort in every bite. In the end, it really doesn’t matter if you can or can’t properly pronounce each dish on the menu like a multilingual pro—that’s what your pointer finger is for! The palate pursues and pinpoints pleasure, regardless, and Dr. Wine’s gastronomy certainly fills out that prescription.
The talented Executive Chef Romain Escande. From the refined Chef Romain Salad to the indulgent Confit de Cuisse de Canard, every dish at Dr. Wine is a work of art, beautifully elevated by expert food and wine pairings.
At Dr. Wine, the doctor’s orders are simple: skip the highfaluting hubbub. Or at least, don’t focus solely on it. Here, it’s all about good food, great wine, and a leisurely yet lively atmosphere. Every dish is crafted with passion—and a healthy dose of fun. Craving for a hearty helping of joie de vivre with your gambas pastis and verre de vin? Dr. Wine has you covered.
Striking the perfect balance between gourmet elegance and casual comfort, Dr. Wine creates a space where expats, tourists, and locals alike can come together to celebrate life’s fine yet fuss-free fancies.
After all (just as Hippocrates, Pasteur, and scores of others gone before knew very well), life’s too short to skimp on the joys of fabulous food, lush libations, captivating company, and memorable moments.
Santé!
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