¡Vamos de picoteo! Miami's Original "Happy Wine"
¡Vamos de picoteo! Miami's Original "Happy Wine"
Miami’s Original “Happy Wine.”
About Us: The Story of Happy Wine Calle Ocho
JC Restrepo and Joanna Fajardo, humble Colombian immigrants, began with nothing and have risen to create one of Miami’s most beloved wine destinations. In 2008, they took ownership of Happy Wine Calle Ocho, infusing it with their passion for wine, tapas, and community. Their dedication and love for the craft have earned Happy Wine a place among The New York Times' Top 25 Restaurants in Miami in 2024.
Founded in 2004 by Philippe Douriez, a beloved Frenchman, Happy Wine started as a simple wine shop and quickly became a local favorite. With JC and Joanna at the helm, it has grown into a vibrant spot for wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Joanna, the heart and soul of Happy Wine, takes on multiple roles: sommelier, cook, bookkeeper, and photographer. Her tireless work ethic ensures that Happy Wine remains true to its mission, delivering an unforgettable experience every day. Together, JC and Joanna have nurtured Happy Wine's legacy, turning it into a place where people come for the wine but stay for the joy of great food, live music, and community.
Despite not having the marketing budgets or PR campaigns of newer establishments, Happy Wine thrives with its loyal customer base, spanning generations. Their paninis, shipped across the USA, and over 1,000 wine selections continue to draw food and wine lovers alike. With a focus on great ingredients, fair pricing, and daily live music, Happy Wine Calle Ocho remains a true gem in Miami's culinary scene.
“Shelves made out of two-by-fours hold everything from Spanish albariño to Cristal Champagne at the West Miami wine shop and bar where the owners J.C. Restrepo and Joanna Fajardo are serious about the wine, but not about how to enjoy it. Reminiscent of the lively, chaotic tavernas of Seville, Happy Wine dishes out hot and cold tapas beneath string lights and live entertainment every night of the week. More than 1,000 bottles of Iberian, Italian and French wines piled to the ceiling and walls are scrawled with the graffiti of tipsy guests (“I got dronk here”). Tapas include tablas of jamón Pata Negra, huevos rotos with housemade chips, prosciutto panini and smoky garlic gambas. Longtime fans have a standing date with the Saturday-only paella. You can even order an only-in-Miami pairing: caviar and croquetas. Hey, it’s not called Uptight Wine.”
“The wine range is broad, everything from inexpensive Merlots to natural, and classic European fine wine. This means that everyone is welcome, especially if you like to dance.”
— WINE ENTHUSIAST, The Best Wine Shops in the U.S., According to Pros
“Restrepo or Fajardo are always in the building to recommend some new, small winemaker you’ve never heard of at a price that still appeals to Flagami abuelitas and Coral Gables business lunchers.
— MIAMI HERALD
“The Most Welcoming Wine Bar in Miami"
— WINE GUIDE MIAMI