It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: SOBEWFF Returns for its 24th Year

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On January - 22 - 2025

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and mingle with the stars at the iconic South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF).

This four-day extravaganza, which returns for its 24th year from February 20-23, has grown far beyond its South Beach roots, spreading its culinary magic across Miami’s Design District, Wynwood, and Coconut Grove.

Imagine a gourmet playground teeming with over 500 celebrity chefs, renowned personalities, and beverage wizards. From Rachael Ray rocking the 18th annual Mike’s Amazing® Burger Bash to Aarón Sánchez sizzling up the hottest tacos at Tacos & Tequila, SOBEWFF promises an unforgettable foodie adventure.

But the delicious adventures don’t stop there. Dive into intimate brunches, masterclasses, and exclusive dinners, or bring the whole family for special events. Feeling festive? Late-night parties await. Whether you crave intimate culinary conversations or a grand tasting extravaganza with 1,200+ delectable samples spread across 135,000 square feet at the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village, SOBEWFF caters to every palate and party mood. 

Speaking of the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village- it ranks among our favorite activations of the weekend. Imagine a daytime dance party with your 1000 closest friends right on the sand… but with a twist. The culinary playground features live cooking demos from Food Network stars, 1,200+ food and drink samples, and unforgettable concert experiences curated by the brilliant minds behind Groot Hospitality and Only in Dade. Get ready to groove and graze as Ultra meets the SOBEWFF.

The best part is that each bite you savor supports a worthy cause. 100% of the festival’s net proceeds benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University, a top-ranked program shaping the future stars of the industry. So raise a glass (or fork!) to good food, good company, and giving back at this epicurean extravaganza!Tickets are just a click away at SOBEWFF2025.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Miami’s most fun, creative and elaborate culinary happening.

-PHOTO by: Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

-PHOTO by: Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

The nation’s biggest food festival got an upgrade for its 16th year with events that brought a fun, club-like atmosphere- drawing in club kids from yesteryear and today. The Dave Grutman Experience on Sunday, February 26 at the Grand Tasting Village had revelers dancing and jumping around on the sand, leaving us to wonder whether it was 3:00 PM or 3:00 AM, and how and when this wine and food festival had become a mini-Ultra. Another terrific new addition was the Bacardi and Beats on the Beach- a late night party featuring none other than Run DMC’s Rev Run- in all his glory, accompanied by DJ Ruckus on the ones and twos. Needless to say, that was one heck of a party- with the quintessential party foods (think Shake Shack fried chicken sandwiches and croquetas from Versailles) and libations galore to fuel the energetic party goers who showed no sign of stopping long after the party officially ended. In all, the party atmosphere made this year’s festival even more of a blast than it always has been and drew a crowd of party people who came to play more than just to eat or drink. Below find some our favorite events of the magnificent weekend. Read the rest of this entry »

Sponsors