South Beach Wine & Food Fest: 25 Years of Sips, Stars & Scholarships

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – February 17, 2026 – As the final countdown begins for the 25th annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®), the energy across Miami Beach is palpable. From February 19-22, the iconic sands will once again transform into a global epicenter of gastronomy and entertainment. While many marquee events are sold out, a last-minute scramble is underway for remaining tickets, offering a final chance to partake in a celebration a quarter-century in the making.

This year's festival is more than just a milestone anniversary; it is a testament to an enduring legacy that extends far beyond the plate. Featuring over 500 chefs, winemakers, and spirit producers, alongside Food Network's biggest stars and Grammy-winning musicians, SOBEWFF® has perfected the art of the high-end culinary party. Yet, beneath the glamour and star power lies a foundational mission that has quietly shaped the future of the hospitality industry and fueled Miami's economic engine for two and a half decades: EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE.

A Legacy of Philanthropy and Education

While attendees savor bites from world-renowned chefs, they are also contributing to a powerful philanthropic endeavor. One hundred percent of the festival's net proceeds benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU). To date, this partnership has raised an astounding sum of over $45 million, a figure that has profoundly impacted generations of students.

This is not a passive contribution. The festival serves as a sprawling, real-world classroom for over 1,500 FIU students each year. They are not merely observers; they are integral to the event's success, working approximately 4,300 shifts in roles spanning logistics, sponsorship fulfillment, event management, and exhibitor recruitment. This hands-on experience allows them to work directly with culinary legends like Rachael Ray, Guy Fieri, and Andrew Zimmern, providing invaluable networking opportunities and practical skills that a traditional classroom cannot replicate.

The funds raised have a tangible impact on campus. Proceeds have been instrumental in developing state-of-the-art facilities like the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory and the Brew Science Laboratory at FIU. Furthermore, the festival has directly funded over $2.2 million in student scholarships, including dedicated awards like the Lee Brian Schrager Excellence in Leadership Scholarship. During the industry's most challenging period, the festival's charitable arm extended its reach even further, establishing a relief fund in 2020 that provided over $1.5 million in grants to more than 500 local restaurants and bars affected by the pandemic.

Fueling Miami's Culinary and Economic Rise

The festival's impact reverberates throughout Miami-Dade County, serving as a powerful economic catalyst. What began in 1997 as a humble one-day "Florida Extravaganza" at FIU's campus has blossomed into a four-day international spectacle that attracts over 65,000 guests. This annual influx of visitors, celebrity talent, and global media provides a significant boost to the local economy.

Studies have shown the festival's economic impact on Miami-Dade County to be immense, with one report from 2018 estimating it at over $34 million for that year alone. This figure accounts for increased hotel bookings, restaurant patronage, and retail spending, highlighting the event's role in driving tourism during a key winter period. Produced with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, SOBEWFF® has been a cornerstone in transforming Miami's image from a nightlife hub to a bona fide global culinary destination. It has helped attract top-tier culinary talent to the city, fostering a vibrant and innovative local food scene that thrives year-round.

Evolving the Experience to Stay Fresh

Sustaining momentum for 25 years requires constant innovation, and SOBEWFF® has mastered the art of evolution. The festival continually adapts its programming to reflect emerging trends in food, media, and entertainment, ensuring it remains relevant and exciting for both new and returning attendees.

This year’s lineup demonstrates a keen awareness of the modern cultural landscape. The inclusion of "Goldbelly presents Diplo: Live from South Beach" and a special performance by hip-hop pioneer Rev Run during the "Tournament of Champions LIVE" event shows a commitment to integrating high-caliber musical entertainment. The festival is also embracing new media with "Chew on This: A Live Podcast Series," featuring personalities like comedian Bert Kreischer, tapping into the immense popularity of audio storytelling.

Furthermore, the event has become a hub for digital culture with the return of FoodieCon®, a platform dedicated to the world of culinary influencers and content creators. This convergence of food and digital media provides a space for discussions on branding, content strategy, and the future of food media. The programming also reflects a commitment to diversity, with an increased focus on Afro-Caribbean cuisine and a special Tribute Dinner honoring Miami's own Michelle Bernstein for her profound influence on the city's gastronomic identity.

A Final Taste of the Anniversary Celebration

For those still hoping to join the festivities, a tantalizing array of experiences remains available. The celebration kicks off Thursday with the 20th anniversary of the legendary "Mike's Amazing® Burger Bash" on the beach, hosted by Rachael Ray and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham. Friday brings the return of Guy Fieri for "Coca-Cola presents Tournament of Champions LIVE," where past champions battle for supremacy, and the ultra-luxe "Fontainebleau Miami Beach presents Wine Spectator's Best of the Best."

The weekend continues with a diverse slate of events, from the "Masters of Fire" outdoor grilling showcase hosted by Tyler Florence to a "Late Night Pizza Party" with Ashley Graham. The signature "Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village" on Sunday offers a sprawling taste of the festival's scope, featuring culinary demonstrations from stars like Aarón Sánchez and Kardea Brown. The 25th-anniversary celebration culminates with "BACARDÍ presents 25 Years of Legendary Bites & Iconic Sips," a spectacular closing party hosted by Andrew Zimmern with a special performance by DJ CASSIDY, uniting the iconic flavors and chefs from the past quarter-century for one last unforgettable night on the sand.