MIAMI BEACH, FL -- (Marketwire) -- 01/28/13 -- The 2013 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE is pleased to feature the Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament presented by Benchmark Hospitality International hosted by José Andrés on Saturday, February 23 at Turnberry Isle Miami resort. Known for bringing everyone's favorite celebrity chefs, winemakers, and spirit producers together for the ultimate gourmet beach bash, the Festival is thrilled to give fans the opportunity to golf with some of America's favorite culinary and wine personalities on a top-rated course.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit World Central Kitchen, a non-profit founded by José Andrés. Currently active in Haiti, the organization is committed to investing in smart solutions to hunger and poverty around the world; ultimately, changing lives and feeding hope.

"I am so proud to be part of the team creating this amazing golf tournament for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival," says James Beard Award-winning chef, culinary innovator and food advocate, José Andrés. "Playing with friends both new and old, raising money for important causes, all surrounded by great foods and drinks and the astonishing course at Turnberry Isle Miami, it could not get any better."

Turnberry Isle Miami resort will welcome the athletic talents of host José Andrés, Michael Anthony, Cesare Casella, Todd English, Nadia G., Alex Guarnaschelli, Linton Hopkins, Edward Lee, Tim Love, Giorgio Rapicavoli, Jeremy Sewall, Ming Tsai, Mark Zeitouni, and Southern Wine & Spirits' own Kevin Fennessey, Brad Vassar and John Wittig. Throughout the course players will also be met with a variety of wine, spirits and food stations, turning this into one gourmet athletic experience. This includes refreshments from Botran Rum, FIJI, Jameson, Patrón Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, and Prestige Wines; accompanied by fare from Benchmark Hospitality International, Bourbon Steak and Cascata Grill from Turnberry Isle Miami, Dole Food Company, Nadia G., and SLS Hotels' The Bazaar by José Andrés. In addition, prizes will be awarded at hole-in-one and longest drive experiences and Nat Sherman Cigars will add to this unique tournament!

"We are extremely excited about our participation in the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival as the presenting sponsor for the Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament. We are happy to support FIU and its students who work tirelessly to help make the Festival a success," said Burt Cabanas, Chairman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International. "The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Florida International University, and Benchmark Hospitality make a wonderful partnership that aligns with all of our respective and valued clients in South Florida."

Named one of the "Best Courses to Play" in 2011 by Golfweek, the 18-hole Champion Raymond Floyd designed golf course will present the Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament hosted by José Andrés on Saturday, February 23. A culinary and wine personality will be paired with a foursome to ensure an unforgettable round of golf. Both foursome and single-player spots are available; please visit www.sobefest.com/golf for complete information and how to register.

The 12th annual edition of America's favorite wine and culinary extravaganza will take place February 21 - 24, 2013 and benefits the Florida International University (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center.

Pricing information and tickets to this event -- and more -- are available online at www.sobefest.com or by calling 877.762.3933. Stay up-to-date with the excitement by following the Festival at www.Facebook.com/SOBEWFF or follow founder and director Lee Brian Schrager at www.twitter.com/Lee_Schrager.

About the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE
All proceeds from the Festival benefit the students of the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management who also assist Festival organizers with sponsorship fulfillment, restaurant and exhibitor recruitment, logistics, and inventory as well as working alongside some of the world's greatest celebrity chefs and winemakers.

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE is produced by Florida International University and Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information about the Festival, visit www.sobefest.com or call 877-762-3933. For more information about Florida International University visit www.fiu.edu, for the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management visit www.hospitality.fiu.edu and for more information about Southern Wine & Spirits visit www.southernwine.com.

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