Must-Attend Events at Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Q: Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets for all events are available now at delmar.wine .

Darryl Gordon

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival returns September 30 through October 4, 2026. This is year four, and it’s bigger than ever. Expect celebrity chefs, top winemakers, pro athletes, and five days of eating, drinking, and playing across San Diego and Baja. Tickets for Del Mar Wine + Food Festival are on sale now at tickets.

The Seven Events at Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Here’s the full lineup, in order

Signature San Diego Opening Night Party

Wednesday, September 30, 6-9 p.m., Monarch Ocean Pub. The festival opens with a walk-around tasting of San Diego staple restaurants, desserts from Extraordinary Desserts, poured alongside Aperol Spritz and Tito’s.

Rioja Uncorked

Thursday, October 1, 6-9 p.m., Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Spain’s Rioja region takes over Rancho Valencia, paired with dishes from Executive Chef Martin Manguia and desserts from Karen Krasne of Extraordinary Desserts.

Menu Tasting Bites and Pairing

Hiramasa Crudo, Compressed Green Apple, Olive Oil, Shiso, Yuzu Kosho | Aged White Rioja (Viura-based)
Santa Barbara Uni Toast, Seaweed Butter, Lemon Zest | Rioja Rosado
Chilled Pea Tartlet, White Chocolate, Ricotta Salata, Meyer Lemon | High-Altitude White Rioja
Duck Rillette, Cherry Gastrique, Crispy Shallot | Elegant Reserva Rioja Blend
“Cardiff Crack” Tri-tip sandwiches, Roasted Allium Aioli | Village Rioja Tempranillo
Braised Beef Birria Mini Tacos, Cilantro, Onion, Avocado Crema | Rioja Oriental Garnacha Blend
Compte Gougere, Thyme-Honey Glaze | Barrel-Fermented White Rioja
Dark Chocolate Cremeux, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Raspberry | Gran Reserva Rioja

Celebrity Pickleball Tournament

Friday, October 2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Barnes Tennis Center. Drew Brees hosts, with James Blake, Brett Tomko, and Eric Byrnes joining in. Play in the round-robin, compete for cash purses, or just spectate with courtside food and drink. Partners include Corbin’s, Crudo, JUSTIN, Tap Truck and The Cottage. This is a friendly pickleball tournament benefiting Feeding San Diego.

JUSTIN Wine Dinner

Friday, October 2, 6-9:30 p.m., Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. Michelin-starred chef Buddha Lo and Top Chef alum Jackson Kalb team up with Estancia’s Kaitlyn Weber for a multi-course dinner on the Olive Lawn, paired with JUSTIN Vineyards wines.

Grand Tasting: Day One

Saturday, October 3, noon-4 p.m., Surf Sports Park. This is the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival’s biggest event. More than 100 chefs and restaurants join 150-plus wine and spirits producers on the pro soccer fields. Single-day tickets start at $185 and include unlimited food and drink.

Nightcap: The Official After Party

Saturday, October 3, 5-8:30 p.m., Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle. Kelsey Murphy, Javier Plascencia, and Beau MacMillan cook bites inspired by classic cocktails, paired with spirits and craft cocktails.

Grand Tasting: Day Two

Sunday, October 4, noon-4 p.m., Surf Sports Park. A mix of the same lineup of chefs, restaurants, and drinks as Day One, plus some new ones. Buy a two-day pass to catch both.

New Zones to Check Out

This year’s Grand Tasting adds several themed areas. The Matchday Experience, hosted by San Diego FC and San Diego Wave FC, brings stadium energy with bites from The Crack Shack and Buona Forchetta. The Beef Experience, presented by Brandt Beef, features Tanner’s Prime Burgers and Ranch 45. Big Queer Food Fest will be back for the third year. And Taco Alley, presented by Milagro Tequila, serves tacos from Puesto, Chuy’s Taco Shop, and Nómada.

Must-Attend Events at Del Mar Wine + Food Festival