Sips of the Season

DINING

Sips of the
SEASON

By Alexa Ferra

FROM NOCHEBUENA FEASTS TO HOLIDAY BRUNCHES BY THE BEACH, THESE WINE PAIRINGS CELEBRATE MIAMI’S MOST DELICIOUS TRADITIONS.

Holiday time in Miami means cooler temperatures, less humidity, and the end of hurricane season, but it also marks the moment when the city’s kitchens, patios, and pool decks come alive with family, friends, and feasts. It’s not about snow days, roasted chestnuts, and sweater weather, but sunshine, stone crabs, and a glass filled to the brim with a delicious libation.

Miami’s holiday table is a delicious melting pot of cultures, each bringing its own flavor to the festivities. No Miami celebration is complete without something to sip, so we’ve rounded up the perfect wines to pair with the city’s favorite holiday dishes— from bubbly for your Nochebuena toast to sweet wines that pair well with an array of desserts.

Stone Crabs and Laurent-Perrier Héritage Brut Champagne

Nothing says Miami like a holiday brunch with ocean views, palm trees, and bubbles before noon. Sweet, chilled stone crab with mustard sauce pairs perfectly with Laurent-Perrier Héritage Brut. Crafted with the savoir-faire of Grand Siècle, this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the finest Crus delivers crisp acidity and elegant bubbles that slice beautifully through the crab’s richness. You can find it at 305 Wines for $119.99.

Lechón Asado and Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2021

The star of any Cuban Nochebuena gathering is “la caja china,” with its mojo-marinated roasted pork. A Cuban tradition dating back to the 1950s, this box invention keeps meat tender and juicy with deliciously crispy skin. This Argentine Malbec’s bold, complex fruit flavors and velvety tannins complement the rich and savory taste of roasted pork. You can find it at Happy Wine Calle Ocho for $47.99.

Brisket with López de Heredia Rioja Reserva ‘Viña Tondonia’ 2012

Tender, slow-braised brisket calls for a wine with equal depth. A blend of Tempranillo, Garnacho, Graciano, and Mazuelo, this aged Rioja delivers layers of spiced meat, dried berries, leather, tobacco, and earthy forest floor—flavors that harmonize beautifully with the dish’s rich, savory profile. You can find it at VinoNueva for $49.

Key Lime Pie with Pinon Vouvray Les Trois Argiles 2018 Nothing says

Nothing says the holidays in Florida quite like a perfectly tart Key Lime Pie. The dessert’s bright and tangy flavors sing with this demi-sec Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. It balances the zesty citrus and creamy sweetness with its lively acidity, medium-dry sweetness, honeyed notes, and touch of minerality. You can find it at Vinya for $28.

Potato Latkes and Von Winning Riesling ‘Winnings’ Riesling 2021

Hanukkah dishes are traditionally fried in oil to honor the miracle of the menorah that burned eight nights on a single day’s supply. While the menu has broadened, crispy potato latkes still steal the show. Pair them with this dry Riesling, meticulously crafted from some of the oldest parcels in Grosses Gewächs. Its high acidity counterbalances the oily texture and rich flavor, and is a great match for sour cream, apple sauce, or even smoked salmon. You can find it at VinoNueva for $20.

Flan and González Byass Nectar Pedro Ximénez Sherry

No Miami holiday spread is complete without flan—that silky, caramel-topped classic that sits upon many Hispanic tables. Its creamy sweetness calls for dessert wine match. Made from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes, this rich, velvety sherry bursts with notes of fig, date, and toffee, accentuating the flan’s caramelized goodness. You can find it at 305 Wines for $25.99.

DINING