Jacqueline Coleman’s top wine spots to enjoy during Miami Art Week 2024
Miami ambassador Jacqueline Coleman brings us an update – and three more Red Stars – as the city prepares for its annual art festival.
There are no winter blues in Miami. “Winter is our best weather season here in Miami,” says ambassador Jacqueline Coleman, who is looking forward to a packed programme of art and wine events during Miami Art Week. Running from 2-8 December and culminating with Art Basel during the closing weekend, the celebrations will include plenty of Champagne parties for Jacqueline to attend, alongside an influx of excited visitors.
“The Magic City is always buzzing during Miami Art Week,” she says. “It’s one of the busiest times of the year. People come in from all over the world to experience the unmatched art, culture, cuisine, and nightlife that Miami has to offer. Dining out is a big part of the experience, so I hope that art and wine lovers will consider our suggested restaurants on Star Wine List when making plans for exceptional meals that will make lasting memories.”
Jacqueline’s three new Red Stars are all “relative newcomers” to the city but, she says, “each has made an impact in their own way through their respective cuisines and extensive wine-focused programs. With an emphasis on Portuguese wine (Sereia), Argentine classics (Casa Vigil), and French and American favourites (Lafayette), these restaurants showcase the diversity of the world of wine across three unique neighbourhoods in Miami. Not to mention, each of these restaurants has an excellent culinary team led by world-renowned chefs, so you get the best of both food and wine here.”
We got the lowdown on what guests can expect across the city...
What's the latest on Miami's food and drink scene?
“We live a little unconventionally in Miami compared to many other cities across the U.S. This is why so many open-minded people have decided to either make Miami their home, or at least spend more time here. We have an ‘anything goes’ mindset. I love that about Miami. I think this comes across in our food and drink scene too. We have something for every taste, and I hope that is evident in our Star Wine List recommendations as well.
“You want a more casual, ingredient-focused meal and have an explorer mindset about wine? Try Michael’s Genuine in the Design District. Feeling like red wine, steak, and jazz, or maybe even a sexy, lounge-y DJ vibe with a glass of Burgundy? Grab dinner at Lafayette. But if you want to party like you can only do in Miami while drinking the world’s best bottles, you can book a table at Sexy Fish. If you manage your time right, you can actually do all three in one night.”
Have you noticed any trends emerging recently?
“The main trend I’m seeing in South Florida is the region as a whole trending toward the top of the list for folks when it comes to dining and opening restaurants. Everyone wants to be here, and that’s ok, as long as you’re adding value to the community.”
What will people be ordering from wine lists this winter?
“Champagne is always queen in this city. You will continue to see lots of bubbly. Because it is warm year-round, it’s rosé all day every day here. As we get more visitors coming into town to enjoy our winter paradise and outdoor dining, we might see some additional large format bottles appear on brunch tables.”
What are the highlights of the season in Miami?
“Winter is my favourite time in Miami. In a very basic way, drinking wine outside more often is a highlight of the season. After Miami Art Week in December, we have several big weekend events coming up through [to the end of] February, such as the Beaux Arts Festival, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami International Boat Show, and South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
“This is usually the time of year we get several big trade wine tastings as well, so there are lots of great cultural and culinary events to look forward to as we enjoy our winter weather.”
Explore our guide to the top wine destinations in Miami, here.
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