History of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival
The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival is one of the most highly regarded festivals of its kind, but it didn’t start out that way. In fact, what we now know as the South Beach Wine & Food Festival began in 1997 as the Florida Extravaganza, a one-day festival at Florida International University’s campus in Biscayne Bay. From 1997-2001, the event featured a variety of wines paired with food prepared by local restaurants. They worked with the students of FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, raising money for the school and giving the students more experience.
In 2002, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival got its new name and its new home in South Beach. Lee Brian Schrager, director of special events & media relations at Southern Wine & Spirits of America took the reins and the one-day festival was stretched to three days, attracting close to 7,000 guests. The Grand Tasting Village got its start here, as did the live auction.
By 2005, the festival was celebrating its fifth anniversary and gaining prestige as one of the most well-known festivals of its kind in the country. The partnership with Food Network began in 2007 and the first ever Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival brought in over 30,000 guests. In 2008 the Fun and Fit as a Family program began on Jungle Island.
SOBEWFF celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2011 and welcomed more than 60,000 guests by 2013. In 2014, the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory at FIU opened its doors. This teaching facility was built from the funds raised by SOBEWFF. The Festival celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2016. This also marked the year that the Festival was extended into Broward County with the launch of the Taste Fort Lauderdale Series.
Present Day
Today, SOBEWFF has grown to over 65,000 attendees. It features 350 leaders in the hospitality industry, and top food and wine experts from around the world. Cooking demonstrations, gourmet dinners, wine tastings and cocktail parties make this a must-attend event for foodies and winos worldwide. The festival has raised more than $24 million for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at FIU.
How To Have A Great Time at SOBEWFF
Tickets
Buy your tickets in advance! I can’t stress that enough. SOBEWFF tickets normally go on sale in early September and many of the best events are sold out far in advance. In general, tickets range from $20 to $500. The Grand Tasting Village tickets are $225. If you are a Mastercard holder, you can purchase the Mastercard Demo Pass for $50 more to guarantee reserved premium seating for all KitchenAid Culinary Demonstrations. Check out the events for $100 and under or the event packages to get the most for your money. Tickets cannot be purchased at the door and they are not refundable.
Events
If you want to make the most of SOBEWFF you have to plan ahead. I already mentioned that tickets sell out early. I should also mention that it features more than 85 unique events throughout South Florida. Don’t limit yourself to the Grand Tasting Village. Check out all of your options to decide your course of action ahead of time.
Attire
The SOBEWFF suggests “smart casual” attire at daytime events and cocktail attire for late night and dinner events. However, I would reconsider those heels if you’re going to the Grand Tasting Village, ladies. This is the central hub of the entire 5-day event, and it is literally on the beach. On that note, remember your sunscreen and hat. Much of your time will be spent outside, so plan accordingly. Security will check your bag before you enter the event. Outside food and beverage are also prohibited in addition to large bags and suitcases.
Drinking
At the South Beach Food and Wine Festival, great wine and food will be all around you. You must pace yourself if you want to fully enjoy the entire day. Your ticket covers all of your food and beverages inside the event, and they are going to be amazing. The urge to try everything can make it easy to go overboard. If this sounds like you, don’t feel obligated to finish each of your tastings, and ask for small tastings if desired. Remember to drink lots of water along the way. If you have a little too much fun don’t drink and drive, you have plenty of other options. You can make arrangements to have a friend pick you up beforehand, or take a cab, bus, or tri-rail home.
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