The South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) returns to Miami Feb. 19-22, marking its 25th anniversary as America’s largest gourmet gathering on the beach and beyond. Launched in 1997 and hosted by Florida International University (FIU), the festival has raised more than $45 million to date for scholarships, programs and opportunities at FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
Originally known as the Florida Extravaganza, SOBEWFF began as a one-day event showcasing local food and wine. In 2002, Lee Brian Schrager — then director of special events and media relations at Southern Wine & Spirits of America — moved the festival to South Beach, where it adopted its now-iconic name. The festival’s trajectory shifted again in 2007 when Food Network came onboard, ushering celebrity chefs Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri, along with stars such as Neil Patrick Harris. The partnerships introduced marquee events like Burger Bash and helped propel SOBEWFF into a world-class culinary festival drawing more than 30,000 attendees.
Today, Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village spans 135,000 square feet of beachside space, featuring 24 live culinary demonstrations, more than 100 supplier activations, upward of 1,200 products and over 50 restaurants per day — all designed for guests to sip, sample and savor.
With so much to offer, experiencing everything is impossible. Boca Raton residents are known for their discerning palates and are accustomed to fine dining in the area, so we narrowed it down to 10 must-attend tastings and luxe soirees at this year’s SOBEWFF.
1) Sushi Experience
A Sushi Omakase Collective hosted by Aoko, Bondi Sushi, Kasumi, Queen Omakase, Sora by Hotel Collection and Uchi
Take a culinary journey to Japan without leaving Miami. Every sushi-lover’s dream will come alive with this elevated exploration of omakase and specialty sushi from six of the Magic City’s top restaurants and their award-winning chefs.
Aoko blends traditional and contemporary Japanese flavors while Kasumi transforms sushi into an edible artform. Queen Omakase highlights seasonal ingredients and Sora by Hotel Collection delivers an immersive dining experience. Uchi combines bold creativity with traditional techniques while Bondi Sushi pairs premium ingredients with a minimalist, modern aesthetic.
A Sushi Omakase Collective is Sunday, Feb. 22 from 5-7:30 PM at SGWS Wynwood. For more information, visit sobewff.org/omakase1 or sobewff.org/omakase2.
2) Wine’s Best Of The Best
Fontainebleau Miami Beach presents Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best sponsored by Cunard
A cornerstone of SOBEWFF since 2005, Best of the Best brings together 60 of the nation’s most celebrated chefs and more than 65 of the world’s premier wineries for an evening defined by elegance and indulgence. Expect James Beard Award winners, Food & Wine Best New Chefs and Michelin-starred culinary leaders — along with the opportunity to take home sought-after vintages from the legendary Wine Wall.
Best of the Best is Friday, Feb. 20 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at Fontainebleau Miami Beach. For more information, visit sobewff.org/bob.
3) Curated Homage
Tribute Dinner honoring Michelle Bernstein and Sacha Lichine, hosted by Master of Ceremonies Bobby Flay, part of The New York Times Dinner Series
At this sophisticated soiree, James Beard Award–winning Miami chef Michelle Bernstein is honored for her trailblazing approach to Latin-inspired cuisine, which has made her one of the city’s most beloved culinary figures, while Sacha Lichine, the visionary behind Château d’Esclans, is celebrated for redefining rosé on the global stage.
Under the guidance of master of ceremonies Bobby Flay, guests will enjoy a Tribute Dinner featuring a curated menu that pays homage to Bernstein’s culinary artistry and Lichine’s exceptional wines. Each course is thoughtfully paired to create a harmonious dining experience that highlights the innovation, passion and enduring impact of these two visionaries.
The Tribute Dinner is Saturday, Feb. 21 from 7-11 p.m. at Loews Miami Beach Hotel. For more information, visit sobewff.org/tribute.
4) Don’t Be Crabby
Joe’s Stone Crab Lunch hosted by Martha Stewart and Sacha Lichine, part of the American Airlines® Series
This exclusive lunch featuring Martha Stewart and Sacha Lichine celebrates Miami’s landmark restaurant Joe’s Stone Crab. Famed for its fresh seafood, signature stone crabs and iconic location, Stewart and Lichine bring timeless taste and visionary flair to the table.
Joe’s Stone Crab Lunch is Saturday, Feb. 21 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Joe’s Stone Crab. For more information, visit sobewff.org/crab.
5) Embrace It
FIU Embrace Dinner hosted by Shota Nakajima, Kevin Lee and Justin Weiss
Zuma Miami hosts an intimate dinner led by three powerhouse chefs — Shota Nakajima, Kevin Lee and Justin Weiss. Indulge in a menu that showcases vibrant flavors, elevated presentation and expertly-paired beverages.
Nakajima, a “Top Chef” finalist and James Beard Award nominee, is celebrated for his modern interpretations of Japanese cuisine that balance precision and creativity. Lee, a rising culinary star, is known for his bold, boundary-pushing dishes that fuse tradition with contemporary technique. Weiss, Zuma Miami’s Executive Chef, brings his signature style for sophisticated Japanese dining, ensuring each course reflects the restaurant’s globally-recognized standard of excellence.
Beyond the culinary experience, the dinner supports FIU Embrace, an initiative dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and chronic illness and neurodiverse communities through advocacy, education and inclusion.
FIU Embrace Dinner is Thursday, Feb. 19 from 7-10 p.m. at Zuma Miami at Kimpton EPIC Hotel. For more information, visit sobewff.org/embrace.
6) Oyster Bay Bash
Oyster Bay Wines present Oyster Bash, hosted by Marc Murphy
Chef Marc Murphy leads a roster of standout chefs in showcasing oysters prepared every which way — from pristine half-shells to chargrilled and sizzling in garlic butter or fried to golden perfection. Paired with refreshing wines and chilled cocktails, the walk-around tasting celebrates the ocean’s most elegant indulgence.
Oyster Bash is Friday, Feb. 20 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Nikki Beach Miami Beach. For more information, visit sobewff.org/oyster.
7) A Side Of Style
Bal Harbour Shops Access: Fashion Show & Luncheon, hosted by Geoffrey and Margaret Zakarian
A longtime fixture at SOBEWFF, Geoggrey Zakarian brings his signature culinary polish to this elevated luncheon alongside his wife, hospitality entrepreneur Margaret Zakarian. Guests will enjoy a multi-course menu with fine-wine pairings alongside a curated fashion presentation from Kiton, one of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses.
The Fashion Show & Luncheon is Friday, Feb. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at Bal Harbour Shops. For more information, visit sobewff.org/fashion.
8) Vintage Blush
It Started with a Whisper: Celebrating Whispering Angel’s 20th Vintage
Step inside the storied Villa Casa Casuarina (famed former home to iconic fashion legend Versace) for a night of timeless glamour that celebrates Whispering Angel’s 20th vintage, the rosé that redefined the category worldwide. Raise a glass to 20 years of craftsmanship for the No. 1 rosé and No. 1 French wine in the U.S.
It Started with a Whisper is Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 7-11 p.m. at The Villa Casa Casuarina. For more information, visit sobewff.org/casuarina.
9) Beach Party
Diplo: Live from South Beach, Celebrating 25 Years of SOBEWFF®, hosted by David Grutman & Groot Hospitality
Multi-Grammy-winning producer and DJ Diplo brings high-energy sound to help celebrate 25 years of SOBEWFF with a concert like no other. The iconic Grand Tasting Village courtyard transforms into an electrifying open-air stage as attendees enjoy an open bar with top-shelf cocktails and late-night bites.
Diplo: Live from South Beach is Thursday, Feb. 19 from 8-11 p.m. at Grand Tasting Village Courtyard. For more information, visit sobewff.org/diplo.
10) Take The Leap
Explore Stag’s Leap Vineyard: The Vineyard that Shocked the World, Wine Spectator Wine Seminar
This rare library tasting explores the legendary Stag’s Leap Vineyard (S.L.V.), famed to have placed Napa Valley on the international spotlight after its historic 1976 Judgment of Paris win.
Discover the unique terroir, rich history and winemaking techniques of this iconic single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Featured vintages include pours from 1985, 1996, 2007, 2010, 2016 and the youngest year of 2021.
The Wine Spectator Wine Seminar is Saturday, Feb. 21 from 4-5 p.m. at Eden Roc Miami Beach. For more information, visit sobewff.org/stags-leap.
Photos curtesy of South Beach Wine & Food Fest.