Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2024 in San Diego

With a fresh and invigorating start in 2023, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival burst into the culinary scene of California, drawing in 8,000 attendees during its inaugural event. The festival focuses on the diversity of culinary experiences and a rich lineup of experts sharing their insights on wine varieties and their signature dishes. The upcoming schedule features many food events, including four-course dinners, tastings, and even a celebrity pickleball tournament, a highlight from last year's program. The week of festivities culminates in the Grand Tasting event on the weekend, with dishes by Celebrity Chefs and more than 200 wine varieties.

Festival Events

The event kicks off on October 2nd with the Tacos, Tortas + Tequila at the patio of Monarch Ocean Pub, with a delectable combination of tequila and Mexican cuisine. The second day features more exciting events, including Marisi's Fall Harvest with Pio Cesare, Trattoria di Prato with Jackson Kalb, Jason McLeod, and Rocco DiSpirito, as well as Fine Wine and Spirits at Rancho Santa Fe. The latter will continue on October 4th.

On Friday, you also have a chance to witness the iconic Celebrity Pickleball tournament, hosted by Drew Brees, and attend Mad Hatter's Tea Party, serving themed cocktails. The last several days also feature insightful dinner with chefs Benito Molina and Drew Deckman and a Happy Filmore Golf Classic. The festival benefits the hunger relief and food rescue organization Feeding San Diego.

Grand Tasting (October 5-6, 2024)

Taking place at the spacious plains of Surf Sports Park, the Grand Tasting serves as a finale to a whirlwind of food events. The event showcases more than a hundred exhibitors, culinary delights from local eateries, and an impressive selection of wine, beer, spirits, and ciders. The program spans from 1 pm to 4 pm on both days, with early entry possible at 12 pm.

Venues & Schedule

With such a jam-packed schedule, it's no wonder the events are spread out all across Del Mar, San Diego, and the neighboring communities. This year, the hosting venues include Monarch Ocean Pub, Marisi La Jolla, the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle, insideOUT, Nolita Hall, and Rancho Bernardo Inn. Grand Tasting is set to take place at Surf Sports Park. Most events take place in the afternoon or the evening, spanning from 6 to 9-9:30 pm. The pickleball tournament unfolds from 12 pm to 4 pm.

Tickets

The festival hosts various events throughout San Diego and Del Mar, with each function requiring a separate ticket. Cost ranges from $125 to $300-500, depending on the privileges of the pass. Grand Tasting general admission costs $165, while an early entry ticket costs $225. VIP ticket to Grand Tasting costs $425. A two-day pass for Grand Tasting costs $265, with an early entry costing $375 and a VIP ticket being $775.