After much hard work and anticipation, Philippe Vasilescu and Matthieu Yamoum finally open the doors to Maison MURA in Downtown Miami in Downtown Miami at 333 SE 3rd Avenue. The result is even more impressive that the original renderings.
Photo Credit: Romain Maurice
Consider Maison MURA to be less of a wine and spirits venue, and more as a purveyor for Miami locals and visitors alike. The idea of bringing this new immersive wine and spirits experience to Miami began 18 months ago. In December of 2022, that vision became a reality as Vasilescu and Yamoum signed their lease and officially announced their innovative concept last June.
For the French childhood friends, this new era marks the realization of an American Dream. Despite being veterans of the wine and spirits industry, this new venture was a massive learning experience as both Vasilescu and Yamoum were involved daily in each and every detail of the process. In true entrepreneurial fashion, Maison MURA began from the ground-up and was made possible with patience and dedication. Throughout the journey, Vasilescu and Yamoum pushed and inspired each other and their opening night last Wednesday, December 14th, was not only the celebration of their overarching vision coming to life, but also for each and every one of the small victories along the way.
Photo Credit: Romain Maurice
The creators and owners of Maison MURA also insisted on an extremely hands-on approach, and this applied to both the aesthetics of their establishment as well as its contents. Every aspect of their wine and spirits collections was hand-selected and curated to ensure they had their dream list of inventories. The duo behind Maison MURA met months in advance with suppliers and producers to discuss the availability in the market and their true passion for their craft was greatly appreciated. As a result, Vasilescu and Yamoum have been warmly welcomed into the market.
Photo Credit: Romain Maurice
Additionally, the design and interior of Maison Mura was carefully curated to ensure the best possible experience for guests and collectors. Along with the help of an architect firm for the initial steps, Vasilescu and Yamoum designed the space themselves. These are some of the main highlights we discovered during our recent visit at the venue:
- Each and every wine display unit and countertop is hand-made through a collaboration of talented local millworkers and the world-renowned Porcelanosa.
- The lighting was created in collaboration with innovative firm, VONN Lighting. As most wine enthusiasts know, lighting and temperature are key components to the care and gaining process of wines, so this was a key aspect of the interior design of Maison MURA. The LED throughout the venue and displays not only enhances the look of every bottle, but also ensures that the spaces are all sufficiently illuminated without affecting the wines.
- The spectacular wine wall displays up to 1,500 bottles of wine and champagne, which required engineers on an unseen local project and wall reinforcement to carry such an impressive weight.
- Passed the majestic bookcase which separates the main room with the private tasting room, named “La Cave,” which seats 14 people, we discovered a true hidden gem equipped with six of the finest cellars to carefully protect their special collection of the most desirable wine and champagne. The rarest spirits are also displayed around the center shelf which discreetly hide a lifted TV.
- Art is displayed throughout the venue with current sculptures of French artist CEVE, as well as paintings from local artist, Unapologetic.
- Further ensuring this immersive wine experience, Maison MURA offers an extensive sound system which allows for guests to be accompanied by a carefully engineered and curated sound system while selecting their next bottle to enjoy on-site or to add to their collection.
Photo Credit: Romain Maurice
Still in soft opening, Maison MURA will open their lounge space as well as their private tasting room in early January 2023. Some private tasting events with Chateau D’Yquem, Chateau Angelus, LOUIS XIII Cognac, to name a few, are already on the book to start the new year!
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