We had the good fortune of connecting with Alessandra Esteves and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alessandra, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Hard work, excellence, and attention to detail. I care about every part of the experience, from the wines we pour to the quality of the content we teach. Florida Wine Academy is now the leading provider of wine, sake, and spirits education in Florida because we are consistent, and we never take shortcuts. Classes are taught by professionals with industry credentials, and we focus on giving students the tools they need to succeed—whether they are beginners or wine professionals.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Florida Wine Academy is the leading provider of wine, sake, and spirits education in Florida. We offer WSET courses in Miami, Pinecrest, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Ocala, and Tallahassee, along with Wine Scholar Guild programs, masterclasses, corporate training, and private events. We’re also proud to offer the only Master Sake Sommelier-led sake classes in the state.

What sets us apart is the quality of education. Our instructors are certified professionals with years of industry experience. The materials are current, the wines are thoughtfully selected, and the learning environment is welcoming but structured.

Getting here was not easy. I started the business from scratch with no outside investment. I worked every class, every tasting, every event. Over time, we built a strong community of students, clients, and industry partners. We’ve faced challenges, from hurricanes to a pandemic, but stayed focused on quality and adapted quickly. We will celebrate our 10th anniversary next year!

The biggest lesson is to keep moving, stay consistent, and trust your standards. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited about what’s next. We’ve taught thousands of students and helped shape the wine scene in Florida. That’s something I don’t take for granted.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were visiting, I’d plan a week filled with great food, wine, and places I love. We’d start with dinner at Shadow Wagyu, then visit Happy Wine for casual drinks. I’d take them to Carbone Vino for lunch, followed by a walk around Wynwood, and dinner at Amara with a view of the bay. We’d stop at Vinoteca, Maggie’s, and Vinya—places where I also have students and enjoy the wine lists. In Fort Lauderdale, we’d go to Union Kitchen and Bar and Through the Vine. I’d include time in Coconut Grove, the Design District, and Fairchild Garden. And of course, I’d bring them to 305 Wines to taste and shop.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Guilherme de Macedo

Website: http://floridawineacademy.com

Instagram: @floridawineacademy

Twitter: @flwineacademy

Facebook: @floridawineacademy

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.