For two decades, this festival has been Southern California's premier epicurean event, showcasing the dynamic culinary landscape of San Diego. With its broad array of food and drink experiences, the San Diego Food + Wine Festival highlights both local talent and renowned guest chefs. Although package deals are available for those looking to streamline the experience with discounts (including exclusive rates on accommodations at area resorts), an à la carte approach can also allow for a more customized experience tailored to specific interests.
After carefully reviewing the extensive list of events, here are our top seven recommendations for the ultimate festival experience
After carefully reviewing the extensive list of events, here are our top seven recommendations for the ultimate festival experience
7) Sabores Eternos Pairing Dinner ($209+, Wednesday, November 6, 5:30-8:30pm, Fisher's Restaurant in Little Italy) - This six-course Day of the Dead-inspired dinner is paired with a selection of wines, cocktails, and craft beers. The meal, crafted by chefs from Team Mexico of the prestigious Bocuse d'Or, celebrates traditional Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist. Adorned with vibrant altars and marigolds, the setting enhances this culinary journey. A carefully curated chef lineup includes Marcelo Hisaki, Diego Vargas, and Claudia Sandoval, with sommelier Ana Ley pairing each course. Limited seating makes this a truly exclusive evening.
6) Love Thy Neighbor(Hood): East Village ($96.16+, Thursday, November 7, 3-5pm, Soverign Thai Modern Cuisine in East Village) - Join Chef Jumi of Sovereign Thai, featured in the Michelin Guide, for an immersive cooking class in East Village. This hands-on workshop introduces guests to the rich, balanced flavors of Thai cuisine, covering traditional spices and essential cooking techniques. Participants will learn to prepare two authentic Thai dishes, enjoying their creations in an intimate, small-group setting.
5) A Culinary Journey From CO To CA ($75-100 plus tax and tip, Thursday, November 7, 5-8:45pm, Marisi in La Jolla) - At Marisi, Executive Chef Cameron Ingle teams up with Matt Vawter, James Beard 2024 Best Chef: Mountain, from Breckenridge’s Rootstalk, for an unforgettable evening of collaborative cuisine. This à la carte menu features Marisi's wine selections by sommelier Chris Plaia and special guest Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor for Food & Wine Magazine. OpenTable reservations are required, and guests may also enjoy Marisi’s regular menu offerings.
4) Sazerac’s Rooftop Takeover SDFW's 20th Birthday Bash ($96.16+, Saturday, November 9, 7-10pm, Andaz Gaslamp) - Celebrating the festival’s 20th anniversary, this rooftop party at the Andaz is hosted by New Orleans’ Sazerac House, featuring celebrity chefs Angelo Sosa, Gale Gand, and Clarice Lam. With cocktails crafted by top mixologists and live vinyl music, this event pays homage to San Diego’s culinary legacy. VIP ticket holders enjoy early access, exclusive cabanas, and a collector’s edition LP.
3) Friends of James Beard Foundation Opening Night Grand Decant - ($75, Friday, November 8, 6-9pm, Julep Venue) - This exclusive tasting event provides access to over 300 wines from top domestic and international wineries, led by celebrated sommeliers and winemakers. Hosted by the James Beard Foundation, the evening features award-winning selections and limited-release wines from regions including Paso Robles, Napa, and Valle de Guadalupe. It’s a must-attend for dedicated wine enthusiasts.
2) Grand Fiesta - ($106.50+ but promo code SDVILLE saves $10 per ticket, Sunday, November 10, 11am-3pm, Liberty Station) - The festival’s grand finale is a lively Mexican food celebration at Liberty Station, featuring a diverse array of tacos, wine, and spirits from Southern California and Baja. Highlights include the Taco TKO competition, where Baja and San Diego’s top taquerias face off for attendees’ votes. This event offers unlimited tastings, live music, and a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture.
1) San Diego Food + Wine Fest Grand Tasting - ($215+, Saturday, Nov 9, 11am-3pm, Embarcadero Marina Park North) - The festival’s hallmark event, the Grand Tasting, showcases over 200 wine and spirit purveyors and more than 80 chefs from the West Coast and Baja. Guests can explore gourmet samples, enjoy live entertainment, attend cookbook signings, and watch celebrity chef demos. The "Chef of the Fest" competition adds a spirited edge to this iconic seaside gathering. Early entry is recommended to beat the crowds.
For more information on the 20th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, including packages, hotel discounts and to purchase tickets, visit sandiegowineclassic.com.
For more information on the 20th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, including packages, hotel discounts and to purchase tickets, visit sandiegowineclassic.com.
Originally published on November 2, 2024.
