The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is back for its second year, promising six days of culinary delights and libations from October 2–7. This week-long celebration features a lineup of VIP events, curated dinners, and plenty of fun in the sun. The highlight of the festival is The Grand Tasting, a two-day extravaganza at Surf Sports Park (formerly the Del Mar Polo Fields) where over 100 exhibitors will showcase samples from the city’s top restaurants, celebrity chefs, and wineries. Not only is this event a feast for the senses, but it also gives back to the community, with a portion of proceeds being donated to Feeding San Diego. Last year, the festival raised $25,000 for this worthy cause.
The inaugural Del Mar Wine + Food Festival in 2023 set the bar high with exciting events such as a tequila-paired dinner with actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, oceanfront dining at Michelin-starred Valle, a pickleball tournament with quarterback Drew Brees, and a Grand Tasting that drew over 6,000 guests. This year’s festival promises to be even bigger and better, with a diverse range of events to suit every palate.
The festivities kick off on Wednesday, October 2, with Tacos, Tortas + Tequila hosted by San Diego FC at Monarch Ocean Pub in Del Mar. This event is a perfect way to start the festival, featuring essential San Diego fare and the chance to mingle with some of the city’s sports stars. Tickets are priced at $165, and the event runs from 6–9 p.m.
Thursday, October 3, offers a choice of culinary experiences, including Marisi Fall Harvest, a five-course feast at Marisi in La Jolla, and Trattoria Dia Prato on The Lawn at Rancho Santa Fe, a traditional Italian supper on a beautiful outdoor setting. Additionally, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will host a fine wine and spirits seminar, featuring talks by prominent figures in the wine industry.
Friday, October 4, brings more exciting events, such as Drew Brees hosting the Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament in Encinitas and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party hosted by Chef Tiffani Faison at Hillcrest’s insideOut. Guests can also enjoy Bluefin Tuna, the Whole Fish at Ambrogio by Acquerello in La Jolla and Napa Luxe at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.
The weekend culminates in the main event on Saturday, October 5, with The Big Event: Grand Tasting Day One. This marquee event features over 100 local restaurants, wineries, and drink makers, along with live entertainment, shopping, and exclusive VIP experiences. The Grand Tasting continues on Sunday, October 6, giving guests another chance to sample the best of San Diego’s culinary scene.
The festival wraps up on Monday, October 7, with the Happy Fillmore Golf Classic Benefiting Feeding San Diego, a celebrity golf tournament that serves as the grand finale of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival. This event is a fun way to end the week and support a good cause.
With a diverse range of events and experiences, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival promises to be a week to remember for food and wine enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to indulge in the best that San Diego has to offer while supporting a worthy cause. Get your tickets now and prepare for a week of culinary delights and unforgettable experiences.