Lee Schrager, Founder of South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Shares Festival's Origin Story

In an interview with Suzan McDowell, Schrager discusses how the renowned culinary event came to be

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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In an episode of "In The Circle with Suzan McDowell", Lee Schrager, the founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF), sat down to share the story behind the growth of the celebrated culinary festival. Schrager discussed how SOBEWFF evolved into one of the most prominent food events in the country, bringing together renowned chefs, restaurants, and food enthusiasts to Miami Beach year after year.

Why it matters

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival has become a marquee event for Miami, drawing visitors from around the world and showcasing the city's vibrant food and hospitality scene. Schrager's insights into the festival's origins provide valuable context on how this major cultural institution was built from the ground up.

The details

Schrager, the visionary behind SOBEWFF, discussed how the festival grew from a small local event into a nationally recognized culinary celebration. He shared the story of how he brought together world-class chefs, top restaurants, and passionate food lovers to Miami Beach, creating an annual tradition that has become a highlight of the city's cultural calendar.

  • The South Beach Wine & Food Festival was founded in the early 2000s.

The players

Lee Schrager

The founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, a renowned culinary event held annually in Miami Beach.

Suzan McDowell

The host of the "In The Circle" podcast, where she interviewed Lee Schrager about the origins of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

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What they’re saying

“Lee shares the story behind how SOBEWFF grew into one of the most celebrated culinary festivals in the country, bringing together world-renowned chefs, restaurants, and food lovers to Miami Beach year after year.”

— Suzan McDowell, Host, "In The Circle" (communitynewspapers.com)

The takeaway

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival has become a signature event for Miami, showcasing the city's vibrant food and hospitality scene to the world. Schrager's vision and dedication have been instrumental in building this renowned culinary festival from the ground up, cementing Miami's reputation as a premier destination for food and wine enthusiasts.