We take a trip to Happy Wine Calle Ocho, the most welcoming wine spot in the city.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Wine without the snobbery?”
Probably. A quick Google search returns over 35,000 results containing that exact sentence. But is the wine really, as snobby as that sentence suggests?
Maybe not. If you’re not sure, walk into your local wine shop (we have several suggestions) and ask questions. The salesperson will almost always be happy to share knowledge and advice – sans judgement. Or turn up to a local wine event. You’ll likely be surrounded by friendly faces to are as eager to taste and learn as you are. The much-cited “wine snob” will quickly start to look like a straw man.
And if you’re still not convinced? Four words: Happy Wines Calle Ocho.
Weekends at Happy Wine Calle Ocho
Last Saturday night at Happy Wine Calle Ocho, a performer in a silver jumpsuit danced and sang to Bamboleo while part of the more-than-tipsy crowd danced (or attempted to dance) salsa in front of her. Next, during her rendition of Hey Big Spender, she moved around the room, encouraging her excitable audience to join in. Some struggled to sing through their laughter.
It couldn’t have been further from the outdated stereotypes of wine drinking. Juan Carlos (“JC”) and Joanna Restrepo have torn up the old wine rule book. In doing so, they’ve created Miami’s most fun wine bar and shop – in a way that just sort of makes sense for this city.
How it works
Happy Wines is a hybrid of a wine shop, restaurant, bar, and entertainment venue. Its range of wines is vast and well-priced – always better value than the big retailers or supermarkets. JC takes a non-dogmatic approach to choosing bottles, preferring to make customers – literally – “happy”. This means that there is something for everyone – from natural wine to sweet Pinots.
Food is offered throughout the day, and the menu has seen a recent upgrade. While you can still enjoy the famous tortilla and paninis, there is also steak, (highly endorsed by the meat-eaters on Saturday), homemade ricotta, and tasty croquetas, among other options.
The best bit is the combination: Pick any wine off the shelf, pay the retail price plus a $7 corkage fee, and enjoy the wine at your table. This presents a great opportunity for drinking some smart bottles, which would normally see a high mark-up. It satisfies smaller budgets, too, meaning that everyone is welcome – especially if you like to dance.
Practical info
Happy Wines Calle Ocho is located at 5792 SW 8th St. There are parking spots at the back of the store.
Happy Hour at Happy Wines (happiness squared!) runs from 3-7pm Monday-Thursday. Deals include discounted Moet Champagne and $4 house wine.
Live music starts around 7pm Wednesday-Saturday. If you plan to visit at the weekend, it’s best to book a table.
Wines to try
Three ways to explore the happy world of Happy Wine…
Sparkling: Digby Fine English Brut NV (England): $49.99
In the past few years, England has been making sparkling wines worth talking about – and certainly worth drinking. This bottle, made by one of the country’s most well-respected producers, is a great representation. It’s zippy and refreshing with some toasty brioche flavours accompanying fresh lemon. Made in England, but best enjoyed in the Miami sunshine.
White: Polvorete by Emilio Moro (Bierzo, Spain) 2019: $16.99
This is a relatively new creation from the Emilio Moro, the famous Ribera del Duero producer. It’s made in Bierzo in northern Spain, using the Godello grape, which gives a relatively rich, fruity wine with a hint of cinnamon spice. At this price point, it offers great value and a useful route for exploring this unusual variety.
Red: Dominio del Aguila ‘Picaro del Aguila’ Vinas Viejas (Ribera del Duero) 2019: $34.99
Not your average Ribera del Duero: This is crunchy, fruity and fresh. It’s the “entry level” wine from Dominio del Aguila, a producer that has quickly risen to Spanish winemaking fame since its foundation in 2010. Delicious.
Sarah is a freelance wine educator, writer and events host, based in South Beach. She holds the WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits and is a current Master of Wine student.
