By Jesus Hernandez and Yours Truly
Wine bars have really evolved from just being a place to enjoy a simple tasting, to extensive tastings with a strong educational element, rooms for private events, retail shop, very good food, and even entertainment. Mix things up from your usual happy hour or evening out, and check out our picks for the best wine bars in Miami.
328 Crandon Blvd 122 -123, Key Biscayne
266 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables
Whether you’d like to buy, sip some good wine choosing from an extensive variety, or experience an educational tasting class, Vinya is a good option. They have a bar in the center of the market as well as outdoor benches. They even have a private dining room at the back where guests can host parties and other events.
The wine selection is extensive, from French, Spanish and Italian to American whites and reds and in between. Eat well, too, with your wine.
Curation at Vinya is handled by cofounder and sommelier Allegra Angelo, who has been an outstanding expert here in Miami as well as in the San Francisco area.
For the review on Vinya in Key Biscayne, click here.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
3585 NW 83rd Ave, Doral
This place includes an upscale casual dining restaurant with very good food, full-service bar, and a Napa-style tasting room and retail store.
Wine selection goes from Cooper’s Hawk’s own brand to an extensive selection of international offerings.
Happy hours are available Monday-Friday 2.00 – 5.00 PM and include wine, select cocktails and appetizers.
They also have wine club membership which offers various options to cater to your preference.
3425 NE 2nd Ave, Miami
If you’re looking for a place where wine, drinks, food, and live music come together, Lagniappe House would be a solid choice.
Located in Wynwood, you can’t deny Lagniappe is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and extensive wine selection. Lovely outdoor patio too.
Pronounced “lan-yap”, Lagniappe is derived from the South American Spanish phrase la yapa or ñapa (referring to a free extra item, usually a very cheap one).
On any given night there is wine by the glass and over 100 wines by the bottle. Live music starts every night at 8:30pm.
2833 Bird Ave, Coconut Grove
5792 SW 8th Street, Miami
Located in Coconut Grove and on Calle Ocho , Happy Wine is a cozy wine bar where you can buy or simply taste from a wide selection of hundreds of labels from several regions of the world.
With a delicious Mediterranean tapas-style menu, and a venue for private events, happy hours are Monday – Friday 4-7 PM, while live music goes on stage from Thursday through Saturday nights.
2465 SW 17th Ave, Miami
Nestled inside a gas station building across from the Coconut Grove area, El Carajo is a hidden gem of wine bars in Miami known for its extensive wine cellar and Spanish tapas with a Cuban touch.
Surrounded by wine racks at the long table bar or Spanish mementos at the small restaurant, this place offers a dedicated tasting room where patrons can sample wines by the glass, while they taste flavorful small plates.
2626 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables
Conceived by owner Fabrizio, born, and raised in Rome, Sospiro features an eclectic natural wine selection from small producers.
The place is charmingly decorated with upholstered sofas and pictures of Italy lining the walls and a menu includes dishes with an Italian footprint.
Outside in the back, there’s a small patio.Happy hour is offered Monday-Friday 2.00 – 6.00 PM.
134 NE 2nd Ave., Miami
Rounding out the picks of best wine bars in Miami — Hidden in Downtown Miami, this is an intimate wine bar that lives up to its name. Niu means “nest” in Catalan, and the place pairs natural wines with small plates that highlight traditional Catalan flavors.
The narrow space still has the intimate atmosphere we all look for, with candlelight, tables perfect for couples, and plenty of natural wine.
Close your eyes for a moment and you will be transported off the streets of Miami and straight into a cozy bar in Barcelona.
8 Responses
Have you tried la bibliotheque by chevre? It’s on Coral Way. It offers the best wine bar experience with an awesome sommelier and the best food. The cheesecake is to die for.
Coincidentally I walked by it yesterday and was wondering how it was. It just opened right? Thanks for the tip.
Chèvre has been open for a couple of years. Their wine and beer tastings in their Biblioteca is new.
I’ve been to Chevre and their cheese is high quality so glad to hear about the new addition.
Bunbury its the best!! Have you been there? Own by sommelier Paula Costa (Faena – Novecento) have an extensive wine selection.
Yes, I wrote it up and gave it a very good review. Been back several times. She’s delightful too.
Check out Vinoteca in the Grove. It is mostly “Italian” wines but great new little place!
Thanks for the tip!