Post by Sunny Fraser, M.S., LMHC

REWIND... or should I say, RE-WINE to the Vinya 4th Annual Grand Tasting... Since I heard Vinya has been throwing some banger FIFA World Cup watch parties, I thought to share my recent experience there. The theme: summer patio pounders... "icy whites, crispy bubbles and mouthwatering reds." Why I "wine" so much? It's more than what's in the glass, it's the people, the stories, the conversations — the overall, experience. And with 101 wines at this tasting, I found myself gravitating toward complex whites. A few standouts included Marchelle Wines elusive 2021 Russian River Brut crafted from Colombard — a heritage grape that winemaker Greg La Follette has revived through old-vine plantings. Then Audarya Nuragus di Cagliari, an Italian outlier from Sardinia bursting with citrus + sea spray = sunshine in a glass. And tucked away in the cooler? One of my forever faves — Champagne BILLECART-SALMON Le Rosé — a true "Key Rat" go-to (IYKYK)! 😉 But the wine that stopped me in my tracks? 2016 Soliste Cellars "St. Andelain" Sauvignon Blanc An aged Savvy B with nearly a decade in the bottle, proving SB is capable of far more than the fresh-n-fruity style most people expect. Inspired by the legendary Didier Dagueneau, the iconoclast who elevated Loire Valley Sauv Blanc into the same convo as the world's great white Burgundies — this organically farmed, single-vineyard wine from California's Lake County Wine Alliance pays homage to his revolutionary approach. It's fermented in custom-built Cigarre Barrels — the long, cigar-shaped French oak casks pioneered by Dagueneau. In fact, the cigar barrel is illustrated on the label, a subtle nod to the philosophy behind the wine. And it's rare with just 168 cases made. With aromas of oyster shell, sea salt, and white flowers, this wine has vibrant acidity and bright sapidity. True to Sancerre, there is no malo which keeps this wine laser-focused. Even Chèvre Miami, known for its viral sandos and glizzy, made a cameo here with its break-the-internet Basque cheesecake. Whether it's a grand tasting or a World Cup watch party, Vinya understands experience IS the assignment! Recap reel: https://lnkd.in/e99gFwW5 #worldcup #wine #miami #thingstodo #summervibes Sarah Dillihay Daisy P. Olena Zadorozhnia Hayley Green Giovanni Fernandez Shari Gherman DOMAINE DIDIER DAGUENEAU