Everyone’s having a great time at the San Diego Food + Wine Fest
Not a day goes by that I don’t count my blessings to live here in San Diego. As if living by incredible beaches and basking in non-stop sunshine wasn’t enough, we also are home to the SAN DIEGO FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL, an annual event that happens every November. I’ll tell you all about it but if you’re thinking about coming to the 2025 event stop thinking and just do it because there is no way you’re not going to be blown away if it’s anything like past events.
Come hungry to the SD Food + Wine Fest
Let me give you a quick overview of the event for your 2025 game plan. The event this year took place the first week of November. The Grand Tasting event is the one most people think of when you mention the San Diego Food + Wine Fest. This is the event held outside on the bay near Seaport Village where you’ll find scores of booths handing out gourmet samples, unlimited wine and beverages, where the scent of wood burning BBQ’s fill the air mixed with the sounds of live music - all with stunning views of San Diego Bay. Take a look - no drooling!
You’ll find plenty of exceptional wines - I couldn’t get enough of the Pinot Noirs from Sangiacomo winery which is located in south Sonoma. If you haven’t been there make sure it’s on your itinerary next time you visit Napa and Sonoma because their wines are exceptional. Ask for Joanna or Meghan and tell them you’re friends with Local Wally if you want to be treated like a VIP. Did you know I also write NapaTouristGuide.com? So trust me, this is great wine!
Joanna pouring Sangiacomo Wines at the San Diego Food + Wine Festival
Paso Robles was also represented, as were wineries from Baja California, Temecula, everyone was there. Wines were unlimited and there were no snarky comments or judgement if you kept coming back for more. And more. And yes, spirits and beer and cocktails were there as well with manageable lines so you never had to wait too long to get a refill.
Truffles! Lowes Coronado always does a great job at this event.
As for the food, someone was calling out “who wants truffles?” if that gives you an idea of the food qualify. Lowes Coronado had pillowy soft gnocci topped with fragrant truffle shavings. Not truffle oil, that’s so amateur. The real deal. I gulped that down like my dog grabs treats and moved on because there was so much good food this year. Bone marrow, tacos, and my favorite bite, the pork belly skewers grilled and served with a stone fruit glaze from Huntress from the Gaslamp District that knocked my socks off. Best thing I ate for sure, but plenty of other runner ups for sure.
I like anything on a stick, especially if it’s grilled pork belly from Huntress Steakhouse
I’ve been to this event every year for the past 15 years and this was by far the best event. It gets better every year and there’s no reason to believe that 2025 isn’t going to be even better. Look, trust me, get some friends and go. It’s worth every penny. And if you can swing it then splurge on the VIP tent because while the food and wine at the standard event is incredible, the VIP tent really kicks it up a notch. Plus, the live band is in the tent and the dance floor is calling - go ahead, have another glass of Chateau Montelena and show them you can still do the moonwalk.
And there’s more to the San Diego Food + Wine Fest!
The Grand Tasting is what everyone talks about but prior to that Saturday event is a week of excursions and dinners and wine tasting events. Check out their schedule but if gourmet dinners, trips to Baja wine country, or just food strolls through San Diego’s diverse neighborhoods sound interesting you’ll want to pay special attention to these events.
And every year there’s The Grand Decant, a wine tasting event featuring the best of the best and held indoors on Friday evening before the main event. Think of this as Christmas Eve of the SD Food + Wine Fest. It’s fun, there’s a ton of wine, a few gourmet snacks, and a good way to whet the appetite for what’s to come on the weekend.
It’s Taco Time on Sunday at the San Diego Food + Wine Fest
the grand fiesta and taco tko is on sunday
After the Grand Tasting event on Saturday you would think that you’ve had enough but then you find out that there’s The Grand Fiesta on Sunday featuring dozens of tacos, tequilas, cocktails, and Baja Wines and all of a sudden you’re ready to go again.
Held at the big park at Liberty Station, The Grand Fiesta is similar to The Grand Tasting but features just tacos - and I’m not talking Robertos or Wallybertos level, I’m talking about gourmet tacos that are competing for your vote for best taco in San Diego. There’s not just a Birria taco, there’s a Birria with Mac and Cheese taco from Krispy Boz Tacos and it was so decadently delicious that I split it with my wife - and instantly regretted not getting one for myself (back in line, Wally).
Some of the tacos looked like works of art too delicious to eat - but ate them I did and every bite was worth it.
The Grand Fiesta is one of my most favorite foodie events and it’s a bit less expensive than The Grand Tasting. Super casual and relaxed, no long lines, live music, and if you love tacos then there’s no way you’re not going to love this event. Seriously, bring a bunch of friends and there’s no way you’re not going to have a good time. And yes, I would like to try some Mezcal. Which one? All of them please.
WRAP IT UP WALLY!
We are so lucky to live here in San Diego. But sometimes it’s easy to forget how wonderful it is here. If you need a reminder then buy tickets to the San Diego Food + Wine Festival in 2025. You’ll leave full and happy with a huge smile on your face as you impatiently wait for another year to pass so you can do it again. I know because I just got home and couldn’t wait to share this with you.