Florida Wine Academy Celebrates 10 Years of Wine Education in Florida
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2026
Florida Wine Academy Celebrates 10 Years of Wine Education in Florida
Miami, FL – Florida Wine Academy marks its 10th anniversary this week, celebrating a decade of wine education, professional training, and community building in South Florida and beyond.
Founded by Alessandra Esteves, DipWSET, MW candidate, and Guilherme “William” de Macedo, Master Sake Sommelier, Florida Wine Academy has grown into one of the leading providers of wine and sake education in the state. Over the past ten years, the academy has trained thousands of students, from beginners taking their first class to professionals pursuing advanced certifications.
Recognized as Best Wine School by the Miami Herald, Florida Wine Academy has maintained 100% positive reviews, reflecting its consistent focus on quality education and student experience.
A Decade of Growth and Education
Since its founding, Florida Wine Academy has expanded its offerings to include:
- WSET Levels 1, 2, and 3 in Wines
- Wine Scholar Guild programs
- Sake certifications
- Masterclasses and industry-focused tastings
Classes are held in Miami and across Florida, with both in-person and hybrid formats.
“Our goal from the beginning was simple,” says Alessandra Esteves. “Make wine education accessible, serious, and relevant. We wanted students to leave with real knowledge they could use, whether for their career or personal interest.”
Interview: Alessandra Esteves & Guilherme de Macedo
What has changed the most in the past 10 years?
Alessandra: The level of interest. Ten years ago, most students were in the trade. Today, we see a strong mix of professionals and consumers who want structured education. People want to understand what they are drinking.
Guilherme: The same is happening with sake. There is much more curiosity now. When we started, sake education in Florida was very limited. Today, we are training students who want to go deeper and understand the category.
What makes Florida Wine Academy different?
Alessandra: We focus on clarity. No unnecessary language. We teach students how to taste, how to think, and how to communicate about wine.
Guilherme: And we built a community. Many of our students stay connected, attend multiple classes, and come back for events. That consistency matters.
What is next?
Alessandra: Continuing to grow our programs and reach more students across Florida.
Guilherme: And expanding sake education further. There is still a lot of opportunity there.
Building a Wine Community in Florida
Beyond certifications, Florida Wine Academy has become a meeting point for wine professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts. Events, tastings, and specialized classes have helped build a strong local wine community in Miami and throughout the state.
The academy also works closely with producers, importers, and industry partners, bringing real-world perspective into the classroom.
About Florida Wine Academy
Florida Wine Academy is a leading wine and sake education provider based in Miami, Florida. Founded in 2016 by Alessandra Esteves and Guilherme de Macedo, the academy offers internationally recognized certifications including WSET and Wine Scholar Guild programs, along with tastings, masterclasses, and industry training.
For more information, visit:
www.floridawineacademy.com
Contact:
info@floridawineacademy.com