The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) is gearing up to celebrate its 25th anniversary in grand style, marking a quarter-century of culinary excellence, star-studded gatherings, and unforgettable memories. Known as one of the nation’s most iconic and beloved wine and food festivals, SOBEWFF® is inviting fans, foodies, and festival-goers from around the world to join in the ultimate celebration from February 19–22, 2026. With tickets officially on sale, the four-day event promises to be the biggest and most electrifying edition yet, featuring over 500 chefs, culinary luminaries, and GRAMMY Award-winning artists from across the globe.
This milestone celebration will stretch across South Florida, from the vibrant shores of Miami Beach to Fort Lauderdale and Homestead, creating a multi-city culinary extravaganza unlike anything before. With its combination of world-class cuisine, fine wine, dynamic music, and sun-soaked coastal vibes, the 2026 Festival is poised to deliver the most delicious and unforgettable experience in its history.
The Festival’s exclusive wine and spirits provider and proud co-producer, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, will once again ensure that attendees enjoy premium beverages from the industry’s top brands. As the largest wine and spirits distributor in North America, Southern Glazer’s has played a pivotal role in shaping SOBEWFF® into the celebrated culinary institution it is today.
“Celebrating our 25th year is an incredible moment for the Festival, our partners, and the entire South Florida community,” said Lee Brian Schrager, Festival Founder & Director and Chief Communications Officer & Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “From its early days with just 7,000 attendees to becoming one of the nation’s largest and most anticipated food festivals, SOBEWFF® has always been about connecting people through incredible food, drink, and culture. More importantly, it’s about giving back and supporting the next generation of hospitality leaders from Florida International University (FIU). This year’s lineup honors the chefs and talent who have helped shape our legacy, while introducing new events that reflect Miami’s evolving culinary landscape and vibrant spirit.”
Since its humble beginnings, SOBEWFF® has grown into an internationally acclaimed festival that not only attracts top culinary figures but also raises vital funds for the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The proceeds directly benefit aspiring students, providing them with scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experience working alongside some of the world’s leading chefs and restaurateurs. Over the past two and a half decades, the Festival has raised more than $37 million for FIU, making it one of the most successful philanthropic culinary events in the country.
“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 creativity, talent, and passion that have made this partnership so special since its inception in 2007. It’s a collaboration rooted in the shared mission of celebrating the people who make food and hospitality such an extraordinary industry.”
The 2026 edition of SOBEWFF® will embody everything that makes Miami an epicenter of culinary and cultural energy. From elegant beachfront dinners to high-energy concerts and interactive tastings, the Festival’s schedule will be packed with experiences for every kind of food lover. Returning fan-favorite signature events will share the stage with bold new concepts designed to surprise and delight attendees.
Festival-goers can look forward to the return of perennial highlights such as the Burger Bash, Tacos & Tequila, and the Grand Tasting Village—each a cornerstone of the SOBEWFF® experience. These events offer guests the chance to sample mouthwatering creations from the country’s most talented chefs while enjoying expertly paired wines and spirits, all set against the stunning backdrop of South Beach’s iconic shoreline.
The 25th anniversary celebration will also introduce innovative new events inspired by Miami’s ever-evolving food and entertainment scene. From exclusive chef collaborations to late-night dessert parties and rooftop soirées, the lineup will reflect the city’s cosmopolitan energy and its deep connection to food, art, and music. A number of GRAMMY Award-winning artists will headline the weekend’s entertainment, transforming the Festival into a full-scale sensory celebration where great taste meets great sound.
Beyond the culinary and musical experiences, the 2026 Festival will continue its strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Organizers have been increasingly focused on reducing food waste, promoting eco-friendly practices, and highlighting local producers who represent the future of sustainable dining. As part of its ongoing partnership with FIU, the Festival will also feature educational panels and workshops that address the future of hospitality, culinary innovation, and food entrepreneurship.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
Over the years, SOBEWFF® has hosted some of the biggest names in the culinary world, from Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray, Guy Fieri, and José Andrés to Giada De Laurentiis, Martha Stewart, and Bobby Flay. This legacy of star power has transformed the event into a mecca for both established chefs and rising talent eager to share their creations with an enthusiastic, global audience.
The 2026 edition will celebrate that legacy by spotlighting the chefs, mixologists, and tastemakers who helped shape the Festival’s 25-year history while also welcoming a new generation of culinary innovators who represent the future of food culture. With Miami’s dining scene continuing to flourish and attract international attention, the Festival will serve as the ultimate stage for creativity, collaboration, and celebration.
What began as a modest fundraising event for FIU has become a world-renowned celebration of food, wine, and hospitality. Each year, SOBEWFF® draws thousands of visitors from around the globe, injecting millions into the local economy and showcasing South Florida as a premier destination for culinary tourism.
As Schrager aptly summarized, “The Festival is more than just a party—it’s a movement that celebrates everything we love about food, drink, and the people who bring it to life. For 25 years, SOBEWFF® has embodied the spirit of community and creativity that makes Miami so special. This year, we’re raising a glass not just to where we’ve been, but to the future we’re building together.”
With its rich history, world-class lineup, and vibrant cultural setting, the 25th anniversary of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival promises to be the most exciting edition yet—a spectacular celebration of taste, talent, and togetherness that will once again make Miami the culinary capital of the world.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
