Where to Celebrate Easter in Miami: Brunch, Bubbles & Bunny Hunts!

Our roundup of the top Easter brunches and celebrations around Miami is still live and being updated in real time.  

MAKOTO

Description: This Easter, Makoto is elevating the holiday with exquisite specials. Indulge in the Dry-Aged Ceviche, featuring caviar, myoga, wakamomo, yuzu, and hanaho, or savor the 48-Hour Wagyu Short Rib, served with jumbo asparagus and a bold peppercorn sauce. Complement your meal with vibrant seasonal sips, including the Clarified Piña Colada and the floral-infused Hibiscus Margarita. For those looking to explore sake, curated flights Nigori Experience and Dassai Experience offer a taste of Japan’s finest brews. Elevate the celebration with a selection of fine wines, from Château d’Esclans Rosé to Raen ‘Lady Marjorine’ Chardonnay.

Address: Bal Harbour Shops 9700 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33154

here to Celebrate Easter in Miami: Brunch, Bubbles & Bunny Hunts!

The American Academy in Rome honors two figures whose work in medicine and cinema continues to shape conversations across disciplines and borders

By Monica Straniero

On June 4, the American Academy in Rome will present the McKim Medal to Virgilio Sacchini and Giuseppe Tornatore. The ceremony will take place at Villa Aurelia, just before sunset, in the same building that has housed the Academy on the Janiculum Hill since 1909. The award, which each year honors Italian figures who have contributed to the cultural dialogue between Italy and the United States, is not just about representation. It recognizes people whose work has built real bridges, across time, disciplines, and borders.

Sacchini is an oncologic surgeon with a long history of working in breast cancer prevention. Over the years, he has moved between France, Italy, and the United States, dividing his time among hospitals, research centers, and internat onal study groups. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York, he has collaborated with organizations such as the EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer), the NASBP (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project), and the RTOG (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group), helping to develop new approaches in chemoprevention and radiation therapy. In his research, cancer is never treated as just a disease. It is a social issue, one that involves patients, families, and the healthcare systems responsible for deciding who receives care—and how.

Tornatore received an Academy Award in 1990 for Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, a film about childhood, cinema, and life in small southern towns. Since then, he has continued to explore themes of memory, time, and family, directing films such as Malèna, Baarìa, The Best Offer, and Ennio. His work has involved collaborations with actors including Philippe Noiret, Monica Bellucci, Marcello Mastroianni, and Geoffrey Rush, and has maintained a strong connection to the places and emotional landscapes that shaped his vision.

The Gala is more than a celebration of two careers. It is also a moment for supporting the Italian Fellowships, the Academy’s grants reserved for Italian artists and scholars. The program is unique among foreign academies in Rome and, over the years, has allowed many different kinds of research and creative practices to take shape in a shared space.

Presiding over the evening will be Beatrice Bulgari, who has long been active in projects at the intersection of art, cinema, and cultural production. She will be joined by Academy President Peter N. Miller, Director Aliza S. Wong, Board Chair Calvin Tsao, and Honorary Gala Chairs Ginevra Elkann, Margherita Marenghi Vaselli, Carla Markell, and Maria Teresa Venturini Fendi. The evening will also include a reception—informal, but thoughtfully curated. Wines will be offered by Paolo and Noemia d’Amico and Château d’Esclans, while cocktails will be created by Quattro Gatti Gin.

Founded in 1894, the American Academy in Rome is the oldest U.S. cultural institution operating abroad. It has hosted hundreds of artists, architects, and scholars over the decades, many of whom have gone on to receive major awards such as the Nobel, Pulitzer, MacArthur, and Pritzker. Today, through its residency programs, exhibitions, lectures, and public events, the Academy remains a space where disciplines meet and conversations unfold over time. On the evening following the Gala, June 5, the Academy will open its doors to the public for the annual Open Studios, offering a chance to explore the work created by the current fellows during their time in Rome.

Address: Bal Harbour Shops 9700 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33154

On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux reopened its doors for one of the most exquisite annual events in its calendar – the Tour de France. The event, inspired by the rich wine traditions of France, combined elegance, a gourmet experience and a sophisticated atmosphere at the aEstivum restaurant.

The evening was dedicated to the harmony between first-class French wines and culinary masterpieces prepared by the exceptional chef Annette Teisch – the first female chef in France to become a member of the JRE since the association’s establishment in 1974.

Chef Annette Teisch – the lady who rewrote the rules in cooking

Chef Annette Teisch is a true pioneer in the world of gastronomy. Born and raised in Paris, she began her culinary career in some of the most prestigious restaurants in France, where she honed her skills in classic French cuisine. Her style combines innovation and respect for tradition, with seasonal produce, premium meats and impeccable craftsmanship at the heart of her dishes. In 1974, she became the first woman to be a member of Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe (JRE), a prestigious organization that brings together the most innovative and talented young chefs from across Europe. Today, she is not only an inspiration for future generations of chefs, but also an ambassador for contemporary French gastronomy.

JRE – the organization that sets the gastronomic standard in Europe

Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe (JRE) is an international association founded in 1974, which brings together some of the most talented and ambitious chefs in Europe. The philosophy of JRE is simple – passion for cooking, respect for tradition and a drive for innovation. The organization connects restaurants and chefs who offer exceptional gastronomic experiences based on high-quality products, creativity and perfectionism. JRE members not only set new culinary trends, but are also committed to creating sustainable and authentic gourmet experiences.

Culinary journey through France

The estate’s sommelier, Alexander Skorchev, selected a special selection of five exceptional French wines, each of which was masterfully paired with the evening’s menu. Guests had the pleasure of enjoying the following culinary symphony:

Provence : Anchovy spring rolls, rice popcorn, licorice

2021 Rose Garrus (Grenache & Rolle), Château d’Esclans, France, Côtes de Provence

If you think rosé, you might think of magnums being poured from height into peoples mouths at La Folie Douce, or endless glasses poured along the Riviera by those wanting a quick route to tipsiness under the Mediterranean sun. It’s not exactly a category steeped in the reverence afforded to Burgundy or Bordeaux. But one producer that has undeniably reshaped perceptions is Château d’Esclans—the house behind Whispering Angel. Whether you love it or not, there’s no denying its cultural impact.

On Friday 7 March, an intimate lunch at Annabel’s in Mayfair (because where else?) set the stage for a deeper dive into Château d’Esclans’ premium rosé offering. The table, filled with pastel-hued flowers mirroring the soft pink hues of the Garrus 2024 and Les Clans 2024 vintages, framed a discussion around where rosé fits in the fine wine world.

A different approach to premium Rosé

At the lunch, Lichine was clear about his intentions: “We’re not trying to change the world. We’re trying to get the word out.” Rather than waging a campaign to convince sceptics that rosé is a “serious” wine, the goal is simply to offer premium rosé in a premium setting. Fine dining restaurants, Michelin-starred establishments, and collectors’ cellars—places where traditionally only white and red have had a seat at the table.

The UK has driven fine wine trends for centuries. As Lichine noted, “If it wasn’t for the UK, there wouldn’t be a fine wine market.” Whether UK drinkers will embrace premium rosé in the same way remains to be seen. But with bottles of Garrus and Les Clans appearing in more high-end settings, it’s clear that Château d’Esclans has already succeeded in making it an option.

The wines: Beyond the beach club

Esteemed wine author Jane Anson has described Les Clans as a “serious wine that still has the fresh lightness of touch of a perfect summer rosé,” and the tasting notes back that up.

Garrus is often likened to an elegant white Burgundy. Made primarily from nearly century-old, low-yielding Grenache vines, it is the most complex expression of Côtes de Provence rosé. Comprising 90% free-run juice, the wine is vinified in 600-litre temperature-controlled oak barrels, undergoing bâtonnage twice weekly over an eleven-month period to build structure and depth.

Les Clans, the sibling to Garrus, offers a more structured take on rosé, balancing its fresh, summer-ready minerality with a rich, satiny texture. Made from old-vine Grenache and Rolle, it undergoes ten months of ageing in new and second-year demi-muids, developing woody, vanilla, and fresh fruit notes alongside a saline finish.

With over 10 million bottles of Whispering Angel sold annually, the brand has undoubtedly dominated the rosé space. But while the name has become ubiquitous, Château d’Esclans’ top cuvées are designed to show that rosé doesn’t have to be an afterthought on a fine dining wine list.

Innovation in winemaking

Château d’Esclans has pioneered technological advancements in rosé production. As Sacha Lichine himself put it, “You wouldn’t be able to make rosé like this if it wasn’t for the technology.”

Rosé is deceptively difficult to produce well, particularly when the goal is to achieve a Burgundian level of complexity while working with diverse terroirs. The process begins with carefully picked and sorted grapes, which are cooled and pressed before entering a sophisticated temperature-control system. Here, a double-layered stainless steel heat exchange system rapidly drops the temperature from around 25°C to 7-8°C, preserving freshness and aromatic intensity.

The next step, a closed-loop press system using inert nitrogen gas, prevents oxidation while enhancing the wine’s clarity and purity. The resulting free-run juice undergoes degumming, allowing unwanted solids to settle before fermentation. The end result? A clean, precise rosé with a pale, elegant hue and a depth that challenges preconceptions.

Palm Beach French bistro La Goulue is hosting a Feb. 23 food-and-wine pairing event spotlighting the southeastern France wine estate that produces the famed Whispering Angel rosé.

For the 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. affair, two special guests are on tap and they hail from Whispering Angel parent Château d’Esclans.

They are Paul Chevalier, the winery’s vice president, and Alexis Lichine, Jr., business-development manager and son of Château d’Esclans’ founder.

The two will offer insights and assist La Goulue sommelier Xavier To Van Trang as he hosts the late-afternoon event at the bistro, 288 S. County Road.

Guests will be served four wine-paired Provence-inspired tasting courses by executive chef Gwen Le Pape.

The menu starts with an amuse bouche of chilled shrimp with garlic mayonnaise and crudité; then, an appetizer featuring stuffed zucchini, yellow squash and tomato with angus beef, tomato sauce and basil.

Braised angus beef stew with olives, preserved lemon and rice pilaf is the main course. For dessert: brioche tart with orange-blossom pastry cream and pearl sugar.

Reservations are required for the event, which is $195 a person, plus tax and gratuity.

For more information, call La Goulue Palm Beach at 561-284-6292 or visit www.lagouluepalmbeach.com.

Aigli Zappeiou welcomes the celebration of love with an exquisite fine dining menu and unique culinary experiences, under the supervision of the renowned team of chefs of the historic restaurant.

Executive Chef Dimos Balopoulos and Executive Sous Chef Giorgos Kirikos have curated an excellent menu that includes exquisite choices such as Red Shrimp Crudo with bisque and citrus, Pandaria with goat cheese, and the signature dish Beef Bourguignon with vegetables and mashed potatoes.

The menu is accompanied by a carefully selected wine pairing that includes exceptional labels: the Chateau d’Esclans 2022, an elegant Grenache-Rolle from Côtes de Provence, the aromatic Saulheim Riesling 2022 ‘Kalkstein’ from the famous Weingut Thorle in Rheinhessen, the exuberant G d’Estournel 2019 Bordeaux Blend, and for the closing, the sweet Samos Nectar 2016, an exquisite Samos Muscat.

The desserts, creations of Head Pastry Chef Alexandros Koniaris , include delicious options such as Pavlova with vanilla cream and fresh fruit and Bitter Chocolate with red fruits and a crunchy fegentine base.

The festive setting is complemented by Executive Bar Manager Dimitris Roussos’ inspired signature cocktail list, with suggestions such as the White Chocolate Martini and the Exotic Highball. The evening begins with a welcome drink of Louis Roederer Brut Collection. Valentine’s Day at Aigli Zappeio offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience in an idyllic setting, overlooking the historic center of Athens.

Carbone’s Hospitality hosted its fourth annual Oktoberfest at Carbone’s Prime in Rocky Hill on Sept. 19. Guests enjoyed an evening featuring delicious food prepared at live chef stations by the team at Carbone’s Prime, paired with a variety of fine beer, wine and spirits poured by distributor representatives during the charitable event. Hosted by FOX61’s Lauren Rovella and Keith McGilvery and 96 TIC-FM’s and WTI- AM 1080’s Mark the Shark Christopher, all proceeds benefited Laura’s Garden, a nonprofit working to provide educational opportunities through nature-based learning.

Star Wine List has welcomed Château d’Esclans on board as a partner at this year’s Irish competition. The Provençal domain, best known for producing the smash hit ‘Whispering Angel,’ has brought rosé firmly into the luxury wine market. The team joined us in Waterford to award a Gold Star to the Best Short List in Ireland, for 2024.

Partner story with Château d’Esclans.

Potager restaurant, in Skerries, has been awarded a Gold Star for the Best Short List at this year’s Star Wine List of the Year Ireland competition. Owner Sarah Ryan and sommelier Maire McHugh were presented their award by Kelly Stevenson, Brand Ambassador for Château d’Esclans. And we caught up with Communications Director Tom Schreckinger to learn more about the Provence estate.

Thank you for joining the awards. What does the competition mean to you?

“We are very pleased to partner with Star Wine List for the first year and take this occasion to congratulate you for having created an exceptional website which ideally facilitates our partnership relative to connecting our wines with top restaurants and bars.”

What opportunities do you see for rosé wines in the top bars and restaurants?

“Today, rosé wines have conquered the aperitif moment, but we are confident in their ability to conquer, as well, the dining table. That said, rosé is extremely versatile when pairing a broad range of cuisine such as vegetables, seafood, meat or poultry.”

Winemaking in Provence

Today, a rosé from Provence is automatically associated with a certain pale, delicate and dry form of pink wine. Old notions of sweet, syrupy liquids have largely been eradicated in favour of something more luxurious, far more glamorous and much higher quality. And one very significant reason for this is winemaker Sacha Lichine, the self-styled architect of the modern “rosé renaissance” and founder of ‘Whispering Angel,’ which is made by Château d’Esclans.

Lichine acquired Château d’Esclans in 2006. Born into a winemaking family in Bordeaux, it is perhaps not surprising that he should end up in the same business, but it is the south of France where he has truly made his mark.

Located in the commune of La Motte, in the Var, the 560-hectare estate (240 hectares of which are planted to vines) sits to the west of Cannes and northeast of St-Tropez. Rosé literally comes with the territory here, typically from the Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes, often with a smattering of Rolle (Vermentino). Overlooking the Esclans Valley, the current château was built to resemble a Tuscan villa, in the 19th century, whilst the estate dates back to before the 12th. It is not just the setting that is picture perfect.

A modern phenomenon

You have likely come across ‘Whispering Angel’ already. It has made its way across the globe, from prestigious members’ clubs to rooftop bars by way of the hottest restaurants in the major cities. It is what, we understand, was on British singer Adele’s shopping list during COVID 19 lockdowns, with other celebrity fans including Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and more.

Behind the appealing aesthetic is a wine designed to offer a taste of something special, with an approachable price tag.

“As winemaking begins with terroir, it is important to note that the vineyards of Château d’Esclans are situated on choice land in the highlands of Provence, where the soil is calcareous and rich in clay and limestone,” says Schreckinger. “This, combined with older vines growing from this land (some of which are close to a hundred years in age) gives them roots which penetrate deeply into earth and an opportunity to collect various layers of minerality which gets infused into the fruit and ultimately the wine.”

Rosés of refinement

The Château d’Esclans grapes are all carefully harvested out of the heat of the day (some exclusively overnight) to ensure purity and freshness in the fruit. They are loaded into small crates so as not to damage the skins unduly and sorted on reception at the winery by an optical eye camera, for the ultimate quality control. Temperatures are then also controlled throughout the winemaking process, which involves state-of-the-art cooling systems and closed-circuit pressing to avoid oxidation. All of this allows for plush, fruit-driven wines with the estate’s distinctively smooth edge and lightness of touch.

The range spans seven releases, falling into two categories. In the Whispering Angel line, in addition to its eponymous flag bearer, there’s the sustainably-minded ‘The Beach,’ bottled in lighter-weight glass with an ocean-friendly label, and the Mediterranean-style ‘The Pale’ made from grapes from across the Var region. By contrast, ‘Rock Angel’ benefits from some temperature-controlled oak influence during fermentation for a richer, more structured expression.

Even fuller bodied is ‘Les Clans,’ within the Estate Wines category, which the team likens to a broad white Burgundy thanks to its concentration, length and elegance. ‘Château d’Esclans’ is made with 100% estate-grown grapes – “the soul of the estate” – whilst the collection is crowned by ‘Garrus,’ a single-vineyard wine made from vines nearing 100 years in age, vinified entirely in new French oak demi-muids (first and second use; 600-litre), with bátonnage performed twice a week for eleven months, for added opulence in both flavour and texture.

Château d’Esclans at Star Wine List of the Year 2024

How would you define Château d’Esclans style of, and approach to, rosé?

“We have a two pronged approach towards wine making. In terms of ‘Whispering Angel,’ the number one Provence rosé in the world, the aim is to embody a classic Côtes-de-Provence style, making for a refreshing, delicious and minerally wine, compelling one to have a second glass.

“The Estate Wines are more into a full bodied and structured offering bearing greater length. These wines are gastronomic, likening them to an ultra-premium profile found in a white Burgundy rather than a classic Provence rosé.”

Are there any myths or misconceptions about rosé that you’re keen to dispel?

“One which is particularly common is that rosé is a sweet wine, which is not the case with these wines from Provence which offer a dry, minerally and aromatic profile while bearing a pale colour, making them widely appreciated by discerning consumers of fine wine.

“Another is that rosés can’t age, which is not the case as evidenced by our Estate Wines made from our old vines, using barrel fermentation/ageing (including bâtonnage), giving them the capability to age easily to four or five years and evolve beautifully. Towards this end, we recently opened and tasted ‘Garrus’ 2019, which was still perfectly fresh, bearing additional layers of complexity from having kept it to age.”

What are your top pairing suggestions for diners ordering a glass of a Château d’Esclans rosé in a restaurant?

“Rosé offers endless pairing possibilities. Suggestions include enjoying a sea bass carpaccio and our wine ‘Château d’Esclans,’ followed by a duck confit with ‘Les Clans’ and ending up with cheese and a glass of ‘Garrus.’

“Personally, a Christmas dinner comes to mind with roasted lobster and ‘Les Clans’ …a fabulous combination! Versatility in food pairing is at the essence to our wines and an important aspect to their unique proposition.”

I will record my tasting comments on the wines I drink and any wine-related news that catches my attention.

Every Sunday during Rosé Bay, pink drink lovers can indulge in a fabulous bottomless three-course brunch with rosé, of course. This is followed by an afterparty at the Whispering Angel Beach Club with live DJs. Stick around for epic sunset views across the water. 

Chateau d’Esclans, Les Clans, 2022

The release of the high-end rosé wine “Garrus” has been a hot topic, but “Les Clans” is the next highest-grade cuvée after “Garrus.” I have previously tried Chateau d’Esclans’ wines “Whispering Angel” and “Rock Angel.”

Les Clans is made from Grenache and Rolle (Vermentino) vines that are over 50 years old from their own vineyards, and is fermented and aged in barrels.

This 2022 vintage has an alcohol content of 14% and is rated 93 points by Wine Advocate.

The color is a beautiful pale salmon pink. The aroma of watermelon and white peach gently rises, and the refreshing acidity spreads in the mouth. The smooth fruitiness is moderately fruity. The minerality and umami are interwoven, resulting in an elegant and sophisticated rosé. One of the best rosés I have ever had.

The dishes that were paired with the dish were Provencal local dishes, ratatouille and bouillabaisse. As expected, Provencal rosé goes well with southern French cuisine, but it is especially a perfect match with light dishes like this.

MyPoints: 92 points

Value for money: ***