Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival® Gears Up for a Landmark 25th Anniversary Celebration — A Culinary Spectacle Like No Other

25 Years. 4 Days. 500+ Culinary Stars. One Epic Weekend. February 19–22, 2026.

The countdown is on for what promises to be the most unforgettable weekend in the history of the nation’s most iconic culinary celebration. The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) is officially turning 25—and it’s doing so in spectacular style. From February 19 to 22, 2026, Miami and its neighboring cities will transform into a paradise of food, wine, music, and culture as more than 500 chefs, culinary icons, and GRAMMY® Award-winning artists gather for the ultimate anniversary party.

As one of America’s largest and most celebrated food festivals, SOBEWFF® has become synonymous with star-studded events, beachside feasts, and vibrant community spirit. This milestone year will be no exception—only bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever. With events stretching from Miami Beach to Fort Lauderdale and Homestead, this 25th anniversary will mark a full-circle moment for a festival that began as a small gathering of food lovers and has evolved into a global culinary institution.

A Quarter Century of Flavor, Friendship, and Philanthropy

When Festival Founder & Director Lee Brian Schrager, now also Chief Communications Officer & Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, first envisioned SOBEWFF® 25 years ago, the idea was simple yet ambitious: to create a culinary event that connected people to extraordinary food, fine wines, and the passionate professionals behind them. What began as a modest fundraiser attracting just 7,000 attendees has since grown into a powerhouse celebration welcoming over 60,000 guests annually, with proceeds supporting the Florida International University (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

Celebrating our 25th year is an incredible moment for the Festival, our partners, and the entire South Florida community,” said Schrager. “From its early days with just a few thousand guests to becoming one of the nation’s largest and most beloved food festivals, SOBEWFF® has always been about connection—connecting people to incredible food, drink, and culture, while helping nurture the next generation of hospitality leaders from FIU. This year’s lineup honors the chefs and talent who built our legacy while embracing the new energy that’s redefining Miami’s dining scene.”

Over the decades, the Festival has hosted an extraordinary roster of culinary greats—Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray, José Andrés, Giada De Laurentiis, Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, Martha Stewart, and countless others—while spotlighting emerging talents who have gone on to become household names. It’s a rare space where celebrity chefs, food enthusiasts, and community members meet at the crossroads of creativity and culture.

Presented by the Best — and Powered by Passion

None of this would be possible without the Festival’s long-standing partners. Once again, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the leading distributor of wines and spirits in North America, returns as co-producer and exclusive beverage provider, ensuring every glass poured meets the highest standards of excellence. Their commitment to the event, and to hospitality education, has been instrumental in shaping the Festival’s legacy.

“As we toast to 25 years of SOBEWFF®, we’re also celebrating 25 years of partnership, innovation, and impact,” added Schrager. “Southern Glazer’s has been with us every step of the way, helping us turn an idea into a movement that uplifts our industry and community alike.”

Another crucial collaborator, Food Network, has been part of the Festival’s DNA since 2007, bringing its star power, media reach, and culinary expertise to Miami Beach’s sunny shores.

“For nearly two decades, Food Network has partnered with the South Beach Wine & Food Festival to bring a piece of our brand to life each winter, celebrating the chefs, creators, and culinary innovators who inspire our viewers every day,” said Lauren Burack, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Food Network. “As the Festival marks its 25th anniversary, we’re honored to continue showcasing the talent, creativity, and passion that have made this partnership so special since its inception.”

A Weekend of Iconic Events and Unforgettable Experiences

Each year, SOBEWFF® delivers a full calendar of spectacular events—from beachfront BBQs and grand tastings to intimate dinners and late-night parties—and the 2026 edition promises to raise the bar higher than ever before. Expect the return of fan favorites, plus new, one-of-a-kind experiences that blend culinary artistry with Miami’s dynamic energy.

Highlights include:

• The Grand Tasting Village – The beating heart of the Festival, featuring hundreds of wine, spirits, and restaurant tastings along the sands of South Beach. Attendees will stroll through tents filled with culinary delights, meet celebrity chefs, and discover new flavors—all under the Miami sun.
• Burger Bash® Hosted by Rachael Ray – A staple of SOBEWFF®, this high-energy showdown will once again feature top chefs competing for burger supremacy, all backed by live music and oceanfront views.
• Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives LIVE with Guy Fieri – The fan-favorite event returns, bringing Fieri’s signature flair to a lineup of comfort food classics, food truck favorites, and rock-n-roll vibes.
• Sweet Sessions: Dessert After Dark – A new addition for 2026, pairing decadent desserts with curated cocktails, DJ sets, and artistic installations for a multisensory after-hours experience.
• Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best – The Festival’s most luxurious event, featuring over 60 of the nation’s top chefs and an unparalleled selection of world-class wines.

This year’s music lineup will also make waves, featuring GRAMMY® Award-winning artists who will headline select signature events—transforming the culinary weekend into a multisensory festival of taste and sound.

Celebrating the Soul of Miami

From its inception, SOBEWFF® has always been about more than food—it’s about the culture and vibrancy of South Florida itself. Each event showcases the region’s diversity, innovation, and spirit of togetherness. From beachfront soirées to elegant rooftop dinners, the Festival captures Miami’s essence: lively, welcoming, and endlessly creative.

In 2026, this local flavor will be even more pronounced, with new events spotlighting Miami’s next generation of chefs, mixologists, and cultural innovators. Expect collaborations with top restaurants from Wynwood, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, and Fort Lauderdale, along with immersive pop-ups that tell the story of South Florida’s evolving culinary identity.

Honoring Education and Community Impact

Beyond the glitz and glamour, SOBEWFF® maintains a profound commitment to philanthropy. Over its 25-year history, the Festival has raised more than $37 million for the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, directly funding scholarships, student programs, and hands-on learning opportunities that empower the future leaders of the hospitality industry.

“Every plate served and every glass raised at the Festival supports education and opportunity,” Schrager emphasized. “That’s what makes SOBEWFF® so special—it’s a celebration with a purpose. We’re not just throwing a party; we’re investing in people, passion, and progress.”

A Legacy Built to Last

What makes SOBEWFF® truly remarkable is its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. Each year brings new flavors, new faces, and new memories, but the heart of the Festival remains the same: a joyful, inclusive celebration of food, wine, and community.

As the 25th anniversary approaches, there’s a palpable sense of pride—and anticipation. The milestone marks not just a celebration of the past, but a vision for the future: a festival that continues to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and inspire connection.

Whether you’re a lifelong attendee or a first-time visitor, SOBEWFF® 2026 promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience—an epic weekend of flavor, music, and magic under the Miami sun.

Tickets and Event Details

Tickets for the 25th Annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One are on sale now. Guests are encouraged to purchase early, as many signature events sell out quickly.

About the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival® Presented by Capital One

EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE.

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival® presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) is more than just a celebration of food, wine, and culture—it’s a Festival with a purpose. 100% of the net proceeds directly benefit the students of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU). These students play a vital, hands-on role in bringing the Festival to life, assisting organizers with everything from sponsorship fulfillment, restaurant and exhibitor recruitment, and logistics management to on-site operations and inventory control. Along the way, they gain invaluable experience working alongside some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, winemakers, and hospitality professionals.

Since its inception, SOBEWFF® has raised more than $45 million in support of FIU’s Chaplin School, helping fund scholarships, educational programs, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare the next generation of leaders in hospitality and tourism.

Produced by Florida International University in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the Festival receives additional support from the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.

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