Highlights From Miami’s SOBE Wine And Food Fest

It was held over the weekend and here are some highlights from Miami's SOBE Wine And Food Fest. This annual festival is one of my favorite events of the year. The show began 22 years ago as a way to raise money for Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality. It's one of the top ten hospitality programs in the United States.  Over the years, the festival has grown to be one of the premier wine and food events in the state. Now sponsored by the Food Network, the star power has exploded.

Television chefs and food personalities fly in for special events. Wine makers and owners from around the United States and around the world also fly in for the Grand Tasting and to host dinners and presentations. And it's not just about wine. The number of sprits is impressive too. There really is something for almost everyone here. The Grand Tasting takes place on the beach under giant tents and under the hot Miami sun.

There are food demonstrations, pop-up lounges and discos, and all kinds of crazy fun. However, not all action is on the beach. Venues all over Miami host parties, seminars cocktail competitions, and all manner of activities. Many of them sell out well in advance.

One of my most favorite events from the festival each year is the Gerard Bertrand cocktail party. Gerard is a friend, a well-known winemaker from Languedoc, France. Many of the people on his team are friends as well and this is the one time of year they are almost always in from France. I have more photos on my Facebook Page here, but also this fun video:

Finally, here are a few more highlights from Miami's SOBE Wine And Food Fest. Cheers until next year.