Miami Beach is set to host the highly anticipated 24th annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®) presented by Capital One, from February 20–23, 2025. This star-studded event, a highlight on the calendars of food enthusiasts worldwide, promises a delectable array of culinary experiences against the stunning backdrop of Miami’s winter warmth and iconic South Beach sands. Attendees from across the globe flock to this vibrant destination to immerse themselves in food-focused festivities and mingle with the luminaries of the culinary world. SOBEWFF® 2025 boasts a diverse program featuring renowned celebrity chefs from the Food Network, top-tier Miami culinary talent, and acclaimed chefs from across the nation and beyond.
The festival’s schedule is packed with events to suit every palate and preference, from beloved classics that have become synonymous with SOBEWFF® to exciting new concepts. Expect everything from casual brunches and intimate dinners to hands-on master classes and even fitness-focused gatherings. Ticket prices range from accessible options starting at $59 to premium, once-in-a-lifetime experiences exceeding $500 per person, ensuring there’s something for every budget at the South Beach Food And Wine Festival.
Miami Beach Signature Events: Festival Favorites
Mike’s Amazing Burger Bash Hosted by Rachael Ray
February 20
For nearly a quarter of a century, certain events at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival have become perennial favorites, drawing crowds year after year, largely due to the opportunity to see and meet celebrated TV chefs. Mike’s Amazing Burger Bash, hosted by the effervescent Rachael Ray, is undoubtedly one of these signature highlights. This lively, walk-around tasting event is a burger lover’s paradise, featuring over 30 different burger creations alongside a tempting selection of side dishes. Attendees can sample to their heart’s content before a panel of judges crowns one chef with the coveted Schweid & Sons®️ The Very Best Burger Award.
Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best: A Taste of Luxury
February 21
Indulge in the epitome of culinary sophistication at Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best, a glamorous walk-around tasting set within the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach in Mid Beach. True to its name, this event offers a curated selection of culinary masterpieces from over 60 of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs, perfectly paired with exquisite wines from leading global wineries. This is South Beach Food and Wine Festival at its most refined.
Tacos & Tequila Hosted by Aarón Sánchez: A Flavor Fiesta
February 22
Spice up your festival experience at Tacos & Tequila, hosted by celebrity chef and restaurateur Aarón Sánchez. This event is a vibrant celebration of Mexican flavors, featuring a dazzling array of tacos filled with every imaginable ingredient, from traditional to innovative. Complementing the taco feast are expertly crafted, tequila-infused margaritas, making for a perfect pairing under the Miami sky at this South Beach Food and Wine Festival highlight.
Chicken Coupe Hosted by Kardea Brown: Fried Chicken and Champagne Chic
February 22
Experience an unexpectedly delightful combination at the long-running Chicken Coupe, hosted this year by Kardea Brown, renowned for her mouthwatering pickle-brined fried chicken. Set in the stylish Miami Design District, this event elevates the comfort food classic of fried chicken by pairing it with the bubbly elegance of fine champagne. It’s a unique and indulgent experience within the South Beach Food and Wine Festival program.
Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village: The Festival Hub
February 22 & 23
A cornerstone of the South Beach Food and Wine Festival experience, the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village is an absolute must-attend, regardless of how many festivals you’ve experienced. Join fellow food aficionados as you explore the sprawling white tents erected on the sands of South Beach. Here, a vast and diverse array of food and wine awaits, complemented by engaging cooking demonstrations from celebrated TV chefs showcasing their culinary expertise. It’s the vibrant heart of the festival, offering a taste of everything SOBEWFF® has to offer.
Exciting New Events at SOBEWFF® 2025
Alex vs Miami: Culinary Clash
February 20
Experience a thrilling culinary showdown at Alex vs Miami held at the luxurious Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Food Network star chef and judge Alex Guarnaschelli and “Wildcard Kitchen” host Eric Adjepong will team up, challenging participating chefs to create culinary magic using the vibrant flavors of Miami. Witness the competition unfold, and most importantly, savor the delicious results while enjoying drinks and dancing the night away. This new event adds a competitive edge to the South Beach Food and Wine Festival.
Tournament of Champions: Live Culinary Combat
February 21
A truly unmissable addition to the festival lineup is the Tournament of Champions — the very first live iteration of the hit Food Network show of the same name. Hosted by the charismatic Guy Fieri, this event pits teams of six chefs, comprised of Tournament of Champions veterans and rising culinary stars, against each other in a high-pressure, timed cooking battle. Attendees get to sample the innovative dishes created under pressure and cast their votes for their favorites, actively participating in the culinary action at this unique South Beach Food and Wine Festival event.
Masters of Fire Hosted by Tyler Florence: Grilling Greatness
February 22
Ignite your senses at Masters of Fire, hosted by Food Network chef Tyler Florence at Joia Beach on Watson Island. This event celebrates the art of grilling, showcasing culinary masters, including chefs from local hotspots like RED South Beach and Hometown Barbeque, as they demonstrate their exceptional grilling skills. Expect smoky, flavorful dishes in a lively beachside setting at this fiery South Beach Food and Wine Festival experience.
A Duff Goldman Late Night Dessert Party & One Man Show: Sweet Endings and Big Laughs
February 22
Extend your festival day with an evening of laughter and delectable treats at the new A Duff Goldman Late Night Dessert Party & One Man Show, taking place at the open-air Miami Beach Bandshell. Cake master Duff Goldman takes center stage with a comedy show, accompanied by an extravagant spread of decadent desserts and premium wine and spirits. It’s the perfect sweet and savory finale to a day at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival.
South Beach Food and Wine Festival on a Budget
For those seeking more budget-friendly options within the South Beach Food and Wine Festival, Saturday offers fantastic choices.
FITCRUNCH Bootcamp & Bites Hosted by Robert Irvine: Fitness and Flavor
On Saturday, combine fitness and food at FITCRUNCH Bootcamp & Bites ($59), hosted by the energetic Robert Irvine. The celebrity chef, known for his impressive physique and healthy lifestyle advocacy, teams up with fitness expert Rachel Robinson to lead attendees in an invigorating workout session right on the sands of Nikki Beach in South Beach. Following the workout, refuel with a selection of healthy and flavorful bites.
FoodieCon: Meet the Food Influencers
Also on Saturday, connect with the digital food world at FoodieCon ($100) at the stylish Mondrian South Beach hotel. This event offers the chance to meet and greet your favorite food influencers and content creators, snap Instagram-worthy photos, and enjoy cooking demonstrations and more. It’s a modern and engaging way to experience the South Beach Food and Wine Festival.
Family Fun at SOBEWFF®
While many South Beach Food and Wine Festival events are geared towards a 21+ audience, families are welcomed at a special Sunday event.
Farmers Market Brunch: Local Flavors for Everyone
Families can enjoy the festival atmosphere at the Farmers Market Brunch, held on Sunday afternoon in the Miami Design District. Hosted by acclaimed Miami chef Michael Schwartz, a pioneer of the area’s farm-to-table dining movement, this walk-around brunch highlights local farmers and their fresh produce. Taste delicious dishes crafted with homegrown ingredients in a family-friendly setting, showcasing the community aspect of the South Beach Food and Wine Festival.
Explore More of SOBEWFF®: Intimate Experiences and Parties
The South Beach Food and Wine Festival offers a variety of event formats beyond the large tastings.
Intimate Dinners: Exclusive Culinary Encounters
These sit-down dinners held at select restaurants across Miami provide a unique and exclusive experience. With limited seating, these events often sell out quickly, offering the rare opportunity to be cooked for by world-renowned chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Andrew Zimmern, and Bobby Flay. Chefs frequently mingle with guests between courses, creating a personal and unforgettable culinary memory as part of the South Beach Food and Wine Festival.
Late-night Parties: Festival After Dark
The late-night parties at SOBEWFF® are known for their high energy and surprise celebrity chef appearances. Expect lively entertainment, a vibrant atmosphere, and of course, an abundance of food and drinks. Saturday’s Noche Cubana, hosted by Miami culinary icons Michelle Bernstein and David Martinez at the Kimpton Surfcomber Miami, South Beach hotel, promises a Cuban-inspired fiesta with food, Bacardi rum cocktails, music, and salsa dancing, embodying the spirit of the South Beach Food and Wine Festival’s nightlife.
Brunches & Lunches: Daytime Delights
The brunches and lunches at the festival are more than just meals; they are events in themselves, sometimes incorporating trendy fashion shows, high-energy drag show extravaganzas, and other unique entertainment. All are complemented by exceptional food and drinks, ranging from dim sum to a unique pasta omakase experience. For a lively Saturday brunch, consider the Jazz Brunch, hosted by acclaimed chefs Michael Symon and Michael Teich at the trendy Brickell hotspot Delilah Miami, offering a sophisticated daytime experience at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival.
Master Classes: Learn from the Culinary Masters
For those eager to enhance their culinary skills, the master classes offer invaluable hands-on learning opportunities directly from the chefs themselves. For an investment of $139, you can delve into the art of crafting a perfect Cuban sandwich with experts from Sanguich De Miami or participate in a taco-crafting master class led by Miami’s own The Wolf of Tacos. These classes offer a more intimate and educational facet of the South Beach Food and Wine Festival.
By: Angela Caraway-Carlton | December 19, 2024
