Today marks the beginning of the sixth annual Florida International Wine Challenge, where wineries from around the world compete for professional taste judges’ approval at The Palms in Miami.
But the judges aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy the plethora of wines from around the globe. Tonight and tomorrow, between 5 and 8 p.m., the event will open its doors to the public. For $60 (or $100 for both nights) you too can have access to unlimited tastings of more than 300 wines from 18 different countries. All proceeds from the event will go toward the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and the Melanie Finely Ovarian Cancer Foundation.
In addition, Essensia Restaurant at The Palms is encouraging visitors to stay for dinner after the tasting to enjoy a special four-course prix fixe menu that features porcini dusted beef tenderloin. Participants in the tasting will be able to select two of the featured wines to accompany their dinner with no corkage fee. Essensia will also donate 5 percent of the revenue from the dinner to each foundation.
The Palms Hotel, 3025 Collins Ave., Miami, 305.534.0505, thepalmshotel.com
