For its third year, the Del Mar Wine + Food festival is back and is bringing eats and sips from some of the most sought-out SoCal restaurants and California wineries. Experience flavors from festival favorites and up-and-coming stars while enjoying the San Diego sunshine on the grandest lawn in the county. For all the information on this foodie affair, check out our guide below:
When is the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival?
This year’s Del Mar Wine + Food Festival takes place September 10-14, with its main event, the Grand Tasting, happening Saturday and Sunday. VIP ticket holders can enter at 11:30, early entry tickets are invited in at noon, and general admission begins at 1 p.m.
General Admission is $205 for a one-day pass; however, if you’re thinking about going with friends, consider the “More the Merrier” bundle for GA Single-Day tickets to get $100 off four tickets or $400 off for eight. The two-day pass is $305. All general admission tickets will give you access to unlimited drinks and eats from more than 100 exhibitors.
Early Entry
For $265 for a one-day pass and $415 for a two-day pass, you can get all the perks that general admission has, but with access to them an hour earlier. Get your bearings and explore the festival without having to navigate crowds to find your favorite vendors.
For $465 for a one-day ticket and $815 for a two-day ticket, you can get access to all of this, as well as VIP exclusive sips and bites from renowned chefs, kicked off with a VIP reception that gets you into the park 30 minutes before early entry. For more information on the VIP experience and vendors, click here.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
What food vendors will be there?
Now, what everyone is here for: The top restaurants and local favorites from all over SoCal will be at this event, with names like Herb and Wood, Jake’s Del Mar, Marisi, Amalfi Cucina Italiana, The Crack Shack, Coasterra, Lana, Puesto, Tajima, and Wolf in the Woods, to name a few. See the complete list here.
Walking around a grass field, consuming some of the city’s finest cuisine, is bound to produce thirsty people, but don’t fret, DMWFF has you covered. The festival features bevs from a plethora of wineries and breweries all over the city, including Above Board, Donna’s Pickle Beer, Tequila Ocho, Library Collection Wine, Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Bianchi, Four Walls Whiskey, Cary Q Wines, and Mission Craft Cocktails. And if this isn’t enough, see the complete list here.
Throughout the week leading up to the Grand Tasting, attendees can purchase tickets to exclusive events going on throughout the county featuring celebrity chefs and high-profile names all gathering together for intimate dinners and experiences. Prices range from $135- $600. See the lineup below:
Wednesday, September 10
Opening Night Party Hosted by San Diego FC at Monarch Ocean Pub
Alex Morgan Hosts the Game Changers Dinner with Justin Vineyards & Winery, Chefs Adria Marina, Catherine McCord, Claudia Sandoval, Michelle Mathelin, Zuliya Khawaja, and Karen Krasne
Are the same food vendors and wineries available both days?
No, some food and wine vendors are attending both days, but several are only attending on certain days. DMWFF recommends you check their events page for the full itinerary or follow along on their newsletters and Instagram.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
Will I see any celebrities at the event?
Yes! Celebrity chefs like Michael Voltaggio, Benito Molina, Beau MacMillan, Marc Murphy, Mawa McQueen, Drew Deckman, Catherine McCord and Jet Tila, to name a few, will be cooking and greeting guests. Athletes like Alex Morgan and Drew Brees, to pro-surfer Rob Machado, will be there, as well as Food Network’s Troy Johnson (Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives; Guy’s Grocery Games) as host. See more here.
Given that children and wine don’t mix, no one under the age of 21 is allowed in the event, and furry friends are only permitted if they are service animals.
Is there a dress code?
Drinking wine and eating delicious food is all the more enjoyable in a fun outfit, so while there is no solidified dress code for the festival, it’s a great opportunity to show up and show out with stylish digs. However, no need to worry about your stiletto heels sticking into the grass field, as semi-casual wear is welcome too.
Where can I park?
Surf Sports Park (where the event is held) has ample parking at $20/day. However, if you plan on drinking, it’s strongly recommended to use a rideshare service, take public transportation, or choose a designated driver from your group with whom you’ll shower with UberEats credits afterwards.
What public transportation options are available?
Bus route 308 stops at Via De La Valle and Camino Porta Delgada, which is less than a five-minute walk to the park’s entrance. If this bus route isn’t convenient, consider taking the Coaster Commuter train and stopping at the Solana Beach Coaster station, where you can catch the 308 or take a rideshare to the festival.
What hotels are nearby?
For those looking to turn the festival into an overnight event, there are several hotels in the area to choose from, like the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar, the San Diego Marriott del Mar, and the Holiday Inn Solana Beach. Several hotels have even partnered with the Del Mar Wine and Food Festival to give guests exclusive deals. You can see that list here.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
Will there be live music?
Of course! For more information on which bands/DJs will be playing, visit the festival’s website and socials.
What cause does the Del Mar Wine and Food festival ticket support?
The festival has chosen to partner with Feeding San Diego, a hunger relief organization that focuses on food distribution efforts in the community. A portion of the proceeds from the Del Mar Wine and Food Festival will be donated to their cause.
When is the last day to buy tickets?
Tickets are sold on the day of the festival but are subject to availability, so it’s recommended to buy them as soon as possible to ensure they don’t sell out!
How can I contact event organizations?
For general inquiries about the Del Mar Wine + Food festival, contact [email protected]. For media inquiries, contact [email protected].
Sloane Moriarty is a rising Junior at the University of California, Berkeley where she studies English and Education and writes for the Daily Californian newspaper. When she is not at a coffee shop doing work, you will find her in front of a bowl of pasta and a good book.
