Events
Don Melchor Wine Dinner at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
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 35th 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 the19th 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
The glamour of the French Riviera arrived in Miami Beach as Melissa Odabash presented Riviera: La Côte d’Azur during PARAISO Miami Swim Week.
May 29, 2026
Before the runway began, guests explored sponsor activations throughout the venue, including cocktails from Empress 1908 Gin, pours from Maker’s Mark, refreshments from LaCroix, Australian Gold sun care products, and sweet treats from Tony’s Chocolonely. A crystal-covered MINI convertible featuring a sparkling pink palm tree quickly became one of the evening’s most photographed attractions.
As guests settled into their seats, the atmosphere shifted from Miami Beach to the Mediterranean coast.
Inspired by the timeless elegance and relaxed luxury of the French Riviera, the runway showcased the effortless resort style that has become synonymous with the Melissa Odabash brand. Models floated down the catwalk in sophisticated swimwear, airy coverups, crochet pieces, flowing dresses, and polished resort looks that felt equally at home in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, or Miami Beach.
A palette of crisp whites, soft neutrals, shimmering metallics, and ocean-inspired blues reinforced the coastal aesthetic, while lightweight fabrics and elegant silhouettes captured the ease of luxury vacation dressing.
The presentation celebrated more than swimwear. It embraced an entire lifestyle centered around sunshine, travel, seaside glamour, and effortless sophistication. Each look reflected the idea that great resort fashion should feel both elevated and wearable, whether spent poolside at a beach club or dining waterfront at sunset.
By blending timeless resort pieces with the romantic spirit of the Côte d’Azur, Melissa Odabash delivered one of the week’s most transportive runway experiences. For a few moments inside the PARAISO Fashion Tent, guests were no longer on Collins Avenue. They were somewhere along the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera.
Feeling inspired to plan your next getaway? The looks featured on the runway and additional resort wear styles can be purchased through MelissaOdabash.com, offering shoppers the opportunity to bring a touch of Côte d’Azur elegance to their own summer travels.
Events
Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party Brought SPF and Swim Week Energy to Strawberry Moon
The Miami Swim Week® The Shows event mixed model casting, poolside glamour, sunscreen touch-ups, and a very South Beach kind of scene.
May 26, 2026
Miami Swim Week® The Shows is known for runway lights, bold swimwear, and a little bit of beautiful chaos, but Neutrogena brought the action poolside with its Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party at Strawberry Moon.
Set against the hotel’s dreamy pastel pool deck, the event felt less like a traditional casting call and more like a sun-soaked Swim Week hangout with a purpose. Models moved around the pool in swimwear, guests mingled under turquoise umbrellas, and the whole scene had that perfect Miami mix of fashion, beauty, heat, and “wait, is this a casting or a party?” energy.
The pool became the runway for the afternoon, with models walking along the water in front of Miami Swim Week® The Shows signage. It was casual, but still camera-ready. Instead of a stiff casting room, Neutrogena created a setting that felt alive, social, and very on-brand for Miami. There were bikinis, heels, palm trees, pool reflections, and enough sunlight to make the SPF message feel extremely relevant.
At the center of the event was Neutrogena’s bright activation area, complete with Ultra Sheer sunscreen products, yellow-and-white towels, and the perfect pool party reminder: “Arrive. Apply. Unwind.” Guests could check out the sunscreen lineup while taking in the casting atmosphere around them. It gave the whole afternoon a smart beauty angle without taking away from the fun.
The best part was how naturally everything fit together. Miami Swim Week is all about swimwear, bodies, beach culture, and confidence, so a sunblock casting pool party made perfect sense. Neutrogena did not just set up a table and call it a day. The brand turned SPF into part of the event experience, making sunscreen feel like the accessory everyone actually needed.
The atmosphere was playful and relaxed, with guests moving between the pool, the Neutrogena station, and nearby brand activations. Liquid Youth also added to the beauty-meets-wellness vibe with colorful collagen drinks, giving attendees another reason to stop, sip, and stay a little longer.
By moving the casting call into a pool party setting, Neutrogena gave Miami Swim Week a daytime moment that felt fresh, social, and easy to enjoy. It had the structure of a fashion event, the vibe of a South Beach pool day, and just enough glam to remind everyone that this was still Swim Week.
In a city where the sun is basically a main character, Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party was a natural fit. It brought together models, beauty lovers, swimwear energy, and SPF in one bright, splashy afternoon.
At Strawberry Moon, the message was simple: show up, get seen, protect the glow, and maybe get cast while you’re at it.
Veggies Made Great helped fuel a family-friendly weekend of free workouts, paddleboarding, coffee, small bites, and feel-good fun at 96th Street Park.
May 18, 2026
Surfside brought the good vibes this weekend with Paddletopia 2026, a two-day wellness and outdoor lifestyle event that turned 96th Street Park into a sunny little hub for movement, community, and family-friendly fun.
Held on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event welcomed kids, adults, fitness lovers, coffee drinkers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a fresh-air weekend by the water. The best part? So many of the experiences were free, making it easy for families and locals to drop in, move around, and enjoy the day without overthinking it.
The workout classes were a highlight, bringing plenty of energy to the park with approachable, upbeat sessions that made wellness feel fun instead of intimidating. Between the fitness classes, paddleboarding, live music, wellness activations, and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Paddletopia had that perfect South Florida mix of active and easygoing.
Of course, no great weekend event is complete without good bites. Veggies Made Great, an official event partner, kept guests fueled with complimentary samples of their veggie-packed favorites, including the Spinach Egg White Frittata and Lemon Blueberry Muffin. The samples were a smart fit for the day: light, wholesome, tasty, and easy to enjoy between activities. Paired with coffee and other small bites available throughout the event, it made for the kind of simple, satisfying spread that both kids and adults could get behind.
The event also had a thoughtful environmental angle through the “Paddle for Plastic” initiative with Plastic Fisherman, encouraging attendees to help clean Surfside canals in exchange for eco-friendly rewards. It added a meaningful layer to the weekend, blending wellness, community, and environmental care in a way that felt natural for a coastal town like Surfside.
Overall, Paddletopia 2026 felt like exactly what a South Florida weekend should be: outdoorsy, welcoming, active, delicious, and just a little bit sun-kissed. From free fitness classes to better-for-you snacks and community-focused fun, Surfside gave families a reason to get outside and enjoy the best of wellness by the water.
To bring a little of that Paddletopia feel-good energy home, check out more of the veggie-packed muffins, frittatas, and easy breakfast favorites from Veggies Made Great at https://www.veggiesmadegreat.com/
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