SoBe Wine & Food Festival kicks off

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- One of the biggest events of the year is kicking off in style.

It's time to wine and dine on the Beach as the 12th Annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival gets started Thursday night. "Its pretty awesome. Awesome food, awesome champagne, it can't get any better then that," said Rosemary Gonzalez, who's loving the event.

The event of the night is the Q presented by Omaha Steaks along with judge -- and queen of southern cooking -- Paula Deen. "We are so excited, and I'm so glad to have my son here with me this year," said Deen. "This is an event that we look forward to every year."

Florida International University students have been preparing their food and are busy crafting their skills. "We are in Miami, on the beach, free food, free wine. Everyone is going to have so much fun," said an FIU student.

More then 40 top chefs from around the country will be grilling up chicken, ribs, brisket, pork butts and smoky side dishes. All the BBQ delights will be paired with cocktail creations from Moët Hennessy.

Celebrity chef's cooked up their own creations. "You just look around and there's great champagne, great wines, great food, great people, lots of them," said celebrity chef Robert Irvine.

All the money raised at today's event will go to FIU's Hospitality Management School.

Friday night is the Amstel Light Burger Bash, hosted by Rachael Ray.

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival:
http://www.sobefest.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/SOBEWFF

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