On December 10, 2024, wine enthusiasts and food lovers gathered at Suntec City, Singapore, for an exclusive evening of culinary artistry and wine expertise. The Valduero x Synthesis Wine Pairing Dinner was a resounding success, with a fully booked intimate seating of 12 guests. This event demonstrated how European wines, particularly the exceptional Spanish offerings from Bodegas Valduero, beautifully complement the bold and diverse flavors of Singaporean cuisine.
Bridging Cultures with Every Sip
As Singapore’s wine culture evolves and becomes more accessible, events like this pairing dinner highlight how wines—often perceived as niche or exclusive—can be seamlessly integrated into the local dining experience. By combining Spanish wines with a menu inspired by traditional Chinese wellness philosophy, we showcased how wines from regions like Ribera del Duero can elevate and resonate with familiar flavors.
The Five Elements, Perfectly Paired
Chef Tan of Synthesis presented a five-course menu built around the five elements of traditional Chinese wellness: Metal, Water, Fire, Earth, and Wood. With the expertise of Dunstan Vintner, each dish was paired with premium wines from Valduero, creating a dining experience that was both unique and deeply harmonious.
 | Metal Element: Local Tiger Prawn Laksa GelatoA bold reimagination of Singapore’s beloved laksa, this cold appetizer featured prawn gelato, herb oil, and lemongrass cream. It was paired with the Valduero Blanco Albillo, a vibrant white wine that starts with fruity notes and evolves into a biscuit-like richness, perfectly balancing the creamy, spiced flavors of the dish. |
 | Water Element: Teochew Seafood SoupThis soul-soothing soup highlighted locally farmed golden snapper, fried solefish, and bruleed tomatoes in a deeply flavorful 12-hour fish stock. The Bodegas Valduero Finca Azaya offered an ideal complement with its robust character, enhancing the oceanic and umami-rich profile of the dish. |
 | Fire Element: Spiced Turmeric Pork RendangWith its complex layers of spice, tender pork collar, and unique rendang ranch, this dish was paired with the Finca Azaya Premium, whose bold, structured flavors stood up to the dish’s spiced intensity. |
 | Earth Element: Black Pepper Beef CheekA hearty main course of braised beef cheek with black pepper and caramelized onion was matched with the Valduero Una Cepa, a single-vineyard Tempranillo with an earthy depth and silky tannins that echoed the grounded essence of the dish. |
 | Wood Element: Chicken Rice Reimagined
Chef Tan’s inventive take on chicken rice featured slow-cooked chicken breast, chicken rice, and a sesame soy emulsion. The Valduero 6 Años, aged six years in oak barrels, provided an elegant pairing. The wine’s velvety complexity mirrored the layered flavors of the dish. |
 | Dessert Finale: Local-Inspired Petit Four
The meal ended on a sweet note with a selection of desserts inspired by Singaporean flavors, leaving guests with a lingering sense of satisfaction. |
A Toast to Community and Culture
The evening was not just about food and wine but also about community and celebration. It was a testament to how thoughtful pairings and shared experiences can break down the barriers of wine appreciation.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening. We look forward to hosting more events that bring together the best of global wines and local culinary creativity.
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