The South Beach Wine & Food Festival began as a pipe dream for its creator, Lee Schrager. “It was an idea that really came about 15 years ago, after visiting the Aspen classic,” Mr. Schrager said during a recent meeting. "It was the grand daddy of them all, the greatest event. I remember thinking on the plane home, ‘Wow this was great,’ but also what a schlep to get to Aspen. It was actually cold when I went in June, so I thought, ‘Wouldn't this be great in Miami?’ This culinary scene hadn’t even really happened yet, and I also just wanted to bring everyone to South Beach in the middle of February. 15 years later we’re amazed ourselves by the success.”