The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival returns October 2–7 for six days of food and drink adventures. Now in its second year, this week-long fête includes various VIP events, curated 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 dishing up samples from the city’s top restaurants, celebrity chefs, and wineries at Surf Sports Park (formerly the Del Mar Polo Fields). Plus, a portion of proceeds from Del Mar Wine + Food Festival will be donated to Feeding San Diego. Last year, DMWFF raised $25,000 for the nonprofit.
The inaugural DMWFF in 2023 included highlights like a tequila-paired dinner with actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, oceanfront dining 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 opening event features tacos, tortas, and tequila—three things essential to all San Diegans’ diets. And what could be better than taking shots off the field with winger Chucky Lozano and goalkeeper Duran Ferree?
Price: $165 | Time: 6–9 p.m. | Buy Tickets
Thursday, October 3
Marisi Fall Harvest
Welcome autumn with a five-course feast at Marisi in La Jolla. Hosted by Italian winemaker Pio Cesare (a brand known for its famous barolo made with grapes from Northern Italy’s Piedmont region), this seasonal dinner will showcase the latest harvest from Chino Farm, handmade pasta from Marisi, and curated wine pairings from the family behind Pio’s 142-year-old wine empire.
Price: $225 | Time: 6–9:30 p.m. | See the Pairings & Buy Tickets
Trattoria Dia Prato on The Lawn at Rancho Santa Fe
Enjoy a traditional four-course Italian supper on the lawn at Rancho Santa Fe. The dinner features dishes crafted by chef Jackson Kalb (Top Chef/Ospi Venice), celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito (James Beard Award winner and best-selling cookbook author), and restaurateur Jason McLeod (CH Projects) in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Price: $300 | Time: 6–9:30 p.m. | Buy Tickets
Fine Wine + 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 chance to learn from some of the biggest pioneers in winemaking. The afternoon will feature talks led by winemakers and sommeliers from The Court of Master Sommeliers Americas, Pyramid Valley Vineyards, Benchmark Wine Group, and more. The event also includes a rare Burgundy tasting and a blind tasting experience to test 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 lineup of heavy-hitters in support of Feeding San Diego. Participants can sign up for casual, intermediate, or advanced tournaments—or sip a refreshing beverage from the comfort of the sidelines.
Price: $125 for spectators; $150–$600 for pickleball players | Time: 12–4 p.m. | Buy Tickets
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Hosted by Chef Tiffani Faison
Take a trip down the rabbit hole and step into a whimsical wonderland at Hillcrest’s insideOut for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, hosted by celebrity chef Tiffani Faison. Dress in your finest tea party attire for a colorful evening in partnership with the Big Queer Food Fest, featuring creative culinary delights from executive chef Jonny Duran and executive pastry chef Adrian Mendoza. After a few drinks and pastries, you might feel a little mad yourself!
Price: $250 | Time: 6–9 p.m. | Buy Tickets
Bluefin Tuna, the Whole Fish – A Night with Ambrogio by Acquerello
Try various cuts of bluefin tuna over six courses at La Jolla’s Michelin-recognized Ambrogio by Acquerello. The evening includes an opening reception with drinks and mingling, followed by a seafood journey from executive chef Enea Sintoni, who previously served as chef de partie at two-Michelin-starred restaurant Glam Enrico Bartolini in Venice, Italy.
Price: $250 | Time: 6–9:30 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 more, will offer a tasting experience at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Guests will enjoy a flavorful tour through Central Valley varietals, with thoughtfully paired bites served alongside each glass.
Price: $225 | Time: 6–9 p.m. | Buy Tickets
Fine Wine + Spirits at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Couldn’t make it to The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s Thursday event? Here’s your second chance to get in on all the fun. Attendees have the chance to hear from legendary figures in the wine industry, such as David Ramey of Ramey Wine Cellars (he’s called “Professor Chardonnay” among oenophiles) and master sommelier Ian Cauble, known for his appearance in the 2012 documentary SOMM. The evening will include moderated discussions and exclusive tastings, including a blind tasting led by prominent sommeliers.
More details coming soon!
Saturday, October 5
THE BIG EVENT: Grand Tasting Day One
The Grand Tasting is the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival’s marquee event, with more than 100 local restaurants, wineries, and drink makers in attendance. In addition to endless bites and sips, the event will feature live DJs, a professional photo station, shopping from women-owned businesses in a vendor area hosted by San Diego Magazine, and so much more. Upgrade to a VIP ticket for early entry and access to exclusive eats from restaurants like Azuki Sushi, Deckman’s, Warung Rie Rie, Ambrogio by Acquerello, and many others.
Price: $165–425 | Time: 12–4 p.m. for VIP and early-entry ticket-holders; 1–4 p.m. for general admission | Buy Tickets
Sunday, October 6
THE BIG EVENT: Grand Tasting Day Two
Regretting not nabbing that delicious-looking crudo you side-eyed on your way out on day one? The Grand Tasting continues with another opportunity to sample the best of San Diego’s culinary scene. Consider purchasing a two-day ticket bundle for the chance to ease your stomach’s FOMO. Check the exhibitors’ page for updates on the latest additions to the Grand Tasting roster.
Price: $165–425 | Time: 12–4 p.m. for VIP and early-entry ticket holders; 1–4 p.m. for General Admission | Buy Tickets
Rob Machado Beach Cleanup and Seafood Brunch with Brian Malarkey + Javier Plascencia
Start your Sunday by giving back to the 619 with a beach cleanup at Cardiff Reef, led by surfing icon Rob Machado. Afterward, head to Herb & Sea for a seafood brunch prepared by chefs Brian Malarkey and Javier Plascencia on the restaurant’s outdoor deck, accompanied by morning cocktails.
Price: Beach Cleanup – Free; Brunch – $150 | Time: Beach Cleanup – 7:30–8:30 a.m.; Brunch 9–11 a.m. | Buy Tickets
Mer de Baja with Chefs Benito Molina + Drew Deckman
Savor a French-Baja fusion dinner at Rancho Bernardo Inn prepared by Drew Deckman, the Michelin-starred chef who recently debuted 31ThirtyOne in North Park, and Benito Molina of Masterchef Mexico, known for his Michelin-recognized restaurant Manzanilla in Ensenada. This dynamic duo promises a tasty culinary journey that won’t require a passport.
Price: $250 | Time: 6–9:30 p.m. | Buy Tickets
Hometown Heroes Hosted by Tiffany Faison at Nolita Hall
Celebrate with San Diego Wave FC at this chic Little Italy venue while dining on dishes inspired by the hometowns of Wave players. The evening’s roster includes two-time Olympic medalist Alex Morgan and Olympian (and SDM cover star) Jaedyn Shaw.
Price: $150 | Time: 6–9 p.m. | Buy Tickets
Monday, October 7
Happy Fillmore Golf Classic Benefiting 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 links with the stars and burn off the food and drinks from the Grand Tasting the day before. Sorry, neither Bob Barker nor Drew Carey will be in attendance.
More details coming soon!
