The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival isn’t just about sipping the best sauvignon blanc on the grass (though, yes, that’s a big plus)—some of the real magic happens in the margins, where chefs cook up multi-course masterpieces, athletes trade fields for cocktail bars, and late night celeb parties spill over into afterhours. Whether you’re in it for sunset rooftop parties with San Diego FC or pickleball with Drew Brees, here’s an insider’s guide to all the events happening during the five-day fest.
Wednesday, September 10
Opening Night Party at Monarch Ocean Pub
Ease into the weekend with a midweek kickoff that blends picturesque Del Mar views, elevated cocktails, and bites from some of San Diego’s most beloved culinary institutions. With dishes like mini pies from Chicken Pie Shop, lime-marinated ono ceviche with avocado and Fresno chilis from Jake’s Del Mar, and fresh coastal flavors from Rubio’s, this all-inclusive sunset soirée celebrates everything the city’s food scene has to offer. San Diego FC and Food Network judge Troy Johnson host this evening alongside SDFC representatives, making this the official start of the fest. Dress to impress!
Monarch Ocean Pub | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Tickets $150
Thursday, September 11
Game Changers Dinner Hosted by Alex Morgan with Justin Vineyards & Winery, and Chefs Adria Marina, Catherine McCord, Claudia Sandoval, Michelle Mathelin, Zuzu Khawaja, Bryn McArthur and Karen Krasne
This is a celebration of women who are changing the game far beyond the field and the kitchen. Hosted by Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Alex Morgan, this open-air night at the Grand Social at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar sets the bar high. Presented by Justin wines, the event brings together seven powerhouse celebrity chefs: MasterChef alums Adria Marina, Michelle Mathelin, and Claudia Sandoval; Food Network personality Catherine McCord; former Top Chef amateur champion Zuliya Khawaja, Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s executive sous chef Izzy; and Karen Krasne, owner and executive chef of Extraordinary Desserts. Each brings their own creative spin to a multi-course experience that’s equally game-changing, dreamy, and unforgettable.
Expect Southern California skies, Hendrick’s cucumber lemonade specially crafted by one of the world’s few female master distillers. The evening also highlights the Alex Morgan Foundation, which works to level the playing field for girls in sports and in life.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar | 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Tickets $399
Ramey Wine Dinner with Chefs Marc Murphy, Jackson Kalb and Jason McLeod
Set in the gorgeous hills of Rancho Santa Fe, this is the event for serious food connoisseurs and wine lovers. Acclaimed chefs Marc Murphy (Iron Chef America, Chopped), Jackson Kalb (Top Chef) and Jason McLeod (Restauranteur, culinary consultant for Clique Hospitality) create their signature dishes, each bursting with their own bold culinary style. Every course pairs perfectly with wines from Ramey Wine Cellars, handpicked by legendary winemaker David Ramey himself. It’s an intimate night designed around flavor and California’s iconic wine culture.
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | 6:30 p.m. –9:30 p.m. | Tickets $333
Friday, September 12
Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Event Presented by Justin Winery & Vineyards
Mix a little sweat with style at this anything-but-average pickleball tournament. It’s a courtside collision of chefs and celebs all for a good cause. Former NFL great, Drew Brees; world-ranked tennis player James Blake; NHL Hall of Famer Jeremy Roenick; actor Glenn Howerton (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and co-founder of Four Walls whiskey; Catherine McCord (Guys Grocery Games), Jet Tila (Iron Chef America, Ready Set Chef), and more are hitting the Barnes Tennis Center for a day of friendly (but spirited) doubles play.
Off the court, DJs Tenax (Dre Hall) and Matt Monaco will be bringing the beats. You’ll find mini burgers and tuna melts from Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, Fresh Brothers pizza, lumpia from Lia’s Lumpia, smoked beef from Brandt Beef’s Ranch 45 and Corbin’s Q, smoked pork belly with panang curry and salted salmon roe from chef Stevan Novoa and more. Cool down with some protein packed ice cream from Protein Bites or snack on PBFit bars for some healthy treats.
Guests can sip on beverages from Craft Cart, Tap Truck Justin wines, non-alcoholic beverages from LaCroix, picklebacks with Four Walls Whiskey, Food Network’s the Grill Dads’ Grill’n Time canned cocktails, craft cocktails from Emerald Spear tequila, Sailor Jerry’s and Storyhouse Spirits, sugar-free liqueurs by Above Board, and Violife’s new plant-based coffee creamers mixed with State Line Coffee Liqueur. Coola will be on-deck to keep you sun-safe, while Road Runner Sports is popping up with 3D foot scanning, custom insoles, and on-the-spot sunglasses shopping.
There are six ways to get in on the action, whether you’re teaming up with a pro athlete, rallying with a celeb, or joining the advanced, intermediate, or recreational brackets. Just want to watch? There’s a spectator tier, too. Sign up, show up, and get ready to rally.
Barnes Tennis Center | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Tickets range from $125 – $600
Tequila Ocho Presents the Baja Dinner with Chef Javier Plascencia and Raul Casillas (Sold Out)
A bold, border-inspired feast with two icons of Baja cuisine. Tequila pairings? Obviously. Chef Javier Plascencia and chef Raul Casillas are merging culinary visions for a night that puts modern Baja flavors front and center. This multi-course dinner is rooted in tradition but elevated in every way, paired with premium tequilas and small-batch agave spirits that hit just right. Imagine ceviche Zarandeado, ribeye tacos, corn flan… flavors that tell a story.
Puesto Mission Valley | 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Tickets $135 (sold out)
Kosta Browne Wine Dinner with Chefs Benito Molina, Drew Deckman, Jet Tila, Mawa McQueen, and Katie Weber
One of the most anticipated dinners of the weekend, this collaborative culinary event is a must for anyone who appreciates nuance and a perfectly poured pinot.
From humble beginnings in a garage, Dan Kosta and Michael Browne built Kosta Browne into one of the top American producers of pinot noir and chardonnay, earning its place among the world’s elite. On Sept. 12, Kosta Browne partners with five standout chefs for a wine-focused dinner at La Jolla’s Estancia Hotel.
The evening will feature tastings and dishes from Food Network star, restaurateur, and James Beard–nominee Jet Tila; Aspen-based James Beard semifinalist known for her soulful global cuisine, Mawa McQueen; Michelin-starred advocate of sustainable Baja flavors, Drew Deckman; Baja’s culinary ambassador and TV personality chef Benito Molina, famous for his bold ocean-inspired dishes; and Katie Weber, Estancia La Jolla’s executive chef.
The reception portion of the event will feature welcome libations from Emerald Spear Tequila, plus Kosta Browne wines paired with the dinner and the final sips provided by Balvenie and Drambuie.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel | 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Tickets $300
Saturday, September 13
Michael Voltaggio and the San Diego Wave FC Host CluckFest: The Official After Party
For those not ready to say goodbye after day one of the Grand Tasting, this one’s for you. The Grand Social at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers a stunning setting for the official Grand Tasting after party. Hosted by restaurateur and Food Network personality, chef Michael Voltaggio, you’ll find him shaking up cocktails from his Marcardo 28 Tequila brand, while the star-studded San Diego Wave FC team will join as co-hosts of the event.
PARTNER CONTENT
The festival keeps the celebration going with a variety of signature chicken dishes from elevated poultry to chicken adobo, fried chicken and more. Expect to see creative bites from the Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s executive chef Bryn McArthur; Food Network personality Kelsey Murphy; acclaimed chef Travis Swikard of Callie; recent Hell’s Kitchen champion and executive chef of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Emily Brubaker; plus some of San Diego’s favorites such as Crack Shack, Lia’s Lumpia, and more. Sip wines from Napa’s Magna Carta Cellars, Santa Barbara Winery, Volatus Winery (Paso Robles), canned cocktails from Grill’n Time, and craft drinks from Fierce & Kind.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Grand Social | 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Tickets $165
