James Suckling returns to Miami with a retrospective tasting event.

The tasting by James Suckling took place on the tasting floor of the Miami Convention Center. Since leaving Wine Spectator over ten years ago, wine critic James Suckling has shown both professionals and consumers that events leave a much greater impression than just reviews. He mentioned that this became clear to him after an interview with the Beastie Boys a few years ago in San Francisco. These events clearly generate profit and provide consumers and professionals access to amazing wines.

The event, which took place on February 29 and March 1, included 350 producers from 50 wine regions. This is the second time that Sakling has organized such an event in Miami, which is a very good sign of this growing metropolis's influence on the wine world. I had the opportunity to talk with Sakling and some producers who showcased their wines at the recent event. He explained why he has recently chosen to focus specifically on Miami. All his responses, as well as those of the producers, have been edited and shortened for clarity.

He believes that the prominence of South Florida has not been sufficiently recognized. Moreover, Miami is the de facto capital of South America and one of the five largest wine markets in the U.S. The city's Latino consumer base certainly has a wealth of locally produced wines from Spanish-speaking countries to enjoy at this tasting.

What do the manufacturers say?

Sakling events are usually popular due to live music and DJs, and this event was no exception. Additionally, they typically attract many industry professionals to avoid turning into drunken festivals. Tickets for these events are usually quite reasonably priced, starting at $100 and up, considering the quality of the wines.

Rodrigo Soto, the director of the Quintessa wine brand from California, notes that he enjoys the energy of tastings and the quality of other producers who present their wines alongside him. He adds that tastings usually welcome a mix of wine enthusiasts and industry professionals. Jean-Guillaume Prat, a representative of Léoville Las Cases, says he appreciates the opportunity to interact with consumers and professionals in a room with plenty of fresh air. Suckling not only creates and shares passion, notes Georgia Armanelli, export marketing expert for the Italian Franciacorta Berlucchi. The event is indeed well organized, with an excellent selection of producers, adds Loredan Gasparini from the Italian farm Azienda Agricola Conte Loredan Gasparini.

The next tasting will take place in New York on June 5 and 6 at The Glasshouse.