It's well known that summers in Miami can be slow, sticky, and hot. As locals, we need something to keep us motivated through our long tropical days between dodging rain showers and sweating through our clothes.
The good news is that we have the city a bit more to ourselves when school gets out and the tourists seek refuge in cooler climates. For food and wine lovers, this can be a great time to explore all the spots around town that have been harder to access in the high season.
Make this summer a tasting adventure around the 305 with these 10 bucket list items for the wine lovers of Miami.
AMARA AT PARAISO
(Photo by Rima Khalil)
A glass of bubbly and seafood at Amara is a delicious combination for a Miami summer meal.
Amara has arguably one of the best outdoor dining spaces in the area. What better way to celebrate summer than to sit by the water on a warm evening while enjoying Latin American-inspired cuisine? Pair this with sipping a unique sparkling wine from South America, such as sparkling País Rosé from Chile or Familia Geisse "Cave Amadeu" NV from Brazil.
HAPPY WINE CALLE OCHO
Everyone knows that JC and Joanna throw the best wine-inspired dance parties in town, turning their welcoming wine and tapas bar into a joyful night of sipping and singing along to live music. No snobs or judgment here. Drink what you like, order all the delicious tapas on the menu, and then dance like no one is watching. Join a vibrant mix of our Miami community over a shared passion for wine and good times.
STAR WINE LIST RECOMMENDATIONS
(Photo by Jacqueline Coleman)
Dining al fresco at Amara should be on your Miami summer bucket list.
In addition to writing the monthly Vino column, I’ve also created a guide to some of the best wine lists in town through Star Wine List. With a presence in 45+ countries and cities across our own, Star Wine List is the premier source for wine lovers to find restaurants featuring the best wines of the world. Our Miami guide showcases dozens of restaurants that will appeal to different types of wine lovers' tastes. Browse the selection and pick out a few to visit this summer.
VINOTECA IN COCONUT GROVE
(Photo by Jacqueline Coleman)
Vinoteca = Vinoteca is a charming wine bar in Coconut Grove where you can discover new bottles all summer long.
Coconut Grove’s loveliest wine shop and bar is the perfect place to expand your oeno curiosity. From smaller producers to unexpected and lesser-represented countries and regions, Vinoteca surely has a bottle just waiting to be discovered. One step inside, and you're transported to a charming world of wine, with shelves of bottles surrounding a quaint bar that inspires a night of vino exploration.
WINE AND MARKET ON KEY BISCAYNE
Everyone enjoys a little island escape, and Vinya Wine & Market offers that for the city’s wine lovers. Stop by on Sundays for Shop Chill Sundays and complimentary in-store tastings in a relaxed atmosphere, or find other events hosted throughout the summer. Allegra Angelo, Vinya’s resident sommelier and wine rock star, can tell you anything you want to know about the bottles on the shelf to help you find the right one.
VINONUEVA NEAR BUENA VISTA
Just north of the Buena Vista neighborhood is one of the top wine shops in the county for rare and fine wines. Stop in this summer to browse an expertly crafted collection of wines from around the world that delight collectors and knowledgeable enthusiasts alike. If you're looking for something very specific, Vinonueva’s wine experts also offer private events and wine sourcing.
OLD LISBON IN AVENTURA AND SOUTH MIAMI
(Courtesy Old Lisbon)
Old Lisbon offers a variety of Portuguese wines to enjoy with an authentic Portuguese meal.
When craving a taste of Portugal, visit Old Lisbon in South Miami, on Coral Way, or Aventura. This restaurant is the city’s home for traditional Portuguese cuisine. Pair a Bacalhau à Old Lisbon with a rich vinho branco from Alentejo or try a bold Douro red — and toast to summer the way the Portuguese do: with good food, great wine, and zero rush.
FLORIDA WINE ACADEMY
Want to expand your wine knowledge this summer? Book a seat at a masterclass or course at Florida Wine Academy, where you can explore everything from Champagne flights to WSET wine and sake certifications. It’s a cool, A/C-friendly way to expand your palate and impress friends at your next dinner party. Bonus: They also run 305 Wines, a great shop to grab bottles after class.
(Courtesy Old Lisbon)
Enjoy a meal at Old Lisbon this summer and feel transported to Portugal through food and wine.
MUCHAAACHOS IN NORMANDY ISLES
You don’t need a plane ticket to experience a true Argentine night — just head to Muchaaachos in Normandy Isles. Order a juicy lomo and pair it with a bold, silky Malbec from Mendoza. With the smoky scent of the grill and the laid-back energy, it’s the next best thing to clinking glasses in Buenos Aires.
MACCHIALINA IN MIAMI BEACH
If you're serious about great wine and Italian comfort food, a night at Macchialina is a summer non-negotiable. Jacqueline Pirolo, managing partner and beverage director, was named The Michelin Guide Florida 2025 Sommelier Award Winner, and her expertise shows in every pour. Whether you're in the mood for a crisp Falanghina or comforting Sangiovese, this is where a simple dinner turns into a memorable wine experience.
Jacqueline Coleman is a wine and travel writer and Star Wine List’s ambassador in Miami. She is a contributor to Luxury Guide USA magazine, a regular guest host on Linda Gassenheimer’s “Food, News & Views” podcast, and founder of BYOBMiami.com.
Jacqueline Coleman