Oenophiles, get ready to explore Miami’s thriving wine scene! With a surge of fantastic wine bars and restaurants boasting stellar wine programs, the city offers the perfect setting to celebrate National Wine Day or any day you’re craving a great glass. This guide highlights some of the best wine bars in Miami, where you can discover diverse selections, delicious pairings, and unforgettable atmospheres.
Wine Bars with Atmosphere in Miami
Glass & Vine: Wine & Nature in Coconut Grove
The shaded outdoor seating and gorgeous park views are just two reasons to visit Glass & Vine, a space where pretense slips away, and guests can relax and enjoy good company over an exceptional glass of wine. The food menu showcases the bounty southern Florida has to offer, and the restaurant leans heavily on locally sourced ingredients. The sparkling offerings come from renowned champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, and Perrier Jouet. The white wines run the gamut from South Africa to Sonoma. If you come during happy hour, all wines by the glass are only $5. What a deal! Happy hour also offers a refreshing watermelon salad or chips and guacamole for only $7.
Wine & Tapas in Miami
El Carajo International Tapas And Wine: A Miami Institution
El Carajo has been a Miami staple for 50 years. The red and white house varieties are very affordable (both $6) in South Africa and Italy. In the new COVID reality, El Carajo also offers wine delivery, an excellent way to get exceptional wines without leaving home. Shop by country, varietal, color, or style to find the wine you want most. If you’re dining in, there’s a small, curated selection of cold or hot tapas to pair with wine, including charcuterie or queso combinations, bacon-wrapped dates, croquetas, and Spanish tortillas.
Happy Wine: Live Music & Spanish Flavors
What started as a wine store on Calle Ocho blossomed into a unique wine and tapas bar with live music. Happy Wine, a 14-year neighborhood icon, has more than 1,000 bottles in stock for retail purchase and a smaller menu to go with the delicious snacks. Sangria is an affordable option at less than $6 per glass and under $20 for a pitcher. The house wine is similarly budget-friendly at a cool $5.50. The Spanish tapas are classic offerings, including boquerones (marinated white anchovies), croquetas, and albondigas (meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce with goat cheese mousse). Wines can be sipped and swirled alongside a delicious meat and charcuterie board with succulent offerings like Iberico ham and Mahon or manchego cheese.
Global Wine Experiences in Miami
Bunbury: Argentinean Wine & Cuisine
Bunbury, a must-visit Argentinean restaurant, has more than 130 carefully selected wines on its list. Proud of its roots, the list features nearly 50 wines from Argentina, a fantastic tour of the country’s versatility from the coast to the Andes. The Humberto Canale cabernet franc is a steal at under $50. The menu also features the powerfully intense wines of Spain and France or the silky wines from the Columbia Valley. Owner/Sommelier Paula Costa has made sure every menu item pairs well with each bottle on her list and is an excellent representation of Argentinean-inspired cuisine. The country is known for its incredible meats, so go for the 10-ounce steak served with truffle mashed potatoes and a chimichurri sauce. Get the cheese or “Picada Bunbury” boards, a selection of meats and cheeses, to try Malbec in a whole new way as a jelly accompaniment.
No Reservations: Simply Delicious Shared Plates
No Reservations Miami is a unique culinary destination that combines the inviting warmth of a neighborhood restaurant with the sophisticated allure of a well-curated wine bar. It’s a place where the emphasis is on creating a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, perfect for gatherings with friends or a casual yet refined evening out. The heart of the No Reservations experience lies in its philosophy of “simply prepared, delicious dishes.” This approach highlights the quality of ingredients and the art of uncomplicated cooking, allowing the natural flavors of the food to shine. The menu encourages sharing, fostering a sense of community and connection around the table.
