Coconut Grove’s bar scene is making a comeback, and there’s no better—or more exciting—proof than the return of Vinos in the Grove.
The popular wine bar formerly located on Main Highway (currently the new Books & Books site) shuttered unexpectedly in 2017 after five years in business. Locals bemoaned the greedy landlords whose skyrocketing rents priced them out but, fortunately, two Grovites did more than just complain. This summer, Marguerite and her husband Randel Ransom tracked down owners Clayton and Valerie Chelley at their original wine bar in Key West, Vinos on Duval, and proposed bringing Vinos back to the Grove at a new location. The Chelleys agreed and now the four have partnered to reopen the wine bar at a new location on 2889 McFarlane Road, adjacent to Peacock Garden Café.
Slated to open on January 5, the new Vinos in the Grove debuts with a variety of wines from around the world, a selection of locally brewed craft beers and a small menu of charcuterie and cheese plates. The Ransoms will also sell Alviento wines, which Marguerite designed in partnership with the chief winemaker of the Vines of Mendoza in Argentina. Additionally, approximately 20 wines will be sold by the glass, including several Coravin options in the months to come.
Inside the cozy interior, which seats about 18, there’s a single bar, while off to the right is an eight-person tasting table where Marguerite, a certified sommelier, plans to teach regular wine classes such as Beyond Pinot Grigio. “We’ll taste at least seven different white wines that are similar in style and price point and are good for [the climate] in Miami,” she says. One big change is the outside patio area—a considerable improvement from the few sidewalk seating options available at the original Vinos. It features plenty of tables and couches as well as a designated corner for dogs.
Vinos in the Grove’s official grand opening is Saturday, January 5th, from 4 to 10pm. The bar will open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 10pm and Friday from 4pm to midnight. On Sundays, it will open from noon to midnight—giving you plenty of time to day-drink and people watch after brunch in the neighborhood.
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