Five new Red Stars for Miami, “a city where people come to celebrate and play” according to Jacqueline Coleman

By Rachel Fellows

Published 25-February-2026

Interview / Miami

February’s been a busy month for Miami and the Magic City is getting ready for both the Formula 1 and a set of World Cup matches come May and June. As we prepare to name the best wine lists in the state, Star Wine List’s ambassador has added five new Red Stars to our Miami wine guide and tells us about its “incredibly collaborative” wine industry – and why it’s “probably the best in the country.”

Miami native Jacqueline Coleman became Star Wine List’s ambassador for her Florida hometown in early 2024, updating us regularly with the comings and goings of this particularly dynamic part of the wine world. Based in Coconut Grove (“I truly think it’s the best neighbourhood in the city”), the wine writer and podcast host is a hearty advocate for Miami’s wine industry, now providing us with a mixture of “obvious additions to the guide, like Los Fuegos and LPM but also some newcomers to the scene in general.”

One example of the latter is Bar Bucce, in the Little River neighbourhood. “With Jacqueline Pirolo in the driver’s seat, you know you’re in for a fantastic wine ride,” Coleman tells us. “This is one of those happy places where casual wine and food turn ‘just dinner’ into a memorable night for all.”

We get the latest from our Miami Ambassador ahead of what promises to be a busy year (and while the weather is still “usually on its best behaviour”).

We’re still accepting entries to Star Wine List of the Year Florida after debuting the competition there last year – how have venues responded?

“I think there is great excitement about the Star Wine List of the Year Florida competition here in Miami. I’m really looking forward to seeing who makes it to the finals and who some of our local Miami winners will be this year!”

What are the new trends sweeping wine lists right now?

“I think there’s a real desire to bring diversity to wine lists. Beverage leaders are going beyond the go-tos and really offering guests the chance to experience a wide world of wine.”

You’ve told us previously that Miami is a Champagne kind of place – is that still the case and do any other styles of sparkling feature?

“Miami will always be a city where people come to celebrate and play. I think Champagne fits that mindset perfectly, and that's why it is so popular here in general. As long as the nightclubs will pop bottles, Champagne will always be a Miami staple. Of course, those of us who live here and don't frequent clubs also love it. I don’t see that changing.”

And what about natural wine – does that play a role?

“Natural wine definitely has a following in Miami. Wine lists across the city focus on lower intervention and thoughtful wines. This has been a major part of our wine community as it grows into its own identity.”

I don’t want to be talked down to or ignored because I don’t fit a certain profile

It’s a tricky time for hospitality in many places across the world – what’s the temperature like in Miami?

“Winter is our season here, so we are busy-busy through April, and then Formula 1 in May. We also have the World Cup games this summer, so it might be busier than a usual summer. People always want to visit Miami, but we do have our ups and downs. Last summer was particularly hard for hospitality. Hoping we can keep the momentum up this year.”

What’s your sommelier community like?

“I recently interviewed several women in our wine industry here in Miami for an upcoming article, and the overall feeling from all of them (across the industry, in various roles) is that our community is very collaborative and supportive of each other. I was so inspired by their observations, and I agree; the Miami wine industry is incredibly collaborative, and probably the best in the country.”

Do you have any pet hates on wine lists or in wine service?

“As far as service, my pet peeve is when a somm makes assumptions about the guest right away. I’ve been a guest in many restaurants where I can tell they’ve brushed me off as someone who doesn’t know what she’s doing right away, for whatever reason. I always appreciate help from the somm, but ask questions to understand your guests’ desires. Never assume that they know or don’t know something. I love learning new things or hearing about producers I don’t know, but I don’t want to be talked down to or ignored because I don’t fit a certain profile.”

Do you have any particular favourites among your new selection?

“I dined at Recoveco late last year and was so excited by their little wine list. There were grapes I had not heard of before, and some very interesting, eclectic picks. It was such a fun list to explore. I love what they’re doing there.”

What's coming up in Miami for the rest of 2026, and anything you're looking forward to?

“We have several of the World Cup games this year. It will be fun to see the energy that the fans bring to town this summer.”

Explore the full guide to Miami’s best wine bars and restaurants.