San Diego has a new Wine + Food Festival in town and it’s in Del Mar. Starting on Sept 6th, 2023, and running through Sept 10th, it’s five days of glorious food and wine events, including a two day Grand Tasting Event with unlimited wine, food, entertainment, and plenty of San Diego sunshine vibes. I’m so excited!

DEL MAR WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL 2023 AT A GLANCE

WHAT IS IT? The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is a week-long celebration that includes an all-star lineup of culinary talent, top-notch winemakers, special events during the week and capping it off with a two day Grand Tasting Event.

During the week you can pick from the various events - I mean, come on, a mezcal dinner hosted by Breaking Bad’s Walter White and Jesse Pinkman? Or perhaps you want to play Pickleball with Drew Brees (or just chill and watch with great food and drink?). Or give our beaches some love with a beach cleanup and seafood brunch hosted by Rob Machado and featuring chefs Brian Malarkey and Aidan Owens.

You’ll also find wine pairing dinners, wine tasting events, and super cool events like an After Hours Party hosted by celebrity chef (with local restaurants Juniper + Ivy and Crack Shack) Richard Blais.

On the weekend, Sept 9th and 10th, the Grand Tasting Event is held at the Del Mar Surf Sports Park (aka the Del Mar Polo Fields to you locals). Wander the 8 acre lawn and sample what 80 of the best food San Diego chefs have to offer while sipping from 200 wines, beers and spirits, Live music, games, art and maybe meeting some celebrity chefs, really, this event is going to be incredible.

I love that they have this over two days as other food events in San Diego, while still super fun, can get unbearably crowded. A two day event is a good way to spread out the crowds (and thin out the lines). Bravo to the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival people for figuring that one out!

GET TICKET INFO FOR ALL EVENTS HERE

WHEN IS IT?

September 6, 2023: 6 PM - 9 PM
September 7, 2023: 6 PM - 9 PM
September 8, 2023: 6:30 PM - 9 PM
September 9, 2023: 12 PM - 4 PM
September 10, 2023: 12 PM - 4 PM

WAIT - DO I HAVE TO DO ALL 5 DAYS? Well, you could but most people pick and choose. Check their official website for the schedule but for first timers you probably want to go to one or both of the weekend Grand Tasting Events, and maybe select an event during the week that might interest you.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The Grand Tasting event starts at $175 for general admission (early bird price) and goes up to $475 for VIP access. The other events are priced separately. Click here for schedule of events and ticket prices.

• THE GA TICKET grants you general access to the grand tasting, hosted on the Mona Lisa of lawns at Surf Sports Park. You’ll be given unlimited sips and bites from various vendors, enjoy live entertainment (including a live band on top of a double decker bus), shop, and go to sleep knowing you carpe’d the diem.

• THE GA EARLY ENTRY TICKET offers all the privileges of the GA ticket with the added advantage of early entry to the festival grounds. This means you can beat the crowds and have more time to explore the bounty of the festival, interact with vendors, and enjoy the day at a more leisurely pace.

• THE VIP TICKET gets you early admission and access to a special VIP area with additional tasting experiences. We will update the VIP experience details as we get closer to the festival.

WHERE DO YOU PARK AND HOW MUCH IS IT? Lots or parking at the event, $20 per day, though Uber or Lyft is a good option since you will most likely be sipping lots of wine with 200 to choose from.

ARE KIDS ALLOWED? Are your kids over 21? If so, then yes, absolutely bring them!

ONE MORE TIME - WHERE CAN I GET TICKETS? All ticket info is right here.