In the Realm of Taste - Unraveling Craftsmanship with Sommelier Jhonel Faelnar and TanTan Wang

In a captivating series of discussions known as the UBS House of Craft series, various artists, collectors, and innovative minds shared their unique perspectives on present-day craftsmanship. The final dialogue boasted the presence of Filipino-born beverage director Jhonel Faelnar. Faelnar’s discerning palate has been instrumental in shaping some of New York City’s most esteemed wine programs, and he currently spearheads the wine and beverage strategy for NA:EUN Hospitality. His establishments include two-Michelin-starred Atomix, Atoboy, and Naro. Faelnar’s noteworthy contributions and inventive pairing approach have earned him prestigious accolades, including Wine Enthusiast’s Sommelier/Beverage Director of the Year and a spot on Wine Enthusiast’s ‘40 Under 40’ list. The easy-going conversation between Faelnar and TanTan Wang revolved around the enchanting domains of wine and watches, exploring the true meaning of collecting. The discourse emphasized that collecting is more than mere accumulation. It is an intensely personal, ever-evolving journey. Faelnar drove home the point about the significance of beginnings over endings, how a single bottle can possess more value than an entire cellar, and one’s taste is sculpted not by expertise, but through first-hand experiences. The dialogue served as an apt conclusion to the series, harmonizing fields as diverse as wine-making and horology, through their mutual principles of patience, subtle complexities and taste.