In the heart of Miami’s vibrant Calle Ocho, Happy Wine Calle 8 stands as a testament to resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of its owners, J.C. Restrepo and Joanna Fajardo. This mom-and-pop wine shop and tapas bar, located at 5792 SW 8th St, has been a beloved fixture in Little Havana since 2004, known for its rustic charm, extensive wine selection, and lively atmosphere. But behind the festive salsa music, graffiti-covered walls, and shelves stacked with over 1,000 international wines lies a story of hardship and hope—one where Restrepo lost a second wine shop but gained a life-saving kidney transplant. This is the story of how Happy Wine’s owner got a second chance at life, as told by the Miami Herald on August 28, 2019.
A Hidden Gem on Calle Ocho
Happy Wine Calle 8 is more than just a wine bar; it’s a Miami speakeasy with a spartan exterior and a warm, inviting interior. The cozy space, adorned with Christmas lights and stools made from wine crates, exudes a playful charm, with walls covered in guest messages like “I got dronk here.” Recognized by The New York Times as one of Miami’s top 25 restaurants in 2024 and praised by Miami New Times since its inception, Happy Wine offers an extensive selection of wines for everyone—from neighborhood abuelitas to connoisseurs—alongside tapas like camarones al ajillo and chorizo al vino. The bar’s back-door entrance on busy Calle Ocho adds to its allure, making it a cherished local secret.
However, the past year tested the strength of owners J.C. Restrepo and Joanna Fajardo. As Restrepo battled kidney failure, the couple faced the heartbreaking loss of their second Happy Wine location in Coconut Grove. Despite these challenges, their original Calle Ocho shop remains a vibrant hub, where live music, happy hour specials, and a loyal community keep the spirit of Happy Wine alive.
A Test of Faith and Perseverance
The diagnosis upended Restrepo and Fajardo’s lives. Restrepo endured daily dialysis for eight months, a grueling process that left him hopeless at times. “I felt the worst for my wife,” he told the Miami Herald, watching Fajardo struggle to manage both Happy Wine locations while he was incapacitated. The couple had taken on an investor for the Coconut Grove shop, but as Restrepo’s health declined, they couldn’t keep up. They made the painful decision to sell the Coconut Grove location on August 1, 2018, allowing the investor to retain the Happy Wine name to avoid legal battles. This loss left Restrepo and Fajardo uncertain about the future of their original Calle Ocho shop’s name.
Despite the setbacks, Fajardo’s unwavering dedication kept the business afloat. “That woman is a saint. She was working like an animal,” Restrepo said, crediting her resilience for preserving their slice of the American dream. Longtime staff, like Greta Figueredo, also played a crucial role, maintaining the warm, welcoming vibe that defines Happy Wine Calle 8.
A Second Chance at Life
On April 5, 2019, Restrepo was placed on the organ transplant waitlist, but hope was fleeting after witnessing a fellow dialysis patient pass away while waiting. Yet, a miracle came the next day. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, while undergoing dialysis, Restrepo received a life-changing call: a 25-year-old organ donor from North Florida, who had passed away unexpectedly due to a genetic defect, was a match. By midnight Sunday, Restrepo was at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where, in a serendipitous twist, his anesthesiologist and surgical assistant were Happy Wine regulars. “I’m on the stretcher going into surgery, and I’m talking to these guys about wine,” Restrepo recalled with a smile.
The transplant was a success, and Restrepo now takes anti-rejection medication for what he affectionately calls his “baby,” tapping the spot in his lower abdomen where the donor kidney resides. The surgery gave him a renewed lease on life, allowing him to refocus on Happy Wine Calle 8. “The first day, I felt bitter. The second day, relief,” he said. “Right now, we are in heaven.”
Happy Wine Calle 8 Today
Today, Happy Wine Calle 8 thrives as a community hub, where Restrepo greets guests from the corner of the bar and Fajardo manages operations with a dedicated team. The bar continues to offer over 1,000 wines, from affordable to premium selections like the 2021 Domaine de la Chapelle Hermitage Blanc, alongside vegan wine options for diverse preferences. Happy hour (Tuesday–Thursday, 4–7 PM) features discounted wines, sangrias, and tapas, while weekend live music and free wine tastings, like the upcoming Bordeaux event on January 18, 2025, keep the atmosphere lively. The Saturday-only paella remains a fan favorite, selling out quickly each week.
Happy Wine Calle 8 is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, closed on Mondays. Reservations for events can be made via OpenTable or by calling 305-262-2465.
A Story of Resilience and Gratitude
J.C. Restrepo’s journey—from losing a wine shop to gaining a kidney—reflects the resilience and love that define Happy Wine Calle 8. Despite the loss of their Coconut Grove location, Restrepo and Fajardo have preserved their original shop as a beacon of joy in Miami. “In life, unfortunately, you learn by mistakes,” Restrepo said. “It nearly cost me my life. But now, I get a second chance.” Visit Happy Wine Calle 8 at 5792 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33144, and experience the warmth, wine, and tapas that make this Little Havana gem a must-visit.