Experience The South Beach Wine and Food Festival

 

Miami’s annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival occurs each year, bringing together culinary talents from around the world to learn and teach in South Beach. Sponsored by The Food Network and The Cooking Channel, the exciting event boasts more than 100 events, including hosted dinners, panel discussions and tastings. The Sobe Wine and Food Festival five-day event is now in its 19th year and is expected to draw in thousands of foodies ready to experience the lively hospitality event.

Miami’s beautiful weather and bustling dining scene makes it the perfect city to be the site of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, dedicated to educating attendees about wine and food. The five days of festivities, occurring on February 19th-23rd, are spread across South Florida at venues in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits joins with Florida International University (FIU) to host the festival as a fundraiser for the school’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, with an aim to support the future of the hospitality industry. The yearly turnout of over 65,000 attendees has helped raise over $30 million to date, with 1,200 students volunteering annually to gain experience in the field.

The international selection of talent at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival ranges from world-renowned Chefs, TV personalities and hospitality brand owners, each providing their beverage and culinary expertise for audiences. Attendees can purchase tickets for a spectrum of unique events hosted by special guests throughout the region. Over 450 hospitality power players will be in attendance to share their knowledge with the South Beach crowd.

On Thursday, private dinners with Martha Stewart, Michael Mina and Dwayne Wade are sure to give attendees a memorable treat. Nobel Peace Prize nominee Chef José Andrés will host a “Feeding the World” tasting at the SLS South Beach. Restaurateur Bobby Flay will host a dinner “Shark Las Vegas Comes to Miami,” giving South Beach a taste of his Palms Casino Resort eatery. You can also attend Martha Stewart’s reception on Friday, or be entertained by the “Art of Tiki Cocktail Showdown” sponsored by Bacardi and Patrón. Saturday’s events include a “Wine & Cheese Happy Hour” with Dwayne Wade, along with a hosted dinner featuring Michael Voltaggio. Sunday closes out the week of wine-ing and dining with events like a “Sushi-Making Master Class & Lunch” at famed restaurant Nobu Miami.

In addition to proceeds of ticket sales being donated to the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, onsite and online auctions will also be held for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Getaway vacations, unique experiences, gourmet dinners, vintage wines and luxury items are just a few items guests can win at the exciting auctions. Past years have seen more than $250,000 in proceeds raised to support a valued cause.

Miami has an expansive selection of beachfront hotels near the center of the festival, with the Loews Miami Beach acting as the official headquarters. The recently redesigned destination is just a short walk or ride to many of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival events. Escape to their pool deck or jacuzzi in between panels, or take a moment to experience their serene spa or revitalizing yoga classes. 1Hotel South Beach is also a property near the action, with a style inspired by natural elements to complement the city’s sand and sun. Have a bite and watch the sunset at Watr at the Rooftop, or sip a cocktail poolside at their Sandbox bar. You also can’t go wrong at Fontainebleau Miami, a dream destination for foodies. The Michelin-starred Hakkasan restaurant, StripSteak by Michael Mina, and the delicious Scarpetta are all located onsite for a range of impressive dining experiences.