Events

Don Melchor Wine Dinner at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Published

7 months ago

December 5, 2024

John Lariviere

Don Melchor’s artistry is on full display during a spectacular five-course wine pairing experience in Miami, celebrating Chile’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon.

November 8th, 2024

Don Melchor, Chile’s icon wine, crafts a single wine for each vintage – a Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the painstaking attention that goes into choosing the complex vineyard blend for each vintage, crafted from grapes from the Puente Alto vineyard, in the Maipo Valley, at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Over the years, Don Melchor has continuously received top scores and accolades, becoming an icon of Chilean wine and a benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon throughout the world.

To commemorate their 35^th vintage of Don Melchor wine an exclusive Don Melchor wine dinner was held on November 8th at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, hosted by Don Melchor winemaker and CEO Enrique Tirado at the renowned Mirabella Restaurant. The 5-course meal prepared by a Michelin star chef was paired with vintages of Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon from the years 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017.

The first course, a Carne Cruda, was paired with a Don Melchor 2020 cabernet Sauvignon. The bright taste of the fresh filet and the salt of the cornichon is complemented by a wine that was produced during one of the warmest years in a decade. Red fruit dominates the palate with ripe, hearty flavors that have a slightly dry aftertaste.

The second course, a Mushroom Risotto, was paired with a Don Melchor 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. The richness of the cheeses in this perfectly prepared risotto is beautifully matched with this wine possessed of a deep purple color, floral notes amidst the red fruit, and a slightly sweet after taste. (This was my favorite wine of the evening)

The third course, an Agnolotti, was paired with a Don Melchor 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. The agnolotti was the culinary showstopper of the evening for me, with sauce filled with complex layers of flavors and tender veal filled agnolotti. The wine with which it is paired has dense fruit flavors that lean closer to black currant and blueberry, yet the wine remains balanced and smooth.

The fourth course, an A-5 Miyazaki, was paired with a Don Melchor 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. The snow aged beef melts like butter and is so well matched with this deep full-bodied wine with its round finish.

The fifth course, a Pear Semifreddo, is meant as a bright, lightly sweet treat with which to cleanse the palate after the complex, rich tones of the previous courses

The setting was elegant, the service superb, the food impeccable and the wine superb. The evening was unexpectedly delightful, and educational as well for between each course, CEO Enrique Tirado spoke with pride and passion about each wine about to be served.

Don Melchor was among Chiles winemaking pioneers. Located 18km to the south of Santiago, on the northern bank of the Maipo River Puento Alto in the foothills of the Andes mountains, the Don Melchor Vineyard played a fundamental role in Chile’s modern wine history. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines brought from Bordeaux over 140 years ago put down roots and gave birth to very fine wines full of character. Cradled by the Andes, the climate has provided unique opportunities for the development of a quality line of wines. Despite the devasting phylloxera blight of the19^th century, Chile was unaffected, and there is little use of pesticides in Chilean wine country. Today the winery produces 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 1/9% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. As Don Melchor continues to grow it remains committed to its legacy, while embracing the future with the spirit of innovation and an unwavering dedication to quality. In fact, CEO Enrique Tirado visits each section of the vineyard every morning to sample the grapes in preparation for harvesting at just the right moment.

For more than three decades Don Melchor has solidified its position as a standard of excellence in the wine community. Its identity is anchored in three fundamental pillars:

A history of passion and commitment that is reflected in the brand’s enduring legacy.
The unparalleled conditions of its terrain in the foothills of the Andes that lends unique character to every bottle.
The continued pursuit of excellence and innovation based on sustainable and agroecological management.

Each of these elements combines to create a wine that is not only a product of its environment but also a refined expression of artistry, for they believe that each vine each cluster tells a story of generations of careful cultivation.

“My connection with Don Melchor spans more than 30 years. A relationship that transcends time , in which hard work, passion, and commitment have merged together. Don Melchor not only occupies an important place in my life, but also symbolizes a deep connection with nature and an understanding of terroir and the expression of a wine that has left its mark on me in ways that are hard to express”.

-Enrique Tirado: CEO & Technical Director Vina Don Melchor

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Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2025

McKaela Lulic

From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.

June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

: Papi Swim

: Pia Bolt

: Slay Swimwear

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

: Caroline Derpienski

: Love For Upcycling

: David Tupaz

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.

Events

Miami Swim Week’s Kick-Off

Published

3 weeks ago

June 2, 2025

ELLE Swimwear Opened Miami Swim Week with Poolside Glam and Sunset Soundtracks.

May 28th, 2025

Leave it to ELLE Swimwear and Miami Swim Week® The Shows to throw the kind of party that sets the tone for the entire season: chic, sun-soaked and just the right amount of extra. On Tuesday night, the who’s who of fashionistas, influencers and perfectly tanned creatives gathered to celebrate the official kickoff of Miami Swim Week 2025, and let’s just say, the bar has been set high.

Tucked away on the ultra-exclusive Venetian Islands, the private waterfront villa felt more like a fashion fantasy than a party venue. Imagine stepping into a space where every palm is lit just right, the pool reflects the skyline like a high-gloss editorial, and the whole place hums with that “something fabulous is about to happen” feeling. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the mood.

And speaking of moods, let’s talk sushi. Sushi by Yasu was the evening’s culinary crown jewel. Each roll was a tiny masterpiece: fresh and delicate. Light enough to keep guests grazing, but satisfying enough to feel like a moment, the bites kept flowing all night, paired perfectly with champagne and curated cocktails.

The soundtrack of the night? DJ Brooke Brazelton spun a set that floated perfectly between rooftop lounge and full-body groove. Think vibey house, remixed classics, and the kind of bassline that makes strangers become dance partners. It wasn’t just background music—it moved the night along like a perfectly timed runway show. The crowd swayed, sipped and sparkled, and by midnight, the villa felt like the heartbeat of Swim Week itself.

As for the crowd, it was Miami at its best. A stunning blend of models, stylists, editors and locals who looked like they walked straight off a set. There were breezy linens, sheer mesh, bold swimwear, and sunglasses that stayed on long after the sun went down. The fashion was fearless, the conversation flowed, and every corner of the villa buzzed with excitement and ambition.

Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.