Press Release Details

– Eat. Drink. Educate. February 21 – 25, 2018 –

MIAMI & DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (“Southern Glazer’s”)—the largest North American wine and spirits distribution company—today announced that it is celebrating its 17^th consecutive year as the host of the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®). While festival goers are preparing for a weekend of vibrant entertainment experiences, walk-around tastings, wine seminars, and intimate dinners, Southern Glazer’s – the exclusive provider of wine and spirits for the festival – is using its industry-leading logistics capabilities to ensure that thousands of cases of wines and spirits make it to the white sandy beaches and leading hospitality venues that will host SOBEWFF®.

Starting from its one million square foot, state-of-the-art distribution center in Lakeland, Florida, Southern Glazer’s works with its world-class suppliers to secure more than 300 top wine and spirits brands to be featured throughout the Festival at carefully curated events. Then, over the course of nearly two months, the Southern Glazer’s team pulls, sorts and stages more than 5,000 cases of product, made up of more than 700 different varietals and SKUs, to supply more than 90 events during this star-studded, five-day gourmet gathering.

“When you have 65,000 thirsty consumers looking forward to tasting the world’s greatest wines and spirits at one of America’s most prestigious gourmet gatherings, you better make sure the products get to the right place, at the right time, in the best condition,” said Lee Brian Schrager, Senior Vice President of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Southern Glazer’s, and Founder and Director of SOBEWFF®. “Of course, we can’t forget that all of this hard work is for a great cause – to increase awareness and raise millions of dollars for Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.”

To date, the festival has raised more than $26 million for the School. In addition, approximately 1,000 FIU students volunteer each year to help produce the festival, giving them a unique hands-on industry experience participating alongside event management professionals, world-renowned chefs, winemakers, spirits producers, and restauranteurs.

“Every day, all across North America, the Southern Glazer’s team is selling and delivering the most recognized wine and spirits brands to restaurants, hotels, bars, and retailers,” commented Wayne Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Glazer’s. “We are proud to leverage our outstanding supplier relationships and distribution expertise to make the festival a success and help us reinforce our Company’s commitment to hospitality education.”

For tickets and a full list of events visit sobewff.org or call 877.762.3933 (phone sales open Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST).

About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is North America’s largest wine and spirits distributor, and the preeminent data insights company for alcoholic beverages. The Company has operations in 44 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Canada, and the Caribbean, and employs more than 20,000 team members. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SouthernGlazers.