A Quarter-Century on the Sand: Why the 25th Annual SOBEWFF® Is The Festival of the Year

In the world of culinary celebrations, few events capture the spirit of discovery, glamour, community, and pure deliciousness the way the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) does — especially in its milestone 25th anniversary edition. From February 19–22, 2026, Miami Beach once again becomes ground zero for four days of epicurean excellence, star power, and cultural immersion — all wrapped up in sun-soaked celebration.

But what elevates SOBEWFF® above the throng of food and drink festivals around the world — and why should you consider making this the year you finally attend? From its unparalleled history to its deeply rooted mission of EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE., we break down exactly what makes this festival different — and essential.

When the festival debuted as a modest one-day event on Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay Campus in 1997, few could have predicted that it would evolve into America’s premier beachside food and wine celebration. Yet here we are, 25 years later — and SOBEWFF® is bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever.

Over the decades, the event has grown from capturing a few thousand local wine enthusiasts to drawing over 60,000 guests and showcasing 500+ chefs, culinary experts, wine makers, spirits producers, and cultural icons across more than 105 events.

But more than size alone makes the festival unforgettable. What sets SOBEWFF® apart is its evolving personality: part food pilgrimage, part red-carpet affair, part culinary incubator — all grounded in a mission that goes beyond indulgence.

At its core, this festival thrives on a powerful trinity: celebration of food (EAT), libation discovery (DRINK), and investment in future hospitality leaders (EDUCATE). Every dollar the festival generates goes to support the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, providing scholarships, real-world training, and invaluable industry experience for tomorrow’s chefs, sommeliers, and hotel executives.

This blend of star-studded entertainment with genuine educational impact isn’t just admirable — it’s unique. Unlike many festivals that focus purely on spectacle, SOBEWFF® delivers purpose behind the party. And for the attuned traveler, foodie, or professional, that layer of meaning transforms the experience.

For its silver anniversary, SOBEWFF® is pulling out all the stops. Beyond its trademark treasured favorites, the 2026 lineup has been curated with extraordinary drag-and-drop energy:

This year’s roster reads like a Who’s Who of culinary and cultural talent:

But it doesn’t stop there — attendees will also see Sofía Vergara, Ashley Graham, David Burtka & Neil Patrick Harris, Foodgod Jonathan Cheban, and more voices that extend the festival’s reach beyond foodies into fashion, pop culture, entertainment, and social lifestyle.

One of the standout innovations for this anniversary year is the inclusion of headline music performances — a testament to how SOBEWFF® has evolved from a daytime tasting tour into a cultural weekend destination:

New programming features, such as live podcast tapings mingling food, comedy, and pop culture, give attendees experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.

SOBEWFF® isn’t merely about sampling delicious bites — it’s the total sensory experience:

1. You’ll walk miles of sandy beachfront transformed into a culinary playground.
2. You’ll learn directly from the chefs whose shows you watch — and maybe even share a laugh, handshake, or photo.
3. You’ll sip rare wines and spirits that might not appear again anywhere else.
4. You’ll dance alongside DJs under the stars after a day of wine tastings and gourmet dinners.
5. You’ll be part of a community united by a passion for inventive cuisine and philanthropic impact.

This isn’t a static festival where visitors passively consume; it’s an immersive environment where every taste, event, dinner, and toast feeds a conversation, a connection, and ultimately, an educational mission.

Here’s a snapshot to help you plan:

At its 25th anniversary, SOBEWFF® stands as a culinary institution — one that continues to innovate without sacrificing heart, community impact, or authenticity. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, a social traveler, or someone looking for a cultural experience like no other, this year’s festival delivers on every front.

Come for the food. Stay for the memories. And leave with a deeper appreciation for the impact a festival can make — on taste, on culture, and on future leaders of the hospitality world.