The winner of this year’s writing competition, with a staggering 52% of all 149 votes cast, is Sarah Phillips for her guide to Miami for wine lovers. So inviting did her recommendations sound that Nick and I have decided to break a particularly long flight we're planning next February with 24 hours in Miami.
Many congratulations to Sarah who will receive six of my wine glasses, my young-wine decanter and a special glass-polishing cloth. (It's not Aperol in the glass below but an old madeira.)
Here's what Sarah wrote, after learning of her win, to explain why she moved from London to Miami.
'Miami? Very nice. But not very you?' I’m a bit of a Europe enthusiast, which all of my friends know. My idea of a good holiday can be summarised in one word: Italy. Or maybe two: San Sebastián. That’s why my transatlantic move came as a bit of a surprise. My husband Aidan and I relocated from London to Miami in January due to his job, and now I’m hooked. It’s a pretty entertaining city on a number of levels. Plus, who can say 'no' to some good beaches, golf and sunshine?
Before moving, I’d spent nearly five years working for Liv-ex in various marketing/writing roles, and I’m still contracting for them from across the pond. Here in Miami, I also teach WSET classes at the Florida Wine Academy and have other writing and events plans in progress.
For one, I’ll continue to share my Miami wine discoveries. I’m certain there will be plenty more. Just last Wednesday I found myself staring up at the ceiling of Fleming’s in Brickell, from which giant replica vine roots are suspended. It’s another Miami restaurant taking its wine (and décor) seriously. Never stop exploring!
All 10 shortlisted entrants were offered a pair of tickets to the massive showings of fine Australian wines in the UK, US and Scandinavia organised by Wine Australia and listed in our shortlist article.
We have assembled links to all 42 published entries in what we hope is a useful order in Travel tips for wine lovers, also published today. We hope this collection, supplemented by a link to our popular London for wine lovers, will help visitors get the most from their travels. See also our travel forum for members.
And we thank everyone who contributed and/or voted very much indeed.
