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Where did it all begin?
In 1997, SOBEWFF® debuted as a small one day event. Fast forward 25 years, and it’s now America’s largest gourmet gathering on the beach.
What impact has it made?
Over $45 million raised to date — fueling scholarships, programs, and opportunities for the next generation of hospitality leaders at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
What makes this year special?
We’re pulling out all the stops for the 25th anniversary with new events, big-name chefs, top DJs and unforgettable memories.
25 Years of Defining Moments
1997-2001: The Early Years
Launched as the Florida Extravaganza, a one-day fundraiser at FIU showcasing wines and dishes from local restaurants — laying the foundation for what would become SOBEWFF®.
2002: A New Vision
Under the leadership of Lee Brian Schrager, the Festival moved to Miami Beach, debuting as the South Beach Wine & Food Festival® with signature events like BubbleQ® and the Grand Tasting Village. Nearly 7,000 guests attended the first year on the sand.
2005: Best of the Best
The first Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best took place at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Festival.
2007: Food Network Era Begins
The Festival partnered with Food Network, attracting 30,000 guests and launching iconic events like the first-ever Burger Bash® hosted by Rachael Ray.
2008: Family Joins the Table
Debut of family-friendly events, expanding the Festival’s footprint and engaging new generations of food lovers.
2011: 10th Anniversary & Cookbook
SOBEWFF® celebrated 10 years with the release of its official cookbook featuring behind-the-scenes stories and recipes, with a foreword by Anthony Bourdain.
2014: Education in Action
The Festival funded the opening of the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory at FIU, a state-of-the-art facility for hands-on learning.
2018: Economic Impact
A study revealed SOBEWFF® contributed $34+ million in economic impact to Miami-Dade County, underscoring its importance to the region.
2020: Record-Breaking Edition
More than 65,000 guests attended 100+ events across South Florida, bringing total funds raised for FIU to over $34 million.
2021: Resilient Return
SOBEWFF® became the first major wine & food Festival in the U.S. post-pandemic, spotlighting local restaurants and implementing groundbreaking health and safety standards.
2022: 21st Celebration in Style
SOBEWFF® rolled out the red carpet with star power — from Kate Hudson and Adam Levine to Dwyane Wade and Eva Longoria — all joining forces with world-class chefs and their iconic brands for an unforgettable weekend on the sand.
2023: Our Greenest Festival Yet
The Festival partnered with Clean Vibes to launch large-scale waste diversion and recycling, diverting over 43 tons of waste.
2026: 25th Anniversary
A quarter-century of flavor, talent & impact. SOBEWFF® marks its biggest milestone yet with a star-studded lineup, new experiences, and a continued mission to EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE.
How You Can Join the Celebration
Insider Access
Be the first to know about new events, announcements, and special offers for our 25th anniversary. Sign up for Juicy Tidbits today!
Auction for Impact
Score one-of-a-kind culinary experiences and exclusive packages in our signature auction — with every bid supporting the next generation of hospitality leaders.
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Celebrate Community
For 25 years, SOBEWFF® has been powered by people who care. Join us in creating meaningful experiences that benefit the future of hospitality.
VIP & Group Experiences
Elevate your Festival experience with tailored packages for groups, clients, or team outings — the perfect way to toast 25 years together.
Fun Facts About SOBEWFF®
25th-anniversary
A Grand Feast by the Numbers
Spanning over 135,000 sq. ft. of beachside space, the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village is the ultimate Festival playground. Each year it welcomes 26,000+ attendees, features 24 live culinary demos, showcases 100+ supplier activations, offers more than 1,200 products and 50+ restaurants per day for guests to sip, sample, and savor.
The Festival’s Pouring Partner
As the exclusive provider of wine & spirits, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits fuels the Festival experience with over 10,000 cases of product poured each year thanks to SGWS.
Burger Bash Legends
Since 2007, the Burger Bash® has served up more than 7,600 lbs. of ground beef in a single year, letting fans vote for their favorite chef-crafted burger. 🍔
Students Power the Experience
Each year, 1,500+ FIU students log more than 4,300 shifts to run the Festival, gaining hands-on training in every aspect of hospitality — from logistics to guest experience.
Epic Scale
More than 500 chefs, winemakers, and spirits producers take part annually, with events stretching across Miami and the Beaches.
Economic Impact
In 2024, SOBEWFF® generated an estimated $31.2 million in economic impact for Miami-Dade and supported more than 6,200 jobs.
Clean Vibes, Clean Beach
In 2023, SOBEWFF® partnered with Clean Vibes to introduce large-scale waste diversion. Thanks to recycling and composting, the Festival has diverted over 97 tons of waste from landfills since the start of the partnership.
Feeding Miami’s Hungry
Food rescue efforts at SOBEWFF® have redirected tens of thousands of pounds of food, providing 5,000+ meals annually through Miami Rescue Mission and other partners.
From Screen to Sand
FoodieCon® took food content off your feed and onto the beach, uniting top digital culinary creators with fans for live panels, cooking demos, and epic meet-and-greets.
25 Years Strong
Since its inception, SOBEWFF® has raised more than $45 million for FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management — fueling scholarships, facilities, and the future of the hospitality industry.
A Legacy of Flavor,
A Future of Impact
For 25 years, SOBEWFF® has been more than just a Festival — it’s been a movement. From a one-day event to global culinary stage, every bite and every pour has fueled scholarships, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities for FIU students.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission: to EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. — and to inspire the future of hospitality.
