The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival returns October 2-7, offering six days of culinary and boozy adventures. Now in its second year, this week-long celebration includes a variety of VIP events, select dinners, and plenty of fun in the sun.
The week culminates in the festival’s crown jewel: The Grand Tasting, a two-day celebration featuring over 100 exhibitors offering samples from the city’s best restaurants, celebrity chefs and wineries at Surf Sports Park (formerly Del Mar Polo Fields). Additionally, a portion of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival’s proceeds are donated to Feeding San Diego. Last year, DMWFF raised $25,000 for the nonprofit.
The inaugural DMWFF in 2023 included highlights such as a tequila dinner with actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, an oceanfront dinner at Michelin-starred Valle, a pickleball tournament with quarterback Drew Brees and a Grand Tasting event that drew more than 6,000 guests. The 2024 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival promises to be even bigger and better. Here’s your daily guide to the upcoming festivities:
BUY YOUR GRAND TASTING TICKETS NOW
Wednesday, October 2
Tacos, Tortas + Tequila hosted by San Diego FC at Monarch Ocean Pub
Kick off the festival with one of San Diego’s newest professional sports teams, San Diego FC, at Monarch Ocean Pub in Del Mar. This inaugural event features tacos, tortas and tequila – three things that are essential to the diet of all San Diegans. And what could be better than shooting off the field with winger Chucky Lozano and goalkeeper Duran Ferree?
Price: 165 US dollars | Time: 6pm–9pm | Buy tickets
Thursday, October 3
Marisi Autumn Harvest
Welcome fall with a five-course meal at Marisi in La Jolla. Hosted by Italian winemaker Pio Cesare (a brand known for its famous Barolo made from grapes from the Piedmont region of northern Italy), this seasonal dinner will feature the latest harvest from Chino Farm, handmade pasta from Marisi, and select wines from the family behind Pio’s 142-year-old wine empire.
Price: $225 | Time: 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | View pairings & buy tickets
Trattoria Dia Prato on the lawn of Rancho Santa Fe
Enjoy a traditional four-course Italian dinner on the lawn of Rancho Santa Fe. Dinner features dishes from Chef Jackson Kalb (Top chef/Ospi Venice), celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito (James Beard Award winner and bestselling cookbook author) and restaurant owner Jason McLeod (CH Projects) in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Price: $300 | Time: 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | Buy tickets
Fine wines and spirits at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will also host a Fine Wine and Spirits Seminar on October 3, giving attendees the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest pioneers in winemaking. The afternoon will feature presentations from winemakers and sommeliers from The Court of Master Sommeliers Americas, Pyramid Valley Vineyards, Benchmark Wine Group and more. The event will also include a rare Burgundy tasting and a blind tasting where you can pit your palate against the pros.
More details coming soon!
Friday, October 4
Drew Brees hosts the Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament
Drew Brees may be famous for his football skills, but don’t underestimate his pickleball game. For the second year in a row, Brees will host the annual Celebrity Pickleball Tournament in Encinitas, featuring a number of heavyweights in support of Feeding San Diego. Participants can sign up for tournaments for casual, intermediate or professional players – or sit courtside and enjoy a refreshing beverage.
Price: $125 for spectators; $150-$600 for pickleball players | Time: 12pm–4pm | Buy tickets
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party hosted by Chef Tiffani Faison
Take a trip down the rabbit hole and enter a whimsical wonderland at Hillcrest’s InsideOut for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party hosted by celebrity chef Tiffani Faison. Don your finest tea party outfit for a colorful evening in collaboration with Big Queer Food Fest, featuring creative culinary delights from Chef Jonny Duran and Executive Pastry Chef Adrian Mendoza. After a few drinks and pastries, you might be feeling a little bit crazy yourself!
Price: $250 | Time: 6pm-9pm | Buy tickets
Bluefin tuna, the whole fish – A night with Ambrogio from Acquerello
Sample various cuts of bluefin tuna over six courses at Michelin-starred Ambrogio by Acquerello in La Jolla. The evening includes an opening reception with drinks and socializing, followed by a seafood journey by Chef Enea Sintoni, who previously served as Chef de Partie at two-Michelin-starred Glam Enrico Bartolini restaurant in Venice, Italy.
Price: $250 | Time: 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | Buy tickets
Napa Luxe at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Napa’s top winemakers, including Benchmark Wine Group, Chateau Montelena, Gagnon-Kennedy Vineyards and others, offer a wine tasting experience at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Guests enjoy a flavorful tour of Central Valley varietals, with carefully paired appetizers to accompany each glass.
Price: $225 | Time: 6pm-9pm | Buy tickets
Fine wines and spirits at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Couldn’t make it to Thursday’s event at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe? Here’s your second chance to join in on all the fun. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from legendary wine industry figures such as David Ramey of Ramey Wine Cellars (known to wine lovers as “Professor Chardonnay”) and Master Sommelier Ian Cauble, known for his appearance in the 2012 documentary SUMMERThe evening includes moderated discussions and exclusive tastings, including a blind tasting led by prominent sommeliers.
More details coming soon!
Saturday, October 5
THE BIG EVENT: First day of the big tasting
The Grand Tasting is the highlight of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, which features more than 100 local restaurants, wineries and beverage producers. In addition to countless bites and drinks, the event features live DJs, a professional photo station and shopping at women-owned businesses in a retail area run by San Diego Magazine, and much more. Upgrade to a VIP ticket for early entry and access to exclusive dining from restaurants like Azuki Sushi, Deckman’s, Warung Rie Rie, Ambrogio by Acquerello and many more.
Price: $165-425 | Time: 12pm-4pm for VIP and Early Entry ticket holders; 1pm-4pm for general admission | Buy tickets
Sunday, October 6
THE BIG EVENT: Big tasting day two
Regret not grabbing that delicious-looking crudo you eyed up as you left the venue on day one? The Grand Tasting continues, offering you another opportunity to sample the best of San Diego’s culinary scene. Consider purchasing a two-day ticket package to ease your stomach’s FOMO. Check the exhibitor page for updates on the latest additions to the Grand Tasting roster.
Price: $165-425 | Time: 12pm-4pm for VIP and Early Entry ticket holders; 1pm-4pm for general admission | Buy tickets
Rob Machado Beach Cleanup and Seafood Brunch with Brian Malarkey + Javier Plascencia
Start your Sunday by giving back to 619 with a beach cleanup at Cardiff Reef led by surf icon Rob Machado. Then head to Herb & Sea on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace for a seafood brunch prepared by chefs Brian Malarkey and Javier Plascencia, accompanied by morning cocktails.
Price: Beach clean-up – free; Brunch – $150 | Time: Beach Clean-up – 7:30am-8:30am; Brunch 9am-11am | Buy Tickets
Mer de Baja with chefs Benito Molina and Drew Deckman
Enjoy a French-Baja fusion dinner at Rancho Bernardo Inn, prepared by Drew Deckman, the Michelin-starred chef who recently opened 31ThirtyOne in North Park, and Benito Molina of Masterchef Mexicoknown for their Michelin-starred restaurant Manzanilla in Ensenada, this dynamic duo promises a delicious culinary journey that doesn’t require a passport.
Price: $250 | Time: 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | Buy tickets
Hometown Heroes hosted by Tiffany Faison at Nolita Hall
Celebrate with San Diego Wave FC at this chic Little Italy eatery and enjoy dishes inspired by the Wave players’ hometowns. The evening’s roster includes two-time Olympic medalist Alex Morgan and Olympian (and SDM Cover star) Jaedyn Shaw.
Price: $150 | Time: 6pm-9pm | Buy Tickets
Monday, October 7
Happy Fillmore Golf Classic benefits Feeding San Diego
Put your short game to the test at the Happy Fillmore Celebrity Golf Tournament, the grand finale of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival. This event is your chance to hit the golf course with the stars and burn off the food and drinks from the previous day’s Grand Tasting. Unfortunately, neither Bob Barker nor Drew Carey will be in attendance.
More details coming soon!
