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The 2008 South Beach Wine and Food Festival

Written By: Randy Torban on Wed, Feb 27th 2008

As the voice came over the loud speaker to let us know the 2008 South Beach Wine and Food Festival had only 10 minutes left, my mind reeled at the thought of waiting an entire year before being able to attend the 2009 festival. It was that good. By "it" I can honestly say all of it, because I was lucky enough to take part in at least 75% of the events. I tasted...I ate...I tasted some more. I went to wine seminars and tasted; I went to food and wine pairings; I went to the grand tasting. Just short of going to the kids events, I did it all.

The 2008 SoBe Festival brought great crowds and wine experts together in a beautiful setting.

The Publix Grand Tasting was just that -- grand in every sense of the word. There were wineries I was familiar with, wineries I wasn't, liquors of every strength and color, and chefs of restaurants I can't yet afford. Everyone had a smile on their face, wanting you to try what they had to offer. I admit that it was easy to go overboard,

Christian Moueix, owner of Chateau Moueix and Dominus, and Thomas Matthews, executive editor of Wine Spectator, share a laugh.

especially the first day when only trade specialists and private guests were invited. Imagine what it would be like for a few hundred children to have Disney World to themselves for an afternoon. That might give you a clear picture of what it was like to be at the Grand Tasting the first day. Even when the crowds gathered, going back and forth between the tasting tents and the cooking shows, it was still a great time on South Beach.

For those who truly wanted more wine and less party, there were the Wine Spectator Seminars. Moderated by Bruce Sanderson and Thomas Matthews, patrons were treated to private vertical tastings with members of amazing wineries. Nothing compares to meeting Christian Moueix, a legend in Pomerol, and learning about how he blends varietals in order to produce Petrus.

Michael Chiarello, tastemaker behind NapaStyle and Food Network Personality, with author Randy Torban at the festival.

Well, maybe talking to the winemakers of Veuve Clicquot and Jordan could measure up. This year even brought Max Riedel of Riedel Stemware down to offer wine enthusiasts a workshop that put his new Vitis line to the test.

There was even a "Best of the Best" tasting at the American Airlines Arena -- a gluttonous three and a half hour tasting. There was more drinking taking place that Friday night then at any Heat game (with or without Shaq). It was a party where winemakers, winery owners, and wine drinkers were all equals, out to have a great night. With chefs like Michael Chiarello serving you, who would hesitate to pay the $300 per person?

All in all, the festival was an amazing time, and anyone who went has some great memories and great stories to tell. Take a look at the slide show -- and then plan your trip down for the 2009 South Beach Wine and Food Festival February 19-22.

Randy Torban is the Director of Business Development and contributing editor at ClassicWines.com

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