Michael Voltaggio (Top Chef), Jet Tila (Ready Jet Cook), Marc Murphy (Chopped), The Grill Dads, Claudia Sandoval (MasterChef, Chopped), Catherine McCord (Guy’s Grocery Games, Super Chef Grudge Match), Jackson Kalb (Top Chef), Kelsey Murphy (The Kitchen), Beau MacMilian (Guys Grocery Games), Mawa McQueen (Chopped), Zuliya Khawaja (Top Chef)—yes, it’s that time again.
“This isn’t just a food and wine event—it’s a full celebration of the San Diego lifestyle,” says Chris Finn, Del Mar Wine + Food Festival co-founder. “From the activities and experiences to the design and vibe, this festival captures the essence of San Diego while blending great wines with Michelin-star level dining or everyone’s favorite taco joints, we’re honoring what makes this city vibrant, diverse, and deeply worth celebrating.”
For sips, celebrated wineries and drinkmakers like David Ramey of Ramey Wine Cellars; Falkner Winery; Café Moto; Bianchi; Brown Napa Valley; Vintana; Cary Q Wines; Don Fulano tequila; Austin Hope; Browne Family Wines; The Setting Wines; Tequila Ocho; Mezcal Vago; Michael Voltaggio’s Marcado 28 Tequila; Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton and Rob McElhenney’s Four Walls Whiskey; and more will be on-site to ensure you never go thirsty.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
The 2025 Grand Tasting will also feature immersive experiences including a VIP lounge with Michelin-starred chefs and curated tastings; the Big Queer Food Fest spotlighting queer chefs and queer-owned businesses; a country-themed dining area from Cohn Restaurant Group; a beach zone with volleyball and coastal lifestyle brands; and Locally Made, a showcase of San Diego’s best craft and consumer brands like Juneshine, Coola, and Hemlock Hats.
VIP guests can also expect exclusive bites and sips from local favorites like Warung RieRie, the backyard Indonesian restaurant with a year-long waitlist; Cowboy Star, one of the city’s premier steakhouses; and Kinme Omakase, a top-tier sushi experience in San Diego. Additional standout participants include Marisi, Herb & Wood, Civico 1845, and last year’s Culinary Competition winners: Jolie and 333 Pacific.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
Of course, those in-the-know know that some of the best events will take place during the week, when guests can hang with celebrity chefs, pro athletes, and SoCal icons at exclusive dinners, wine tastings, and culinary experiences. Highlights include an opening night party with San Diego FC and a celebrity pickleball tournament hosted by Drew Brees to benefit Feeding San Diego. Stay tuned for more events hosted by festival partners Alex Morgan, Rob Machado, and San Diego Wave FC.
Back this year as the festival’s charitable partner is Feeding San Diego. A portion of proceeds will go toward supporting its efforts to end hunger in our local communities. Since its inaugural year in 2023, the festival has raised $75,000 for the nonprofit.
Tickets are on sale now. Visit delmar.wine to subscribe to their newsletter for the latest announcements.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
Del Mar Wine + Food Fest: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the 2025 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival?
The 2025 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival will take place September 10-14 throughout San Diego county.
Where is the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival?
The week culminates with the Grand Tasting at Surf Sports Park (formerly the Del Mar Polo Fields) at 14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar.
A wide variety of exclusive dinners, drink tastings, and other lifestyle events will be announced soon and available for purchase individually on DMWFF’s website. These festivities include chef-curated dining experiences across San Diego’s hottest restaurants, a celebrity pickleball tournament, a golf tournament for charity, wine tastings, and more.
When is the 2025 Grand Tasting?
The Grand Tasting takes place this year on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14.
How much are tickets?
General admission for the Grand Tasting event starts at $165. The festival also offers an Early Access General Admission option for $225 offering an additional four hours before general admission to meet, greet, and feast.
For $425, VIP tickets will grant guests access to unique pre-festival experiences, exclusive food vendors, a special VIP area, and more.
Where can I buy tickets for the 2025 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival?
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
