5 Reasons I Keep Going Back to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Me at the 2023 SOBEWFF
Miami has been feeling like a second home lately. After spending several days in January immersed in the city while completing my classical Pilates certification, I’m excited to return this week for one of my favorite events of the year: the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF). This will be my third year attending this popular, star-studded culinary event, and I still get that anxious but exciting feeling when I start packing my bags.
In case you’re new to the festival, SOBEWFF was founded in 2002 and has since become one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious food and wine festivals. The event supports the Florida International University (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, providing invaluable hands-on experience to students while raising millions for the program. What makes this especially meaningful for me is that FIU’s student body includes a significant number of Black and Caribbean students, reflecting Miami’s vibrant cultural fabric and contributing to the next generation of diverse culinary leaders.
The truth is, SOBEWFF has become more than just a festival to me—it’s an annual tradition that blends my love of food, travel, culture, and storytelling into one delicious weekend in the Magic City. From the sizzling sounds of Caribbean grills to the endless flow of rosé on the sand, there’s always something to savor and discover. Plus, as someone who loves spotlighting the intersection of wellness, culture, and community, SOBEWFF consistently delivers experiences that showcase Miami’s vibrant Black and Caribbean culinary contributions—something I deeply appreciate.
Here are five reasons I keep coming back year after year—and why you should join me this time around.
1. The Food Scene is Unmatched
Miami’s food scene has layers—and SOBEWFF pulls back every delicious one. Whether it’s a mouthwatering oxtail-stuffed patty at The Cookout or a perfectly grilled piece of snapper at the breathtaking Grand Tasting, the festival consistently delivers culinary magic. Miami's Caribbean influence shows up in dishes that tell a story: the spice of jerk chicken reminds you of a Sunday family meal in Kingston; the sweetness of guava pastries transports you to a Cuban cafecito break.
Chef Kardea Brown & me at the SOBEWFF Jazz Brunch
2. The Culture is Front and Center
As a storyteller who focuses on wellness and culture, SOBEWFF’s inclusion of Miami’s Black and Caribbean culinary talents keeps me coming back. Events like The Cookout, hosted by Chef JJ Johnson, put these often-overlooked contributions center stage. There’s an undeniable energy when the sounds of live gospel music fills the air at the Overtown Gospel Brunch hosted by restaurateur and activist Marcus Samuelsson in Miami’s historically Black community of Overtown. It feels like home—a vibrant, delicious home for everyone.
3. The Wellness Vibes Are growing
You might not expect wellness at a food and wine festival, but SOBEWFF continues to surprise me. This year, I’m excited about the addition of more wellness-focused events that align with my passion for movement and mindfulness. Since I recently completed my Pilates certification (In case you missed that blog post it’s HERE) so going back to Miami is even more exciting this time because I get to connect with friends and wellness-lovers at an abundance of pop-up classes, special wellness events on the water, and fun fitness outings that the SOBEWFF brings to the city. Plus, let’s be honest: dancing off a few extra bites of Haitian griot under the Miami sun definitely counts as cardio.
4. The People You Meet Are Unforgettable
SOBEWFF brings together foodies from all walks of life—from world-renowned chefs to curious first-timers. My past two trips introduced me to chefs whose dishes I still dream about and fellow festival-goers who’ve become friends. There's something special about bonding over a shared plate of conch fritters while swapping Miami recommendations.
5. Miami’s Magic Never Fades
First of all, Miami in late February…. enough said. The weather is so absolutley perfect it doesn’t eevn seem real. Up and down South Beach during the two Grand Tastings, the skies are blue, sand is cool, drinks are cold and the outfits are perfection. Beyond the festival spaces, which span some of Miami’s iconic hotels, restaurants and beachfront venues, Miami itself is a reason to return. The city’s Black and Caribbean communities pulse with a creative energy that makes every visit feel like a cultural immersion. From Little Haiti’s colorful murals to Overtown’s soulful history, there’s always something to explore. And let’s not forget the beach: sunrise Pilates on the sand? Yes, please.
Join Me at SOBEWFF 2025!
The South Beach Wine & Food Festival isn’t just about food and wine—it’s about community, culture, and celebrating the chefs who shape Miami’s, and our country’s culinary identity. If you’re craving a weekend of unforgettable bites, vibrant energy, and sunshine-filled fun, this is your sign to go.
Follow along on Instagram @salubrious.samantha for behind-the-scenes coverage of my third year at SOBEWFF, and snag your tickets before they sell out! See you in Miami!
For more about my previous SOBEWFF adventures, check out these posts:
