The 25th Anniversary of SOBEWFF®: A Culinary Celebration on the Sands of Miami Beach

As winter gives way to sunshine in South Florida each year, Miami Beach becomes a global epicenter for food and wine lovers — and in 2026, that spotlight shines brighter than ever. From February 19–22, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) returns for its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of elevated cuisine, star-studded talent, cultural celebration, and community impact.

SOBEWFF - A Festival with Purpose: Eat. Drink. Educate.

At its core, SOBEWFF® is more than an indulgent four-day food and wine celebration — it’s a platform that champions culinary excellence while powering education and opportunity in the hospitality industry. Held annually across venues from South Beach’s iconic sands to the surrounding streets and waterfronts of Greater Miami, the Festival showcases the talents of the world’s most renowned chefs, winemakers, and spirits producers through over 100 unique events featuring more than 500 industry experts.

Proceeds from the Festival benefit the Florida International University (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. Over its lifetime, SOBEWFF® has raised more than $45 million to support student scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, and world-class facilities — fueling the careers of tomorrow’s culinary leaders.

From Humble Beginnings to a Cultural Phenomenon

SOBEWFF® has evolved considerably since its inception. What began as a one-day wine event known as the Florida Extravaganza at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus in the late 1990s has since become a four-day national destination festival. It moved to Miami Beach in the early 2000s under the leadership of Lee Brian Schrager, who introduced iconic elements like BubbleQ® and the renowned Grand Tasting Village.

Over the years, the Festival has continued to expand its footprint and influence. Milestones include:

• Partnering with Food Network in the mid-2000s, boosting celebrity chef participation and public recognition.

• Introducing family-friendly events to engage attendees of all ages.

• Generating significant economic impact — an estimated $34 million+ for Miami-Dade County and supporting thousands of local jobs.

• Leading environmental initiatives, including waste diversion partnerships to reduce landfill impact.

Each year has brought new flavors, faces, and experiences — and 2026’s Festival promises to honor that legacy while charting fresh culinary territory. 

What to Expect: Four Days of Flavor and Festivity

The 2026 Festival unfolds like a curated tasting menu of events that appeal to every palate and preference:

Grand Tasting Village

The signature centerpiece for many attendees, the Grand Tasting Village transforms a three-block stretch of Miami Beach into an immersive culinary playground. Guests can sample dishes from dozens of restaurants, sip premium wines and spirits, and enjoy live entertainment — all set against the backdrop of sand, sea, and sunshine.

Celebrity Chef Appearances and Demos

Star chefs and television personalities take center stage throughout SOBEWFF®. Past festivals have brought beloved names like Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, Duff Goldman, and Aarón Sánchez to South Florida for cooking demonstrations, competitions, and special events. These experiences give attendees behind-the-scenes insight into culinary techniques and philosophies from some of the greatest names in food.

Iconic Signature Events

Several Festival events have become staples cherished by fans and newcomers alike. Highlights in previous years have included:

• Burger Bash® — a fan-favorite event hosted by Rachael Ray, where gourmet burgers from top chefs compete for the crowd’s vote.

• Tournament of Champions — an exciting live competition featuring teams led by acclaimed chefs battling for culinary supremacy.

• Master Classes and Panels — intimate sessions that offer deep dives into cooking techniques, wine pairings, and more.

• Drag Brunches, Brunches & Garden Experiences — blending food, culture, and entertainment in unforgettable settings.

Beyond the marquee events, the Festival also features late-night parties, wine seminars, mixology experiences, and interactive demos that appeal to food lovers of every stripe.

A Celebration of Diversity and Culture

One of the most exciting aspects of SOBEWFF® is its embrace of Miami’s multicultural culinary landscape. While the Festival draws global talent, it also shines a spotlight on local chefs and regional flavors. Past celebrations have included Cuban-inspired feasts like Noche Cubana, Southern cookouts, and creative cross-cultural mashups that reflect the vibrant food scene of South Florida.

This multicultural emphasis enriches the Festival experience and underscores Miami Beach’s role as a culinary crossroads where Latin, Caribbean, Southern, and international influences intersect harmoniously.

Beyond the Plate: Impact and Education

SOBEWFF® is rooted in the belief that great food can also do great good. The Festival operates as a real-world training ground for FIU hospitality students, providing hands-on experience in event management, operations, guest services, marketing, and more. Each year, more than 1,500 students log thousands of shifts, learning skills that will carry them into future careers in the global hospitality industry.

The funds raised support scholarships, educational initiatives, and state-of-the-art facilities at FIU’s Chaplin School — ensuring a pipeline of talented professionals ready to shape the future of food, beverage, and tourism.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re planning to attend the 2026 SOBEWFF®, now is the time to start exploring ticket options, event schedules, and accommodations — especially as the Festival draws food lovers from around the world. From beachfront tastings and chef dinners to educational classes and cultural celebrations, there’s something for every kind of epicurean explorer.

Whether you’re a seasoned Festival veteran or experiencing SOBEWFF® for the first time, the 25th anniversary marks a milestone worth celebrating — a testament to the enduring power of food and community, and a delicious reminder that the best stories are shared around the table.