The South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF) officially began its 25th-anniversary season on February 19, 2026. For a quarter of a century, this event has brought together the world’s most famous chefs, wine experts, and food lovers on the sands of Miami Beach. What started as a small fundraiser has grown into a massive four-day celebration that helps define Miami’s cultural identity. This year, the festival is introducing new ways to connect with fans, including a live podcast series and a historic partnership with The Bahamas.
A Milestone Anniversary for a Miami Icon
The festival is more than just a place to eat and drink. It is a major charitable event that supports the next generation of hospitality leaders. Every dollar raised helps the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU). To date, the festival has raised more than $45 million for scholarships and school facilities.
Lee Schrager, the founder of the festival, often looks back at how much the event has changed. When the festival first began in the late 1990s, it was a one-day fundraiser. Today, it features over 100 events across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Schrager recently reflected on the festival’s long life in a shifting industry.
“Longevity is no small feat in the culinary world. As we all know, it’s an industry built on trends and turnover. But SOBEWFF didn’t just endure, it grew alongside Miami itself.”
The festival has helped launch the careers of many household names. Celebrity chefs like Guy Fieri and Giada De Laurentiis made some of their earliest public appearances at this event before they became famous on television. Today, those same stars return to host sold-out dinners and cooking demonstrations.
“Chew on This” and the Rise of Digital Culture
One of the most exciting additions for the 25th anniversary is a live podcast series called “Chew on This,” presented by iHeartRadio. This event takes place at the Miami Beach Bandshell on Saturday, February 21. It marks a shift in how the festival engages with its audience, moving from traditional cooking classes to conversations about food and pop culture.
The lineup for the podcast series includes a mix of comedians, chefs, and media personalities. Bert Kreischer will record a live episode of his popular show, Something’s Burning, where he blends cooking with unfiltered humor. Other featured shows include Chiquis and Chill with Grammy-winning artist Chiquis, and Watch What Crappens, a show that focuses on reality television.
This new format recognizes that food is now a central part of digital life. People do not just want to eat great meals, they want to hear the stories behind them and laugh with the creators they follow online. The “Chew on This” event is designed to be high-energy and accessible, with all-day access for ticket holders.
Tasting Beyond the Beach: The Bahamas Partnership
For the first time in its history, the festival has established a Platinum Partnership with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation. This collaboration brings the flavors of the Caribbean to the heart of Miami Beach. At the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village, guests can visit a dedicated Bahamian booth to sample traditional delicacies and tropical drinks.
The partnership also included the festival’s first-ever international influencer excursion. On the morning of February 19, a group of top culinary creators boarded a seaplane for a 25-minute flight to the island of Bimini. This trip allowed influencers to experience Bahamian culture and food firsthand, sharing those moments with millions of followers in real time.
Latia Duncombe, the Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, explained the goal of the partnership.
“Through this partnership, we’re inviting travelers to taste beyond the beach and discover the stories, people, and experiences that make our islands truly distinctive.”
This move highlights how the festival is expanding its reach beyond Florida, using travel and social media to connect different cultures through food.
A Community Tradition
Despite the celebrity guests and international trips, the festival remains a local tradition at its heart. Over 1,500 students from FIU work at the event every year, gaining real-world experience in event management and culinary arts. They help run the kitchens, manage the crowds, and assist the guest chefs.
The weekend includes a wide variety of events to suit different tastes and budgets. For those who enjoy competition, the Burger Bash remains a highlight. This year, the event celebrates its 20th anniversary, with dozens of restaurants competing for the title of the best burger. For families, there are fitness-focused events like “Bootcamp and Bites,” where participants can work out on the sand before enjoying healthy snacks.
As the festival moves through its 25th year, it continues to prove that it can evolve without losing its core mission. It remains a place where the local community and global stars meet. Whether it is a quiet dinner at a local museum or a high-energy podcast taping at the beach, the event celebrates the simple joy of sharing a meal.
The 25th anniversary is not just a look back at the past; it is a look toward the future of food entertainment. By embracing new technology and international partnerships, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival ensures that it will remain a staple of the Miami scene for many more years to come.
The post South Beach Wine and Food Festival Celebrates 25 Years With New Podcast Series appeared first on Miami Wire.