The South Beach Wine & Food Festival Returns
Founder Lee Schrager offers up his favorite events and places to go in Miami Beach
The South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) returns to Miami Beach (and Miami) in just two weeks.
This year, more than 500 chefs, bartenders, and industry professionals will gather to host over 105 events during an action-packed four days. The festival, now in its 24th year, will take over multiple venues from its now-famous giant tents directly on the sand to dozens of restaurants and other spots throughout Miami and Miami Beach from February 20 to 23.
Dubbed, “Spring break for chefs” by many, the festival attracts thousands of locals and visitors who flock to SOBEWFF for its flavor-filled fun-in-the-sun vibes.
Festival founder Lee Brian Schrager says it’s clear to see why SOBEWFF is one of the most anticipated food festivals in the country. “We’re in the right place at the right time of the year. Miami has beautiful beaches and it’s a great food destination”.
Schrager is correct. In the past two-plus decades, Miami has grown from a beach town to a cosmopolitan destination with a sophisticated food scene. It’s the home of several chefs who have earned James Beard awards, most recently Valerie Chang, who won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: South for her Midtown Miami restaurant, Maty’s. In 2022, Michelin came calling, making Miami an official Michelin Guide city.
Schrager says that each year, more and more people are coming to Miami Beach to make an entire weekend of savoring its food and drink scene by combining SOBEWFF with dining at some of the city’s best restaurants.
A bonus?
The table next to you might be filled with familiar faces such as Martha Stewart or Anne Burrell. “Talent comes down and they want to try Mimi or Mother Wolf or Sparrow,” says Schrager, adding, “they go to our Burger Bash and then they try out some new restaurants.” Of course, no trip to Miami Beach would be complete without iconic places like Joe’s Stone Crab, and Mac’s Club Deuce.
If you’re planning a weekend in Miami and Miami Beach for SOBEWFF, Schrager suggests a blend of festival events peppered in with some local dining experiences. “I think that you should reserve one evening and one lunch to check out the local scene,” he advises.
Out of more than 100 different SOBEWFF events, Scrager has chosen five favorites for your consideration.
First and foremost, the ultimate festival insider recommends Best of the Best, the swanky soiree held at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel, and features some of the best restaurants in the country offering food paired with luxe wines and champagnes.
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Miami experience, the Miami Bakery Brunch offers a taste of some of Miami’s most iconic sweet and savory baked goods in a gorgeous setting. The brunch, hosted by Miami’s favorite baker, Zak Stern, offers unlimited brunch items paired with cocktails and mimosas.
Fans of Food Network’s Alex Guarnaschelli won’t want to miss Alex vs. Miami, hosted by Guarnaschelli and Eric Adjepong. This interactive evening offers bites from some of Miami’s most loved restaurants along with a lively culinary competition.
If you like a high-energy afternoon, you must attend the Drag Brunch hosted by Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski and The View’s Ana Navarro. This fabulous afternoon features food, drink, and performances by Mistress of Ceremonies Athena Dion with special guests Meatball, Alexis Michelle, and Randy Roberts. The drag brunch is an annual shop-stopper of an event, so get your tickets early.
Finally, have you even been to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival if you haven’t been to the Grand Tasting Village (GTV)? Honestly, this is like Disney with alcohol. The GTV offers an afternoon of eating, drinking, celebrity sightings, culinary demonstrations, freebies, music, dancing, and more — all directly on the sand (so be sure to wear your flip-flops).