Things to Do in San Diego at a Distance in January

Play is underrated. Somewhere along the way, someone decided it was something we should outgrow. That you A good song comes on, and they dance. A game appears, and they’re in. Someone hands them a melting ice cream cone, and somehow it’s the best part of the day.

Adults tend to need a reason. Or maybe just the right setting.

That’s part of what makes the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival feel different. Yes, the week revolves around food and wine, with celebrated chefs, winemakers, and restaurants drawing crowds from across the region. But what lingers afterward is the conversations that stretch a little longer than expected, the strangers who become dinner companions, the live music that pulls people out of their seats, and the rare chance to spend a few hours simply enjoying yourself without much of an agenda.

June 5, 2026

Del Mar Wine & Food Fest Returns With SoCal's Top ChefsRELATED ARTICLE

The Grand Tasting is the festival’s centerpiece, bringing thousands of guests together over two days for hundreds of bites and pours. But some of the week’s most memorable experiences happen on a smaller scale. In the days leading up to the main event, intimate dinners, chef collaborations, and guided tastings create opportunities for guests to interact more closely with the people behind the food and wine and with each other.

Here’s your guide to the 2026 Del Mar Wine & Food Festival happening September 30–October 4.

Wednesday, September 30

Signature San Diego Opening Night Party at Monarch Ocean Pub

Start festival week the San Diego way: ocean views, Baja-inspired bites, and a drink in hand as the sun goes down. The Signature San Diego Opening Night Party at Monarch Ocean Pub sets the tone for the week ahead with a walk-around tasting experience celebrating the flavors that make this city impossible to replicate. It’s an evening of fresh coastal cuisine, bold Mexican flavors, Baja seafood, and plenty of local favorites—all served against one of Del Mar’s most iconic backdrops. Consider it your first official toast to the weekend ahead…

• Monarch Ocean Pub | 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
• 5–9 p.m.
• Get Tickets 

Friday, October 2

Celebrity Pickleball Tournament Presented by Justin Vineyards & Winery

Wine and competition make an unexpectedly perfect pair. You can join Drew Brees and celebrity players at Barnes Tennis Center for a pickleball tournament benefiting Feeding San Diego, where the sidelines are just as exciting as the court. Grab a paddle, cheer from the sidelines, or simply enjoy a glass of wine while the action unfolds. The day blends friendly competition with an all-inclusive tasting experience.

Since year one, Del Mar Wine & Food Festival has partnered with Feeding San Diego to raise $100,000 in support of the organization’s mission to fight hunger across the region. Every serve, sip, and bite helps give back to the community that makes this festival possible.

Remember that pickleball paddle you swore you’d use? Time to put it to work.

• Barnes Tennis Center | 4490 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
• 11 a.m.—3 p.m.
• Get Tickets

Thursday, October 1

Rioja Uncorked at Rancho Valencia

This is essentially a passport to Spain with no airport required. Set among the lush grounds of Rancho Valencia, Rioja Uncorked celebrates one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions with an evening of exceptional pours and thoughtfully paired bites. Guests will sip their way through Rioja wines while enjoying a menu featuring everything from Hiramasa crudo and uni toast to duck rillette, birria mini tacos, Cardiff Crack tri-tip sandwiches, and a sweet finale from Karen Krasne of Extraordinary Desserts (date night plans, solved).

• Rancho Valencia | 5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe
• 6–9 p.m.
• Get Tickets

Friday, October 2

Justin Wine Dinner with Chefs Kaitlyn Weber, Buddha Lo & Jackson Kalb

Justin Wine Dinner sounds simple: three chefs, one unforgettable table. But chefs Kaitlyn Weber (Estancia La Jolla), Buddha Lo (Top Chef), and Jackson Kalb (Top Chef) are taking you on a one-night-only culinary ride where three styles collide over a multi-course menu paired with exceptional pours from Justin Vineyards & Winery. Set in Estancia’s coastal estate, the evening unfolds course by course with pairings from Justin wines as each chef brings their own style to a menu focused on craft, connection, and a bit of friendly culinary overlap. It’s the kind of culinary conversation that only happens when very, very talented people cook together. 

• Estancia – Olive Lawn | 9700 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 
• 6–9:30 p.m
• Get Tickets

Saturday, October 3

Official After Party at Guesthouse La Valle

Slip into the moment: You’re strolling through Surf Sports Park in the fall outfit you’ve been dying to wear, maybe even snagging some handmade jewelry with rare natural gemstones from Timka Jewelry while sipping locally made hard kombucha and snacking on Michelin-starred must-try meals from San Diego restaurants. In the background, celebrity chefs mingle by small parties with DJs spinning and professional athletes passing by floral photo ops that are basically made to be framed. You pause for a wine pour that looks almost too good to drink and catch acclaimed talents like Jackson Kalb collaborating with Quixote. 

This is the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival—one of SoCal’s premiere food and drink events showcasing the unique culinary experiences infused with San Diego’s fitness and wellness culture. If you’re heading to the fest this year, we put together an insider’s guide to all the standout activations at the Grand Tasting taking place from September 13 & 14. Here’s what not to miss:

August 6, 2025

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2025: Everything You Need to KnowRELATED ARTICLE

Sips, Tastings & Photo-Ops

Across Saturday and Sunday, festival-goers can wander the grounds to enjoy activations from sponsors like LaCroix, Landmark Vineyards, Justin Wines, and Clink. These pop-ups will be offering food and drink tastings, goodie-bags, and little surprises that make wandering the festival half the fun.

Clink will be pouring a mix of wines in the picnic area just outside the VIP tent, while Justin, Landmark, and Lewis wines will host tastings nearby. Heaven Hill Tequila Ocho and Mezcal Vago, will be outside the beach area near Feeding San Diego, and LaCroix will be available throughout the grounds with sparkling water and an Instagram-worthy floral photo-op near the Locals zone. 

You can also catch San Simeon wines outside the VIP tent, Spritz in the beach area, Peroni and Blue Moon outside VIP, The Grill Dads throwing tailgate-style parties with Grillin’ Time canned cocktails flowing from branded coolers, and The Los Angeles Golf Club Dryvebox giving everyone the chance to test their swing on a golf simulator. Follow your taste buds, your camera, or your curiosity and you’re guaranteed to run into something worthy of a pause at every turn.

Exclusive Chef Collabs

Chef collabs at the Del Mar Wine + Food fest mix flavor, personalities, and a little bit of culinary chaos in the best way. After all, how often do you catch two acclaimed talents sharing the same space? On Saturday, Jackson Kalb teams up with Quixote, while Jet Tila links with Serea and Lionfish for a full-on takeover of the Culinary Comp Zone. Both days feature Fox Point partnering with Haven’s Mawa McQueen in the VIP area, while Plant Paradise joins forces with Nichols Farms and chef Zuliya Khawaja. 

And this is just some of many prime celebrity-spotting opportunities. Your favorite chefs will be sprinkled all across the weekend’s lineup. Get the full lowdown on where to find them here. 

July 25, 2025

Where to See Celebs at the 2025 Del Mar Wine + Food FestivalRELATED ARTICLE

Local Bites & Cooking Demonstrations 

Beyond the zones, the weekend features some of the best SoCal names in the food and drink industry including A+M Catering, Amalfi Cucina Italiana, Quixote, Glass Box, Rosemarie’s Buns & Brews, Bianchi Winery, Rootdown Wine Cellars, and more. Saturday brings the star power of STK Steakhouse, Jake’s Del Mar, ARLO San Diego, and Provisional Kitchen, while Sunday turns the spotlight to Lana Restaurant, Waverly, Flame & Flavor, and Seasons 52. Click here to see the full list of participating restaurants.

Kyoku Knives will also make its mark as a headline sponsor throughout the festival, with chef Jeff Roberto breaking down sushi, sashimi, and Wagyu beef during the Sushi on a Roll activation in the VIP Reception Area. He’ll be joined by Brian Malarkey (Top Chef, Herb & Wood, Animae) and Tommy “The Fishmonger” Gomes (Outdoor Channel) so be sure to get your cameras ready. 

Games, DJs & Tailgates

Field games and foodie finds galore, throughout the weekend, attendees can catch some wiffle ball and classic ballpark eats at Ballpark in the Park, dive into a soccer experience with San Diego Wave FC or join tailgate enthusiasts with SDFC and DirecTV. Or, keep the celebration going with DJs spinning at the Mountain experience.

August 5, 2025

Your Guide to Exclusive Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2025 EventsRELATED ARTICLE

At Street Fleet Alley, find local food trucks and street food pop-ups serving their best fare. Plus, this year, Baja and Paso Robles head to San Diego to showcase their local breweries, restaurants, and lifestyle brands—keep an eye out for their activations. 

Everywhere you turn, you’ll find art installations, local food, celebrity chefs, TV personalities, and unique pop-ups. It’s what the Grand Tasting is all about: living your best life, one sip, bite, and beat at a time.

PARTNER CONTENT

A Holistic Approach to Women’s Wellness and Leadership

Vi at La Jolla Village Brings Good Living to Life

The Del Mar Wine and Food Festival returns for its third year from September 10–14—a weeklong celebration of food, drink, and wellness culminating in the Grand Tasting on Saturday and Sunday. Once again, the VIP tent is back with big names, Michelin-worthy bites, and exclusive pours from some of the state’s best wineries and beverage makers.

On September 13 and 14, the Grand Tasting will feature more than 120 restaurants and 150 international wine, spirits, and beverage producers gathered together at Surf Sports Park for an epic foodie gathering. Guests can sip and sample drinks and bites while mingling with Food Network stars, renowned chefs, and professional athletes, including the stars of San Diego Wave FC.

May 15, 2025

Top Chefs & Acclaimed Drink Makers Return for the Del Mar Wine + Food FestRELATED ARTICLE

For the full experience, attendees can nab a VIP pass for exclusive perks and early access to all the fun. VIP tickets are $445 per day and include all the following goodies: 

Grand Tasting VIP Details

Surprise Tasting

On both days, food critic and Food Network judge Troy Johnson will be hosting a private tasting for VIP ticket holders to kick things off. Come early to see what he’s cooking up.

First Glass

The Tap Truck will be serving a selection of beers and cocktails on tap, while Goldeneye will be pouring sparkling wine to mark the start of the festival.

DJ Sets

Back again, longtime San Diego radio personality Chris Cantore will be spinning vinyl records in the VIP tent on both days. 

VIP Reception

VIP ticket holders get access into the festival 30 minutes before the Early Entry ticket holders and 90 minutes before the GA ticket holders, plus will receive exclusive access to the First Bites & Sips reception area from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Expect curated bites like fresh rolled pasta from former World Pasta Champion Chef Accursio Lota of Cori Pasitifico on Saturday and a surprise from San Diego’s most popular masked chef pop-up Cow by Bear on Sunday. Both days will also feature fare from Outdoor Channel’s Fishmonger star Tommy Gomes as he teams up with Sushi on a Roll chef Jeff Roberto to serve up freshly sliced sashimi. 

Joining them both days will be Warung RieRie, a backyard restaurant concept with a yearlong waitlist dishing up Indonesian flavors and San Diego catering company Shellfish Affair serving up oysters on the half shell.

VIP Bites

After enjoying the First Bites and Sips area, VIP guests are granted all access to rest of the Grand Tasting, including a VIP tent offering exclusive food options from chef Drew Deckman from 31THIRTYONE by Deckman’s, chef Phillip Esteban from Wildlour, celebrity chef Lauren Lawless, Amalfi Llama, Books & Records, California English, Garibaldi, Haven Farm + Table, Little Frenchie, Stake Chophouse & Bar, and the Avenue Fish & Oyster Company on both days. 

Saturday will also feature Chef Brad Wise and Trust Restaurant Group’s new concept A’L’ouest, Cowboy Star, Ember & Rye, Estancia La Jolla, Juniper and Ivy, Kimme Omakase, Kingfisher, and the Marine Room.

Sunday will feature chef Jason Knibb and Nine-Ten, chef Aron Schwartz from APS Hospitality Group, chef Tim Kolanko from Urban Kitchen Group, chef Karen Krasne from Extraordinary Desserts, Amaya at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Mister A’s, Ponto Lago, and the Lodge at Torrey Pines.

VIP Sips

VIP guests will be treated to sips by Michael Voltaggio’s Marcado 28 Tequila, chef Javier Plascencia’s Animalón Artisanal Mezcal, luxury wines from legendary winemaker David Ramey from Ramey Wine Cellars, Aperture, Austin Hope, Boich Family Cellar, Bricoleur Vineyards, Browne Family Wines, Calera, Cuvaison, J. Lohr, Kobrand Wine, Kosta Browne, German Wine Collection, Magna Carta Cellars, Marine Layer Wines, The Setting Wines, Panier, Perchance Estates, Rombauer Vineyards & Winery, Santa Barbara Winery, Vinos Finos de California, pours from Despacio Mezcal, and Whiskey in the Wild.

Mark your calendars for October 2–7, 2024, and prepare to indulge in a week-long celebration of San Diego’s vibrant food and wine scene at the 2024 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival!

Now in its second year, San Diego’s premier food and wine event will feature a diverse array of bites, sips, and experiences. Attendees can look forward to sampling world-class cuisine from local restaurants, mingling with celebrity chefs, and savoring some of California’s finest wines and craft beverages.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival offers something for everyone—from casual tastings to high-end dining experiences. Not sure where to start? Click the links below each question for more details, including event schedules, participating chefs, where to see celebs, and ticket information:

BUY TICKETS

What is the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival?

• The 2024 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Why Attend the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival?

• Celebrity-Stacked Headliners Announced at the 2024 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
• Where to See Celebs at the 2024 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

What Events are Happening at the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival?

• A Guide to the Events at the 2024 Del Mar Wine + Food Fest
• The VIP Experience at the 2024 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
• Wine Legends Head to San Diego This October

BUY TICKETS

Listen: Del Mar Wine + Food Festival Chefs on Happy Half Hour

Last year’s exclusive lineup featured some of our favorite chefs and food people. This year, some of our faves return for the big event. Learn more about a few of those returning guests on Happy Half Hour with host Troy Johnson:

• Javier Plascencia Talks Michelin Stars & Caesar Salad’s 100th
• Cardellino Owner Brad Wise on Truffles, Caviar & Butchering
• The Salt-of-the-Earth Star Power of Catherine McCord
• The Life of Failed Umpire Drew Deckman
• The Next Big Thing: New School American Cheese
• It’s Our 200th Episode! We Celebrate with Chef Brian Malarkey
• Getting Real With Celebrity Chef Lauren Lawless

Watch: Del Mar Wine + Food Festival Video Series

In case you missed it last year, check out our 2023 video series featuring some of the restaurants showcasing their fare again at this year’s event:

• Rosemarie’s Burgers
• Ambrogio by Acquerello
• ARLO
• Beeside Balcony
• Civico 1845
• Fish Guts
• George’s at the Cove
• Kingfisher
• Little Frenchie
• Matsu
• Nine-Ten
• Parfait Paris
• Tribute Pizza

Frequently Asked Questions

• Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Where to Buy Del Mar Wine + Food Festival tickets

• Del Mar Wine + Food Festival Tickets

If wine is a love language, if “wine cellar” riles up your Zillow emotions, or if you’ve simply heard of wine and have an interest in being in the room with the best of it, circle Oct. 3-5 on your calendar.

Crates of rare, ogled, oh-dang wines are being loaded onto trucks and planes on their way to San Diego—1er Grand Crus, cult loves, bottles not sent to restaurants but saved up for gatherings like this. It’s the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, and sommelier/winemaker Ted Glennon has pulled some of the country’s top somms, winemakers, farmers, and thinkers into town. Names like Mark Bright, David Ramey, Ian Cauble, Shelley Lindgren, David Lynch, and a host of others.

For three days they’ll post up at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, share tastes of rare and raved-about wines that define the wine world, and tell their stories. Here’s the lineup:

Thursday, Oct 3

In the Boardroom with Mark Bright + Benchmark Wines

A once-in-a-lifetime experience for serious wine people. Limited to 10 guests. The rarest of the rare wines at the festival, with a legendary host. Mark Bright of world-famous Saison restaurant in San Francisco has selected the wines that move him the most, to share with a few friends. Get tickets.

Blind Tasting with The Masters: Ian Cauble + June Rodil

Blind taste test amazing wines with the best wine tasters in the country—a panel of master sommeliers. Led by Ian Cauble (he won the “Best Young Sommelier in the World” competition in Athens, Greece, and was one of the stars of the documentary SOMM) and June Rodil (one of 26 women in the Americas to earn a Master Sommelier credential). How the hell can a sommelier taste a glass of wine with zero knowledge and name the grape; the part of the world it’s grown in; the appellation, sometimes even the hill, or the winemaker, and whether or not that winemaker is a side sleeper? Well, sometimes they nail it, sometimes they fail. Here’s a chance to watch some of the best in the U.S. try their hand at it. Get tickets.

Friday, October 4

In The Boardroom With Ian Cauble + Benchmark Wine Group

The second in the series, 10 guests max. This is the rarest of the rare wines at the festival, with a legendary host. Arguably the most beloved sommelier in the U.S. and one of the stars of the documentary film SOMM, Ian Cauble has selected the wines that excite him the most for you to try. Don’t miss out on these rare gems. Get tickets.

My Life in 8 Glasses With David Ramey

Hailed as “The Professor of Chardonnay” by Wine Spectator, Ramey is a pioneering American winemaker who has spent his life elevating California wines. Ramey’s chardonnays and cabs are celebrated and acclaimed worldwide. He’ll take the audience through eight wines that defined his life. Get tickets.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Three of the next generation of wine minds come together to share what they’re seeing for the future. Where’s next? What’s happening at the forefront of the industry? What are they drinking? They’ve selected eight wines that define the “now.” The trio is made up of Femi Oyediran, Amanda McCrossin, and Fahara Zamorano.

Oyediran was Food and Wine’s “Top Sommelier 2019” and is the owner of Graft Wine Shop and Bar. McCrossin a.k.a. @SommVivant on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, left the dining room to spread the wine gospel on social media, and a half million-plus followers have tuned in. Zamorano, owner of Nite Thyme wine bar in LA, was named to Zagat’s “30 Under 30” list in 2016. Get tickets.

Apertivo Italiano With Shelley Lindgren And David Lynch

Two wine legends and James Beard Award–winners: San Francisco restaurateur Shelley Lindgren (A16, SPQR) and her dear friend David Lynch (author of Vino Italiano and importer) have selected bottles to share while they tell the stories from a life in wine. Get tickets.

Great Cabernet Terroirs

Cabernet sauvignon is the most famous wine in history, but what really is the DNA of a great cab? Ted Glennon leads a killer group of heavy-hitters to taste and share insight: David Ramey, Jay James MS and Decanter Magazine’s California editor, Jonathan Cristaldi will showcase wines from Bordeaux to Chile, Napa, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Get tickets.

The Pyramid Valley Story With Steve Smith

Named as one of Decanter’s “50 Most Influential People for the Next Millennium,” winemaker and master somm Steve Smith unveils the first public tasting of the 2022 Botanical Collection. His session focuses on the most sought-after wines from New Zealand. Since their initial release in 2006, the Botanical Collection has created a new dimension for NZ wine. Get tickets.

A Perfect Wine

What’s the deal with the “points” scoring system that every wine shop touts? Is there a perfect wine? Three of the industry’s top minds from different parts of the industry—the critic (Decanter’s Jonathan Cristaldi), the sommelier (t), and winemaker (David Ramsey) each have their own ideas about what makes a wine perfect. They’ll poke a little fun at the scoring system, and share some of their near-perfect wines. Get tickets.

Saturday, October 5

Trip The Fizz Fantastic With Ted Glennon 

Dig bubbles? Same. Champagne started the category, but now there’s a whole solar system of great bubbles. Beverage director Ted Glennon (former wine director of the Hotel del Coronado and beverage director of Pebble Beach Wine + Food) leads a panel of rising-star talent to take us on a fizz-tacular voyage through nine new worlds of great sparkling wine. Get tickets.