The South Beach Wine & Food Festival is back, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that guests can expect a full-fledged feast for the senses. From February 20-23, 2025, Miami will transform into a culinary wonderland, hosting more than 105 events featuring top-tier chefs, sommeliers, and cocktail virtuosos. Whether you’re in it for the signature events, the free-flowing Champagne, or the celebrity chef sightings, one thing is certain: this is a festival that knows how to serve up indulgence with a sprinkle of spectacle.
This year, the festival lineup reads like a who’s who of the culinary elite. Rachael Ray returns to host the 18th annual Burger Bash, where the only thing more intense than the competition is the caloric intake (worth it!). Aarón Sánchez will preside over Tacos & Tequila, a night dedicated to Mexico’s greatest culinary gifts. And for those who like their entertainment with a little fire (literally), Tyler Florence’s Masters of Fire will showcase the art of grilling in all its smoky, sizzling glory.
Of course, no SOBEWFF experience would be complete without the signature tasting events. The sprawling Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village will once again take over sands on Miami Beach, featuring cooking demonstrations, gourmet samples, and more spirits than your average yacht club bar. If you prefer your food with a side of high-stakes competition, Tournament of Champions—hosted by the ever-animated Guy Fieri—will pit past winners against one another in a culinary showdown that promises equal parts skill and showmanship.
The festival also embraces local and international flavors with carefully curated events spread across the city’s diverse neighborhoods. A Taste of Italy with Giada De Laurentiis will bring a bit of the Amalfi Coast to the Design District, while Noche Cubana, hosted by Michelle Bernstein and friends, will celebrate the vibrant spirit of Little Havana. Meanwhile, Zak Stern’s Miami Bakery Brunch will give carb lovers exactly what they came for—flaky, buttery perfection in every bite. Asian Night Market, hosted by Andrew Zimmern, Jet Tila, and Aarti Sequeira, promises to end the weekend on a high note. Featuring street food-inspired dishes, a high-energy atmosphere, and a performance by none other than Rev Run, it’s the kind of closing act that ensures guests leave on a flavor-filled high.
SOBEWFF continues to be a force for good. Since its inception, the festival has raised over $40 million for the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, helping to train the next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders. It’s a reminder that while the festival is all about pleasure, it also has purpose.
Whether you’re craving an intimate omakase experience, a casual burger-fueled showdown, or a deep dive into the world of fine wine, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival has something for every palate. Just be sure to come hungry—this weekend is best enjoyed with an appetite.
