I had a feeling that the 2024 SAN DIEGO WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL was going to be insane. After all, it’s the 20th anniversary and that’s not nothing. They just announced their headliners and events and let me tell you that they pulled out all stops to create a week long experience that’s going to blow you away.

For those of you who haven’t been to this event before the San Diego Wine + Food Festival is a week long “immersive journey into the world of gastronomy”. OK, that’s a mouthful so let me break it down. On Nov 9th there’s what’s call The Grand Tasting event held along the bay in the large grassy peninsula behind Seaport Village. You’ll find rows and rows of booths handing out glasses of wine and unlimited bites of gourmet food. This is the big event and here’s the link to get tickets. It’s possibly the best wine and food event in the country.

On Sunday, Nov 10th, there’s a smaller event held at the park in Liberty Station that’s just tacos and more wine and more drinks. That’s called The Grand Fiesta and is a favorite of mine, a low key and laid back afternoon with tacos, tacos and more tacos, live music, it’s a killer event and and feels so very San Diego. Tickets are a less expensive than The Grand Tasting making it a good event to attend if you just want to see what all the fuss is about. Take my word for it, you will love it. Here’s ticket info for The Grand Fiesta. I go to both events, they’re different but both super fun.

Headliners for the SD Wine + Food Fest 2024

But there’s more to the San Diego Wine + Food Festival other than those two main events. During the week are more events to keep your food and wine spirit indulged. This year features a blend of James Beard award winners, chefs of Michelin star restaurants, celebrity chefs and personalities from Food Network and Top Chef, and includes exclusive dinner events, special tastings, even an excursion into Mexico’s wine region. You’re going to be glad that your company still lets you “work for home” because you’re going to want to do all of these events.

This year’s roster includes culinary luminaries like Alice Waters, Elizabeth Falkner, and Mexico’s first chef to earn a Michelin star, Carlos Gaytán, and many more. 

Here’s a calendar of everything happening from Saturday, Nov 2, all the way through the next weekend. You’ll want to check out the complete list but here are some of my favorites.

• Love thy Neighbor(hood): Food and art exploration of Barrio Logan, Sunday, Nov 3. Ticket Info

• Sabores Eternos Pairing Dinner: Six courses exploring the vibrant traditions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead - paired with wine, of course. Wednesday, Nov 6th, Ticket Info

• Baja Culinary Expedition - Michelin Guide Edition: Tour Valle de Guadalupe’s most prestigious wineries and restaurants. Luxurious and delicious. Ticket Info

• Amizetta Napa Valley Winemakers Dinner: Limited seating at the beautiful L’Auberge Del Mar Adelaide restaurant with bubbles, wine, and appetizers while mingling with the winemaker and somm Cristina Merrigan, followed by a meticulously crafted late harvest fall menu dinner that promises to elevate this to an evening to remember. Ticket Info

• Mister A’s Tasting Experience: The OG of San Diego elevated dining, Mister A’s stunning views of the city are surpassed by this rare opportunity to experience Revana, a highly allocated California cult wine. Ticket Info

And there are more events, more neighborhood excursions cooking classes, caviar and bubbles, the list goes on and on. Want that complete list again?

Let me close by saying that The San Diego Wine + Food Festival deserves to be on your calendar. Pick some events during the week and cap it off at The Grand Tasting and The Grand Fiesta and you’re living large, San Diego style!