A food lover's paradise year-round, Greater Miami & Miami Beach truly stands out during the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®). This annual festival, which is widely recognized as one of the country’s most prestigious gourmet gatherings, returns to Miami Beach to celebrate its 22nd anniversary from February 23-26, 2023.

The four-day destination event showcases local talent as well as the world’s most renowned chefs, culinary personalities and wine and spirits producers. There are more than 100 events to choose from. A combination of new and repeat events is one of the keys to the festival’s long-running success. Along with the festival’s signature events, which fans look forward to every year, there are plenty of first-time events that celebrate various cultures and cuisines.

To date, the festival has raised more than $34 million in support of its mission to “EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE.” with the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University.

New Events

Each year, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival develops new events aimed at introducing locals and visitors to the best of Miami, from chefs to restaurants and bars, intermingled with the star power of the culinary and entertainment worlds.

Anyone craving beautiful bay views and a vacation state-of-mind should grab tickets to the Craft-y Happy Hour and Bites on February 24 at the Bayshore Club in Coconut Grove, a new waterfront restaurant in one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods. Along with craft cocktails and bold bites from Grove Bay Hospitality Group’s collection of restaurants, enjoy some stargazing as “Vanderpump Rules” stars Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz will be there.

Many of the festival’s events take place after the sun sets, and Smorgasburg After Dark on February 25 promises to be a new late-night favorite. Starting at 9 p.m., the open-air food market in the Wynwood Arts District will showcase more than 60 food vendors serving up their signature dishes and drinks, all set to beats by Grammy winner and hip-hop icon Rev Run.

Also on February 25, celebrate Black culture through food while enjoying the Tulum-inspired vibes of 1 Beach Club at 1 Hotel South Beach. At The Cookout, hosted by FIELDTRIP chef and founder JJ Johnson and former Miami HEAT superstar Dwyane Wade, festival-goers can savor dishes made with culturally relevant ingredients and techniques.

On February 26, Red Rooster’s famed Chef Marcus Samuelsson and a roster of Historic Overtown chefs will create dishes that pay homage to this historically Black neighborhood’s culinary traditions. At Overtown EatUp!, enjoy a menu of vibrant flavors and sip on top-tier wines and cocktails while listening to jazz that’ll transport you back to an era when musical legends, including Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, performed in Historic Overtown.

Also on February 26, sing along with Grammy-winning Motown legend Thelma Houston, who will belt out chart-topping hits at the Tea Dance and Drag Show. Taking place at the Miami Beach Bandshell, this beach party will be packed with dancing and singing by Symone, the season 13 winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” as well as cocktails and lots of sassy commentary by your host, social media star and TV personality Kalen Allen.

At the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, long known for its decadent festival brunch, expect a new sit-down event that’s sure to impress any foodie. This year, two-time James Beard Award winner Mashama Bailey of The Grey restaurant in Savannah, Georgia, will host Our Sunday Table: Brunch with The Grey and Friends. This feel-good feast will pack an impressive culinary punch with a strong lineup of chefs who will offer their perspectives on traditional brunch fare, paired with old-school hospitality.

Another first-time event is a walkaround brunch in the fashionable Miami Design District that celebrates Miami’s farm-to-table scene. The Farmer’s Market Brunch, hosted by Chef Michael Schwartz, who’s known for kickstarting the trend in Miami, will feature farmers and A-list chefs working together to fashion a menu starring fresh local produce and other products.

Signature Events

Longtime attendees definitely have their favorites, and the festival’s beloved signature events promise to be as delicious and entertaining as ever.

Burger Bash returns on February 23 with a big “Bam!” – thanks to chef Emeril Lagasse. Taking place on the beach in front of the Delano Beach Club, this grilling showdown is the chance to devour delicious burgers while enjoying a performance by smooth-country band Midland.

Those who prefer fine wine and champagne won’t want to miss Wine Spectator's Best of the Best event at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel on February 24. As its name suggests, this elegant walk-around affair boasts dishes created by some of the country’s best chefs, including James Beard Award winners and those from Miami’s Michelin-starred restaurants, all accompanied by wine from renowned winemakers.

Happening that same night, “Flavortown” is another fun option. This event debuted with much success last year. Now, entertaining TV personality and restaurateur Guy Fieri is bringing “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives LIVE” back to the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. Eat your way through some of the country’s best no-frills spots featured on the hit Food Network show, all in one place. Since Fieri is involved, you know this will be a tasty and lively party.

If you want to sample the best of the festival’s food, wine and spirits – and watch top chefs and Food Network stars show off their culinary skills – be sure to check out the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village on February 25-26. With a sprawling setting right on the beach, the grand white tents are the perfect place to eat well, mingle with locals and visitors, and soak up Miami’s tropical beauty.

By: Angela Caraway-Carlton | December 20, 2022