The best wine bars in Miami for swirling and sipping

Decked in warm blush and nude tones, the edgy downtown spot is unapologetically feminine and feminist, paying tribute to great women everywhere with its art, moniker (it was named for Hemingway’s granddaughter) and playlist, among other details. At Margot, you’ll get to choose from more than 75 different natural wines, including biodynamic and those sourced from small producers. It’s an intimidating list but any of the wildly knowledgeable staff members will be happy to guide you through. Chef Jimmy Lebron (of 27 Restaurant) prepares a thoughtful menu of wine-friendly bites you’ll want to try.

This trailblazing hybrid concept in North Miami has quietly made its way onto the local natural wine scene. Owned by five friends who moved down from New York City to launch the business, Paradis operates as a wine bar and retailer, a book store and a café. Lead sommelier Bianca Sanon hand selects biodynamic labels for all types of drinkers, whether it’s something smooth and approachable for first-timers or a bottle of a funky, esoteric blend for natty vets. Paradis bakes and sells its own naturally leavened sourdough for toasts, pizzas, dips and other bites, which they serve from morning until late at night.

Pumping gas has to be one of the most tedious tasks associated with driving, except when your neighborhood gas station doubles as a charming little wine bar. Make a beeline past the energy drinks and you’ll find this hidden gem just beyond the registers. Bring a DD with you to El Carajo and choose from more than 1,500 bottles to uncork and savor for just $10 (corkage is the same if you bring your own). There’s a full Spanish tapas menu available to pair with your vino.

The family-owned West Miami shop sells affordable wines and offers a menu of delicious tapas should you want to stay and taste there. The words wine and happy go together like chorizo and rioja do at Happy Wine. Beyond its reds and hard-to-find Spanish labels, the shop is known for its crazy specials and weekly wine tastings—think six wines and a bite for $10.

One step above cracking open a bottle of wine in your yard, Lagniappe’s outdoor patio is a chill laid-back option to Miami’s more buttoned-up wine bars. There’s no sommelier telling you what pairs with what, but there are several large coolers stocked with familiar labels and small-production wineries you can afford to discover—bottles are sold at the retail price instead of the usual bar markup. 

Liza Meli’s eponymous wine bar stocks mostly natural Mediterranean labels, all of which are artfully displayed on the wall and clearly labeled for easy picking. Oenophiles interested in a deeper dive should stop in on Mondays when you're likely to spot Liza chatting up customers over discounted glasses of wine and small plates. Happy hour runs all night: $5 plates, $6 glasses and $28 bottles. 

Coconut Grove’s charming little wine bar holds court on McFarlane Road, welcoming guests of all types (including dogs!) to its large patio and cozy indoor tasting area. It’s a small space, which means every seat in the house is a good one to catch the various live music performances that go on at Vinos. Weekday happy hour runs from 5 to 7:30pm, featuring $6 glasses of tasty reds and crisp whites. And with all that room outdoors, Fido can join you for a post-work drink.

Rustic and cozy, Bunbury brings a slice of Argentinean vino bar culture to the performing arts district. It’s one of the better values on wine in Miami, especially during happy hour when glasses are just $7. Pair your malbec with a tabla of assorted meats and empanadas and you’ve got yourself a meal. Feeling something lighter? Try one of the refreshing wine-based cocktails, like a mojito or sangria featuring fresh fruit and herbs.

Get your olive oil and vino straight from the source at this South Miami wine shop. Owned by boutique producers from the hillsides of Provençe, Domaine Souviou serves its own reds, whites and sparkling wines as well as varietals from other European producers. Assorted olive oils, jams and other French-made products are available for sale, plus there’s a small menu of snacks and small plates designed to pair with all the wines you’ll find inside. Part store and part restaurant, wine enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to discover and try new labels and bring them home. 

This upscale Design District wine boutique stocks rare labels and limited production wines, which you sift through on iPad. Don't let the bougie exterior full you; Abaco hosts all sorts of fun, interactive events such as junk food pairings and rosé tastings.