Imagine the most glamorous picnic you’ve ever been to and multiply it by a hundred. Del Mar Wine + Food Festival’s Grand Tasting turns the Del Mar Polo Fields into a foodie wonderland, where the grass seems impossibly green, the pours never stop, and every plate looks like it was styled for a magazine cover. Local legends mingle with culinary stars from across the country, all serving up bites that demand their own moment. One minute you’re savoring oysters with Champagne, the next you’re chasing down a taco you saw on Instagram three months ago.
Adding to the excitement are this year’s themed zones, from celebrity chef cookoffs to wellness sips and caviar dreams—you may need two days to experience it all. Here’s your breakdown of every delicious zone within the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival this year.
VIP Reception Area
On Saturday, the VIP Reception area sets the tone for the weekend from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with an elevated experience featuring first bites from Warung RieRie, Shellfish Affair, and Cori Pastificio, paired with first sips from The Tap Truck, Golden Eye, and Bebemos Tequila. It’s a relaxed, curated space designed to ease guests into the festival with both class and flavor.
On Sunday, the offerings remain consistent, giving attendees a second chance to enjoy this exclusive experience if they missed it the day before. The energy stays intimate and refined, with Sergio Art taking the entertainment spot following Courtney Govan’s performance the day prior.
VIP Tent
On Saturday, the VIP Tent delivers luxury with a stacked lineup of restaurants including Amalfi Llama, Ember & Rye, Juniper and Ivy, and Stake Chophouse & Bar. Guests sip wine from Kosta Browne and Golden Eye while enjoying a high-touch atmosphere of fine dining hosted by Guy Fieri.
On Sunday, the tent features some fresh faces like Urban Kitchen Group, Extraordinary Desserts, and Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar while keeping beloved staples like Books & Records. The same wineries and DJ Chris Cantore return, offering a seamless continuation of Saturday’s elevated experience.
Female Stars
All weekend long, the Grand Tasting is shining a spotlight on female-led culinary talent and creators. Picture delicious bites from El Pez and Mujeres Brewhouse, plus a curated lineup of lifestyle vendors like Wine Girl San Diego, Timka Jewelry, and Golden Tribe. It’s equal parts flavor and fashion, with a photo-worthy backdrop by Lilah & Co. and a soundtrack from VOX DJ.
Locally Made Area
Both Saturday and Sunday bring a lively showcase of San Diego’s finest local businesses, breweries, and lifestyle brands. Expect crowd favorites like Coola, Athletic Brewing, Tap Truck, Novo Brazil, and Melograno holding down the local pride. Plus, hometown heroes like San Diego FC, Road Runner Sports (they’re scanning feet!), and San Diego Wave FC bring that extra community vibe.
The Beef Experience
Saturday’s lineup is headlined by Brandt Beef, joined by BBQ-forward names like Tanners Prime Burgers, Ranch 45, and a Bebemos speakeasy. On Sunday, many of the same restaurants who utilize Brandt Beef products, and mixologists who integrate beef products are expected to return, making this zone a must for carnivores and meat lovers. It’s an area dedicated to flame, flavor, and plenty of smoke.
The Beach Zone
On Saturday, the Beach Zone exudes an effortless San Diego summer. Snack on Pirate Pita wraps and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream while exploring the Coola activation, Hemlock Hats, and Playavole’s beach paddle game. Don’t miss OluKai’s sandals and Suntide Beverages keeping things fresh, plus a surfboard carving station by PNKYS to complete the beachside feel. Sunday brings the same laid-back energy and lineup, so whether you’re craving a tasty wrap, a sweet scoop, or a new pair of sandals to flex, this is your go-to spot to take in that SoCal breeze.
Temecula Rising
Sponsored by Pechanga and the Temecula Wine Association, with Pechanga Restaurant as the official restaurant sponsor, this zone brings a mini wine country experience without ever leaving the festival grounds. Both days feature a gorgeous lineup of wineries like Callaway, Akash, and Mount Palomar, with Wilson Creek and South Coast Winery joining the party on Saturday. It’s a more mellow but equally lush tasting adventure, only this time through Temecula.
Taco Alley
If you’re anything like me and get overwhelmed by too many choices, Taco Alley is your simple and seriously good fail-safe. Sip on sangria from Pasmosa Import Export Inc. and the finest brine from Donna’s Pickle Beer before diving into City Tacos on Saturday or El Churrero on Sunday. Bonus: Siete Foods and Salt & Lime will be there to keep the flavors rolling. Your taste buds will thank you as you experience the top taco makers in town.
Big Queer Food Festival
Come alive with flavor and pride as Lia’s Lumpia, Gossip Grill, and Common Stock bring big energy and bold bites, while drinks are served by queer-owned and ally brands like Fierce & Kind Spirits and Lalo Tequila. The party continues with the same colorful lineup and inclusive atmosphere on Sunday, making it a favorite stop for community and culinary creativity.
Plant Paradise
This green oasis, sponsored by Violife and chef Dave Martin, is a sanctuary for wellness-minded, eco-conscious guests. It features a chef collab between chef Zuliya and Nichols Farms, alongside plant-forward restaurants and spirits like Vulture, Zen Modern Asian Bistro, and Mission Craft Cocktails. For a round of guilt-free indulgence, definitely set aside time for Plant Paradise and be sure to try the Violife dairy-free cream cheese brownies baked by former Top Chef finalist Dave Martin.
Country Club Area
Sponsored by top golf brands like Eden Mill, TopGolf, Callaway, and TaylorMade, this is your ultimate luxe escape. Kick back in the lounge, watch expert cigar rolling, test your swing on a golf simulator, and sip cocktails at the martini bar. Who knew festivals could be so fabulous?
Novo Dia Wellness Zone
The Novo Zone proves wellness and celebration can absolutely go hand in hand. Throughout the weekend, Novo Dia, Concierge Wellness, Sampson Family Wines, BERO Brewing, and Purple Tree Labs invite guests to take vitamin shots, sip wellness wines, and recharge (rightfully so) before diving back into the food and drink frenzy.
“By leading the festival’s health-focused experiences, we are creating space for mindfulness and community, proving that you don’t need alcohol to have fun or feel connected. Wellness should be joyful, accessible, and rooted in community,” says the team at Nova.
Cool Down Zone
Overstuffed and overheated? This shaded area is here to the rescue with ice cream vendors, refreshing zero-proof drinks, sunscreen partners like Sun Bum, and fan stations. The other tasting zones aren’t going anywhere, so take a break and cool down with frozen treats from Blue Bunny and Dreyer’s!
Cohntry Fest
Hold your horses, we didn’t forget about rustic charm. Saturday’s Country themed area serves up Southern flavors from Cohn restaurants like Island Prime, Vintana Wine + Dine, Del’s Hideout, and Coaster Saloon. Ghost Tequila and Fever-Tree keep the drinks flowing, setting the stage for a wildly good time. On Sunday, a fresh lineup takes over with Costaerra and 333 Pacific joining the fun, while Ron Major’s country music and branded cowboy hats keep the zone true to its roots.
