Less than four percent of America’s wine comes from Napa Valley, however it is renowned as this country’s wine region. Because of its fantastic marketing, wine is less a luxury item now and more so a kitchen table accessory. While increasingly sharing the limelight with spirits and beer, the popularity of wine has turned even the most amateur consumer into a refined expert.

To aid the amateur, an entire wine retail market was born. Need to impress your date? Visit Onwinetime.com. Pour that silky red liquid into a Riedel Sommeliers Bordeaux Grand Cru Wine Glass. Explain the engineering of the glass, how it hits the tongue just right to experience the complexity of flavors. Need to buy a hostess gift? Head over to Bispo's Cellar. Grab some wine charms and a fancy cork topper while picking out that perfect pinot. Want to try out your savvy new decanter and aerator? Invite friends over for a vertical tasting party. W Wine Boutique currently has a Montelena Estate Vertical for sale, obviously a great choice.

Want more of an atmosphere? Strap on those sexy stilettos and head out to some of Miami’s hottest wine spots. Cavas, a wine bar on Brickell Key, provides a chic yet cozy atmosphere. Try several different varietals with the Cavas wine card. Compliment the four-once pour with an ahi tuna crostini or a balsamic-glazed filet mignon. Make sure you check out the live music nights.

Tastings for two? Stop by Bin No. 18 and try a wine sampling. With its bright green walls and barrel-esque style, it's the perfect environment for a stress-free, “wine”-down cocktail hour. Design your own tabla and pair the creamy artisan cheeses with a smooth chardonnay. Treat your palate to free wine and beer tastings on Thursday nights. Most importantly, share these satisfying flavors with your fellow wine comrades.

Want to educate and expose your senses? Make your wine class reservation at Cefalo’s In The Grove. Check out Season Two of Henry Barrow's Wine Education Classes. A selection of meats and cheeses will complement the wine tastings while educating and refining your taste buds. Learn about pairing your own menus and be sure to invite a great wine article writer (see below) over to dinner.

Obviously, its not too difficult to become a wine amateur in Miami. For those of you who claim expert, cheers to you. Please let us know when you will be gracing us with your presence at these hot spots and teach us a tidbit or two. We all realize that it’s a difficult job, but someone has gotta do it.
 

Sara Morris is a Miami local & blogger. You can see more of her work online at Brite Girl.