Inside James Suckling’s Great Wines World Miami 2026: A Global Showcase of Top 100 Wines
One of the world’s most respected wine tasting events brings collectors, industry leaders, and iconic wineries together in Miami
Miami once again proved why it has become one of the most important gateways for the global wine industry as James Suckling Great Wines World Miami 2026 welcomed top wineries, wine collectors, distributors, and enthusiasts to experience some of the highest-rated wines on the planet.
The annual event, curated by internationally renowned wine critic James Suckling, features wines that have earned exceptional scores — many ranking among the coveted Top 100 Wines of the World.
With wineries representing regions across Europe, South America, and the United States, the tasting offers a rare opportunity for guests to sample wines that are often difficult to access outside of their country of origin.
For Miami’s growing community of wine professionals and collectors, the event has become a premier destination to explore global wine excellence.
A Conversation with Diana Kelley of Marqués de Murrieta
During the event, I had the opportunity to interview Diana Kelley, Export Manager for Marqués de Murrieta, who was presenting wines at Booth 82.
The historic winery is located in La Rioja, one of the most prestigious wine regions in Spain and home to some of the world’s most celebrated Tempranillo wines.
Kelley welcomed guests with two distinctive wines that showcase the depth and tradition of Rioja winemaking.
“Today we’re pouring Capellanía and Castillo Ygay,” Kelley explained as attendees gathered at the booth to taste the wines.
Capellanía: A Refined Expression of White Rioja
Capellanía represents a different side of Rioja that many wine drinkers may not immediately recognize.
The wine is made from 100% Viura, the traditional white grape of Rioja, and demonstrates how white Rioja can achieve remarkable structure and complexity.
Capellanía offers elegance and balance while reflecting the winery’s dedication to careful vineyard management and traditional aging methods.
For many attendees, it was a refreshing introduction to the world of premium white Rioja wines.
Castillo Ygay: A 100-Point Rioja Icon
The centerpiece of the tasting was Castillo Ygay 2012, one of Spain’s most celebrated wines.
The wine is a blend of approximately 80% Tempranillo and Mazuelo, two of Rioja’s most classic grape varieties.
But what truly distinguishes Castillo Ygay is its extraordinary aging process.
According to Kelley, the wine undergoes approximately five years of aging in both French and American oak barrels, followed by at least five additional years aging in bottle before it is released to the market.
“It’s an opportunity to taste an aged Tempranillo,” Kelley explained.
“In today’s wine culture, many wines are consumed very young. This wine gives people the chance to experience a fully matured Rioja with a very different profile.”
The result is a wine that offers remarkable depth, structure, and elegance.
Castillo Ygay has consistently earned global recognition from critics.
The 2012 vintage received a perfect 100-point score, and the 2010 vintage also achieved the same distinction, solidifying the wine’s reputation as one of Spain’s greatest reds.
Kelley also noted that the winery produces a white Castillo Ygay, another extraordinary wine that has also received 100 points, although it was not part of the tasting that evening.
Miami’s Growing Role in the Global Wine Scene
Events like Great Wines World highlight Miami’s growing influence as a hub for international wine culture.
The city’s unique position as a gateway between North America, Latin America, and Europe has made it a strategic location for wineries seeking to connect with collectors, distributors, and industry professionals.
For attendees, the evening offered a rare opportunity to taste wines that have been aged for more than a decade and recognized among the best in the world.
For wineries like Marqués de Murrieta, it was a chance to showcase the timeless tradition of Rioja winemaking to a global audience gathered in one of America’s most dynamic cities.
“Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” — Andre Simon
The James Suckling Great Wines World Miami event continues to establish Miami as an important destination for the global wine industry.
Through conversations with producers like Marqués de Murrieta, guests gain not only access to exceptional wines but also a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship, patience, and tradition that define world-class winemaking.
