Finding a place where thirsty locals and travelers alike can enjoy an exciting wine can seem like a challenge on Miami Beach. While bars are plentiful on the island, Miami Beach wine bars are a little trickier to stumble upon while taking in the local scenery. Cocktails are still king in Miami, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t fun spots to have a decent glass of wine between the beach and boujee nightlife.
Miami Beach Wine Bars Exist!
You may miss this spot if you aren’t looking carefully, but wine lovers will want to pay attention. Water Lion Wine + Alchemy is located in the lobby of the Sagamore hotel on Collins Avenue, slightly north of Lincoln Road. Just behind the front desk, slip into the bar, where you will be greeted by a welcoming face — perhaps one of the owners, Abbe Diaz or Filip Trajkovic.
The vibes are so chill, like the first fresh wave of air conditioning on a sun-tired body. (Florida folks will understand.) Immediately, tension releases, and you feel miles away from the hustle of Collins Avenue or Lincoln Road. Here, the décor is chic, the ambiance is low key, and the wine list is eclectic.
Feeling like a refreshing glass of Txakolina after a long day on the beach – you got it. How about a French Crémant, or a cloudy Zibibbo from Sicily? You can find these kinds of gems and more at Water Lion.
The list is a mix of some better-known labels, along with a rotating assortment of “micro-vintners,” or harder-to-find wines made by smaller producers from around the world. With a diverse range of thought-provoking bottles to try, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here without even noticing where the time went.
If you are interested in taking your wine drinking to the next level, ask about the “fermentology mixology.” These are cocktails based on wine, beer, and sake but with an alchemist’s twist. The bar offers low and no-ABV cocktails as well, for your designated driver, of course.
And the Food?
Hungry drinkers are in luck too. Water Lion has a bites menu that is sure to impress. From deviled eggs topped with all sorts of things -anchovies, prosciutto, truffle – to more classic cheese and charcuterie, and even raw oysters, there’s no shortage of fun eats created by Chef Filip.
When it comes to Miami Beach wine bars, this one is a must-visit. It’s perfect for a romantic date, pre-dinner drink, or that reunion with friends you’ve been meaning to have.
Stop by from 3PM-midnight daily. First come, first served. No reservations needed.
Follow along on Instagram at @water_lion.
1671 Collins Avenue inside the Sagamore hotel lobby.
For more spots on South Beach to enjoy a drink, check out our post:
South Beach Happy Hours: A Local’s Guide.
Jacqueline is a professional wine + travel writer, radio host, wine columnist, and consultant based in Miami, FL.
She is the monthly “Vino” columnist for Biscayne Times newspaper, a guest host covering the drinks segment on Linda Gassenheimer’s podcast show, “Food, News, and Views,” and Star Wine List’s Miami Ambassador.
Jacqueline is a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist & WSET 3.
Always a great read 🙂
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Thank you for reading!! 🙂