On Miami’s South Beach, it’s not just the waves that are flowing. Metres away from the salty shore, dozens of white-peaked stalls are alive with the murmur of a well-fed crowd, aroused by an afternoon of boundless champagne and culinary delights. The aroma of garlic-bathed oysters fills the promenade, while elsewhere mixologists transform freshly sourced ingredients into original concoctions. This is just a taste of what you can expect at the Food Network and Cooking Channel South Beach Wine and Food Festival, a four-day extravaganza attracting the biggest names in the wine and food industry.

SOBEWFF^® is an immersive culinary experience which promises to awaken your palate and stir your spirit. For four days each year, Miami’s South Beach is transformed into a food-lovers paradise, brimming with gourmet samples of wine and food, award-winning entertainment and vivacious hosts. In their mission to EAT.DRINK. EDUCATE, the Food Network and Cooking Channel showcase the very best of the world’s culinary talent, welcoming over 300 world-renowned chefs and fine winemakers. Guests can expect an impressive schedule of over 65 different events, from intimate culinary demonstrations and wine seminars to exercise classes and late-night soirées.

Today, the SOBEWFF^® looks very different to when it opened its doors in 1997. The event was initially known as the Florida Extravaganza, a one-day fundraiser for the Florida International University School of Hospitality. Fast-forward to today, and the event boasts a history of guests including King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain, as well as a series of prestigious partners and sponsorships. Taking its place amongst the excessive glamour of South Beach Miami, the festival has become one of the most exciting fundraisers in the history of the Sunshine State.

When it comes to cuisines, it’s never easy to settle on just one. Luckily, the festival’s signature event, the Goya Grand Tasting Village, means that won’t be an issue. Here, guests are treated to an unlimited supply of gourmet bites, premium wines and libations, meticulously presented by the biggest names in the business. From Polynesian cuisine to Korean BBQ ribs; premium port wines to Tequila Cazadores cocktails; decadent chocolate truffles to Ralph Rensland’s liquid nitrogen ice cream. There really is something for everyone. Cameras zigzag between tempting tacos and their famous creators, as Michelin-starred chefs pair distinctive dishes with thoughtfully selected wines. For those who wish to follow in their footsteps, Food Network and Cooking Channel celebrity chefs host interactive culinary demonstrations live from inside the tent.

However, the gourmet adventure doesn’t stop there, with a myriad of other flavour-filled affairs to explore. The Best of the Best, hosted at the Fontainebleau, is always a highlight, where 60 of the nation’s top Michelin-starred chefs match their best samplings with over 100 wines. Guests looking for something more intimate can meet and mingle at prestigious private dinners, hosted by names such as Emmy award winning TV personality and chef, Andrew Zimmern. Elsewhere, attendees can join GRAMMY Award-winning artist and producer, Pharrell, and his father, Chef Pharoah Williams, at the Williams Family Kitchen Soul Food Brunch, a lavish afternoon with a menu as exuberant as the duo themselves.

For wine and champagne enthusiasts, there are a range of experiences to explore. At the Wine Spectator Trade Day, guests can sample a multitude of rare vintages, unique spirits and select pours. Those looking for an educational experience can join viticulture experts at a range of enriching seminars, taking guests on a journey through the winemaking process from vineyard to palate. There’s even an opportunity for guests to craft their own Insignia, guided by a selection of the nation’s most advanced sommeliers.

With free-flowing wine and boundless Belvedere cocktails, it’s no wonder the crowd at SOBEWFF^® is so ebullient. As the sun descends over the Miami coast, bright lights transform taster tents into luxury social soirées, complete with award-winning entertainment. At the sophisticated Cigar and Spirits night, guests can sample premium whiskies and exceptional cigars from the rooftop of the artisan Kimpton Angler’s Hotel. Elsewhere, at Bacardi’s Beach Carnival, a buoyant crowd dances along the sands of South Beach Miami, animated by electrifying live music and bites from Michelin-starred restaurants. Past performers include electronic DJ duo, The Chainsmokers, American singer-songwriter, Jon Bon Jovi and eclectic chamber orchestra, Nu Deco Ensemble.

Nevertheless, those looking for a more relaxed weekend need not worry. Many events are family friendly and there are plenty of alternative activities for the party-shy. There are even opportunities to shed the weekend’s calories. At Robert Irvine’s Bootcamp and Bites, guests are guided through the ultimate morning workout, motivated by a guilt-free culinary spread. Elsewhere, at the Buddhas and Bellinis event, a rejuvenating yoga class is concluded with a sparkly cocktail. With Michelin-starred restaurants alongside acclaimed wellbeing experts, It’s the perfect marriage of food and fitness.

Twenty years after its genesis, the SOBEWFF^® remains a testament to the power of wine and food to bring people together. With exceptional cuisine, lively events and a crowd of the culinary elite, it’s Miami’s trendiest gathering. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine-enthusiast, an adventurer or a fitness-fanatic, you’ll find your calling in this culinary adventure. All that’s left to do is pack your appetite, tighten your belt and grab a glass.