try it and once you tried it you will most likely knock it. Its personal preference really but, as a frustrated foodie the South Beach Wine and Food Festival is just plain frustrating. I was there not for pleasure but, for work and work it was. This event is great for foodie rookies that want a glimpse of Food Network's super duper stars like Bobby Flay and Rachael Ray or someone that enjoys pushing and shoving for a swig of wine and a sampling of pasta under a hot sun and sandy surface. Just a insider tip, if your paying 250 a ticket why not sit at the nicest of nice restaurants in Miami Beach and have someone serve you an amazing bottle of wine and a 3 course meal and you will still walk home with change to spare (all while considering that the nicest restaurant and best service doesn't exist in Miami but, still better then juggling a wine glass and paper plate while gathering sand in your shoes). I thought the entire time what I could bring you from this experience that was worth the weekend of watching decent people gradually lose compsure. Low and behold, finally at 4pm on Sunday when the crowd was at its all time shlammer high, Anthony Bourdain did a question and answer portion of the show. He is really my fav, he is the real deal, no BS, beer-in-hand, dry humored guys guy. The only photo I took all weekend and the only time I stood in line for anything was at his book signing, this made all the hard work worth it.