Dusit Thani Guam Resort brought the spirit of France to the island with its Tour de France Grand Finale, presented by France Wines, Etc., an elegant evening that guided guests through eight of the country’s most celebrated wine regions. Held Friday in the Grand Ballroom, the event paired regional French wines with classic dishes, creating a polished culinary experience that echoed the refinement of France’s gastronomic traditions.
Throughout the evening, guests explored a curated selection of wines that highlighted the character of each region, from crisp, mineral whites of the Loire and Burgundy to Rhône Valley blends and the signature rosé of Provence. Each pour was accompanied by tasting notes, background information and food pairings designed to enhance the flavors of the wine.
Culinary presentations complemented the tasting experience. Dusit chefs served tendre petit filet de bœuf grillé with braised carrots and Bordelaise sauce, offering guests a traditional pairing for the Bordeaux selections. Plates of pâté en croûte, sautéed escargot, Black Pearl caviar and an array of macarons and French pastries added depth to the menu and reflected the evening’s regional themes. Guests gathered around chef stations to watch dishes being assembled and plated, adding a dynamic element to the event.
The ballroom also featured displays inspired by iconic French destinations, including a Paris-themed wine installation that became a popular photo spot. Groups such as the Rally Cats tennis team joined attendees in celebrating the finale, while speakers including Céline San Nicolas of France Wines, Etc., and Chef Philippe Piel, Dusit Thani Guam Resort and Dusit Beach Resort Guam’s director of culinary, offered remarks connecting the wines to their regional heritage.
The evening’s wine lineup showcased a range of regions and styles. From Alsace, guests sampled a dry Riesling, the Gustave Lorentz “Riesling Réserve,” which offered crisp, aromatic notes balanced by bright acidity.
Burgundy was represented by an unoaked Chardonnay, Château de Maligny’s “Vignes de la Reine,” a citrus-driven wine marked by chalky minerality.
The Loire Valley offered two selections: Domaine Moulin Camus’ Melon of Burgundy, a Muscadet with lemon, green apple and saline freshness, and Joseph Mellot’s “Destinea,” a Sauvignon Blanc with citrus, gooseberry and lively acidity.
Beaujolais contributed a Gamay, Domaine Piron’s “Beaujolais Villages,” known for its bright cherry, raspberry and soft tannins.
Bordeaux provided two blends: Château La Gasparde’s Merlot–Cabernet Franc blend, noted for its supple texture with plum, cherry and spice, and Château Haut Selve’s “Les Acacias,” a Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot blend featuring cassis, blackberry, cedar and refined tannins.
From the Rhône Valley came Alain Jaume’s “Grande Garrigue,” a GSM blend with rich blackberry, licorice and savory spice. Rounding out the lineup was Provence’s Château La Coste “Rosé d’une Nuit,” a rosé offering strawberry, raspberry and citrus zest.
Dressed in evening attire, attendees raised glasses of Chablis, Vacqueyras and Bordeaux throughout the night, bringing a celebratory close to Dusit Thani’s multi-event Tour de France tasting series.
Live entertainment added to the atmosphere, with gentle beats and smooth, melodic jazz creating a moody backdrop. The female vocalist’s warm tone complemented the flow of the evening, giving each tasting station a sophisticated energy.
The Grand Finale offered Guam’s wine enthusiasts a chance to explore France’s most iconic regions through thoughtfully paired wines and classic dishes, an experience that blended culinary craftsmanship with the elegance of one of the world’s great wine cultures.
The wine selections were chosen with care, reflecting a progression through France’s diverse regions. Guests were invited to take part in an interactive vote for their favorite wine of the night, along with a lighthearted game that offered a chance to win a bottle from the evening’s featured lineup.
The evening was a remarkable one, with hats off to the Dusit team for a job well done. The event’s production, pacing and overall presentation were executed with exceptional care, creating an atmosphere that felt both elegant and immersive. Bringing the charm of France to the island is no small task, yet the resort delivered an experience that captured the spirit of European wine culture with authenticity and style.
Dining and Cooking