Behind the Bottle: Wine Dinners, BYOB Gems, and an Upcoming Washington Wine Tasting in Coconut Grove
January is busy, busy when it comes to wine.
It’s definitely season here in South Florida! If the change in weather didn’t give it away, I’m sure the number of event announcements in your inbox has!
The past few weeks have been a celebration of everything I love about wine—amazing bottles, memorable meals, and the incredible people who bring these wines to life. From intimate lunches and dinners with iconic winemakers to exploring hidden gems in Miami’s restaurant scene, it’s been a journey filled with discovery and connection. And we’re just getting started with the 2025 season of wine…
Here are a few highlights from the month already:
An Afternoon of the Best of Bordeaux with Hubert de Boüard de Laforest
Earlier this week at Pastis Miami, I had the privilege of dining alongside Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, 7th generation family owner and vigneron of the iconic Château Angélus. Known as one of the jewels of Saint-Émilion, Château Angélus has long championed Cabernet Franc, a grape that forms the backbone of its world-class wines. Cabernet Franc’s bright acidity and aromatic finesse bring a distinctive elegance to Angélus’ blends, elevating the power of Merlot with nuance and depth. This dedication to Cabernet Franc, along with meticulous vineyard practices and a profound respect for terroir, has helped solidify Angélus’ place as one of Bordeaux’s finest estates. This was a very French meal paired with the 2011 Angélus, which was as complex and compelling as the stories shared at the table.
Il Borro Wines and Salvatore Ferragamo Jr.
Later in the week, I attended a fabulous wine dinner with Il Borro, the Tuscan winery owned by the Ferragamo family, at Miami’s beautiful Basque-inspired Brickell restaurant, Zeru. Representing the estate was Salvatore Ferragamo Jr., grandson of the legendary fashion designer Salvatore Ferragamo. Il Borro is a stunning property in the heart of Tuscany, combining centuries of winemaking tradition with the Ferragamos’ signature attention to detail and luxury. Throughout the evening, we tasted wines that were a true reflection of the estate’s commitment to sustainability and authenticity—from vibrant reds to balanced whites and a fabulous rosé of Sangiovese. Each wine was masterfully paired with a dish reflecting elements of both Italian and Basque cuisine. Finishing with an absolutely delectable pistachio Basque cheesecake (still dreaming about it).
BYOB Miami Wine Dinner at Sumak Turkish Restaurant
Rounding out the week was another fantastic BYOB Miami wine dinner, this time at Sumak Turkish restaurant in Normandy Isles. The cozy, charming interior set the perfect stage for an intimate evening of wine and incredible Turkish cuisine shared with other wine lovers from around Miami. The food was a delightful blend of bold spices and fresh ingredients, complementing the variety of wines brought by our group. Sumak is truly a gem in the northern part of our city, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to explore something different in Miami’s culinary scene.
Washington Wine Tasting with L’Ecole No. 41 at Vinoteca Miami in Coconut Grove this Coming Week
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to share more about a Washington wine tasting with L’Ecole No 41 Winery at Vinoteca Miami in Coconut Grove on Tuesday night, January 28th, at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $40 for this special event. L’Ecole is one of Washington State’s most renowned wineries, known for crafting exceptional wines that highlight the unique terroir of the Walla Walla Valley. Their portfolio includes standout Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux-style blends, each showcasing the balance and structure Washington wines are celebrated for. This promises to be an incredible evening of discovery and great wine.
As a side note, I’ve recently started working at Vinoteca in Coconut Grove a few days a week, and I couldn’t be more excited to immerse myself further with fellow Miami wine lovers at this special place. If you’re in the area, stop by and say hello! You’ll surely be impressed with the European vibes of the coziest wine shop/bar in the heart of Miami.
Cheers to more great wine tasting and sharing glasses together soon!