A couple of years ago, I was able to go to Paris, France with my husband for work. During that trip we also explored a few places around France which included Alsace — the region of the country where the Dreyfus family hails from.

Going around the Alsace region and to be able to enjoy the beauty of this incredible place through activities such as wine tasting, exploring the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg (a medieval castle), dining in various local restaurants, enjoying local fare, have been quite the experience.

Vineyards as far as the eye can see because Alsace is home to the world’s best white wines.


We were also able to eat at Au Pont Corbeau. We weren’t even aware this was a Michelin-starred restaurant when we dropped by to dine here. Haha!




The 3 days spent in Alsace was nothing short of wonderful.
So, when I recently attended an event at Fairmont Makati Hotel featuring Alsace, it brought back so many beautiful memories. One of them was when we traced the Dreyfus roots in Oberschaeffolsheim, a town located in the arrondissement of Strasbourg, Alsace.

We were able to get a copy of Chuckie’s great grandfather’s birth record at the Mairie. Our trip to Alsace was a success!!!

Eastern France Tourism Agency and PGI Holding, Inc. is bringing one of the most beautiful French regions, Alsace, closer to the Philippines.
The Heart of Alsace Media launch were attended by His Excellency the Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, CEO of PGI Holding Inc. Olivier Midière, President of The Eastern France Tourism Agency Madame Marie-Reine Fischer, Communications Director of Eastern France Tourism Agency Fatiha Kritter-Rachedi and CEO of Magnifique Escapades Benoit Ghestem.

This campaign aims to promote the region through rich and innovative experiences here in the Philippines and one of the highlights was an intimate luncheon with a wonderful sampling of Alsatian Wine-Pairing featuring the following wines from Alsace:
- Gustave Lorentz Pinot Blanc 2017
- Gustave Lorentz Riesling 2017
- Gustave Lorentz Gewurtztraminer 2017



Did you know that the Alsace Wine Route is home to local vineyards amidst the beauty of France’s Grand Est region? It also happens to be one of Europe’s best kept secrets.

Another exciting highlight was the introduction of the Heart of Alsace Travel.
Apart from Travel Wine Tourism, you can go on a Spiritual Pilgrimage, attend Corporate Seminars or just discover the region’s culture, cuisine, and rich historical heritage.


The possibilities are endless when in Alsace… possibilities that are just waiting to be explored.
Going to Alsace from Manila can be from Charles de Gaulle airport, then do a tour around Paris for a few days to immerse yourself in the beauty of the city… Just like what we did during our visit.
Here’s a sample itinerary of our trip.
June 18
21:45 – Depart Manila to Istanbul via Turkish Airline from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1
June 19
05:10 – Arrive at Istanbul Atatürk Airport
06:55 – Depart Istanbul Atatürk Airport to Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France
09:35 – Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France
June 19-23
Paris Trip
June 24
09:25 – Take the TGV train from Gare De L’Est. Station to Strasbourg
11:11 – Arrive at Strasbourg Railway Station
Hotel: Couvent Du Franciscain Hotel
Located in the city centre of Strasbourg, just a 10-min walk from the old town and the TGV train station. The hotel is perfect for both business and sightseeing trips around Strasbourg.
June 25
13:00 – Pick-up for Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg (a medieval castle) and Wine Tour
Duration: 5 hours and 15 mins
June 26
09:00 – Side trip to Oberschaeffolsheim to trace the Dreyfus roots.
14:46 – Take the TGV train from Strasbourg to Paris
16:35 – Arrive in Paris
19:45 – Leave Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France to Istanbul, Turkey
June 27
00:10 – Arrive at Istanbul Atatürk Airport
01:50 – Depart Istanbul Atatürk Airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, Manila
18:45 – Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, Manila
Gathering top local travel agencies in the Philippines, the Heart of Alsace Travel will now be a part of their outbound tour packages offered to customers, helping Filipinos achieve a seamless travel process to France.
Aside from this dream travel, watch out for the other Heart of Alsace brand concepts, which include a wide range of products and services to be launched this year. These concepts are based on tourism, gastronomy and Alsatian wines, reaching more people to have a taste of unique Alsatian experience.
For more information, please visit www.heartofalsace.com
About PGI Holding, Inc.
PGI Holding, Inc. is an Investment company in the creation of franchise networks and licensing models in Asia around innovative and exclusive products, services, brands and concepts in the tourism, food and beverage sectors.