The San Diego Food + Wine Festival is an amazing week-long event that celebrates the best food, wine, and spirits in San Diego. Tons of top chefs, local restaurants, and wineries come together to showcase delicious food and drinks. The festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, taking place from November 2 to 10, 2024, at various locations across San Diego.
There are tastings, cooking demos, and parties happening all week long. Recognized as one of the best wine festivals in the country, it promises an unforgettable experience for food and wine enthusiasts. It’s perfect for food lovers or anyone who wants to explore San Diego’s awesome food scene. Trust me, if you love good food, wine, and fun, this is one event you do not want to miss!
what to look forward to at the GRAND TASTING
The Grand Tasting at the San Diego Food + Wine Festival is the highlight of the entire event! It’s held at Embarcadero Marina Park North, right by the water. It features food and drink stations all with the Embarcadero as the backdrop. You can taste gourmet bites from top chefs, sip on wine, craft beer, and spirits from all over the world. You can even watch live cooking demonstrations.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, with music playing and people enjoying incredible food in the sunshine. It’s the ultimate experience for food lovers who want to sample the best of San Diego’s culinary scene all in one place!
You’ll get to sip from 200 wineries, breweries, and spirit makers. And over 80 of the best chefs and restaurants from the West Coast and Baja serve up creative and delicious dishes for you to taste! The chefs will be competing to earn the coveted “2024 People’s Choice – Chef of the Fest”
The Grand Tasting will be held on Saturday, November 9.
VIP + Early Entry: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
General Admission: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Embarcadero Marina Park North
400 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
CELEBRITY CHEFS AT the GRAND TASTING
- Chef Brad Wise is a well-known chef and restaurateur from San Diego, California. He’s gained recognition for his focus on wood-fired cooking and commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that reflect the seasons. As the founder and executive chef of Trust Restaurant Group, he oversees several popular dining spots in the San Diego area.
- Claudia Sandoval: Chef Claudia Sandoval is a Mexican-American chef, cookbook author, and TV personality, best known for winning Season 6 of “MasterChef” in 2015. Following her win, she published her first cookbook, Claudia’s Cocina: A Taste of Mexico. She shares her love for traditional Mexican flavors, enhanced with modern touches.
- Lauren Lawless: Chef Lauren Lawless is an accomplished culinary talent known for her innovative approach to modern cuisine. Based in San Diego, she has made a name for herself by blending seasonal ingredients with bold flavors, creating dishes that delight the palate. With a background that includes training in some of the country’s top kitchens, Chef Lawless brings a unique perspective to her cooking.
- Sam The Cooking Guy: Sam Zien, widely known as Sam The Cooking Guy, is a charismatic chef and cooking show host who has captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere. Based in San Diego, he is celebrated for his approachable cooking style and engaging personality, making gourmet meals accessible to home cooks. With a passion for bold flavors and creative recipes, Sam’s videos and cookbooks have inspired countless fans to embrace their kitchens. Sam won the 2022 People’s Choice Award at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival for his Italian Beef ciabatta sandwich, which featured slow braised oxtail, garlic aioli, giardiniera, and dipping jus.
- Tara Monsod: Chef Tara Monsod is a talented James Beard Best Chef finalist and restaurateur based in San Diego. She is known for her inventive take on classic dishes. She is the Executive Chef of Puffer Malarkey Collective’s Le Coq and ANIMAE. With a deep-rooted passion for food and a commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, she crafts vibrant meals that reflect the rich flavors of her heritage. Chef Monsod’s culinary journey has taken her through some of the finest kitchens, where she honed her skills and developed her unique style.
RESTAURANTS AT the GRAND TASTING
One of the highlights of the festival is the impressive variety of food. With chefs preparing exquisite dishes, attendees can sample everything from fresh seafood to gourmet street food. The diversity of flavors is incredible and offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artistry of fine dining.
Some of the restaurants participating include:
- For the first year ever, RMD Group (ballast Point, Huntress, Lumi, Rustic Root, SideBar, StoryHouse Spirits) will be having an immersive experience featuring food & cocktails from all our venues in one dedicated area. Rustic Root will be featuring a New England-style shrimp roll made with a toasted brioche bun, and Old Bay herb aioli.
- Basta!
- Flawless Cuisine
- Cork Fire Kitchen
- Deeply Nourished
- Finca!
- Garibaldi
- Herb & Sea
- Brian Redzikowski will be serving the Celery Salad from Whaling Bar (SDCM Restaurant Group: Kettner Exchange; Waverly; Camino Riviera)
- Le Coq
- Lumi
- Marisi
- Mister A’s
- Puesto
- RusticRoot
- Sovereign Thai Cuisine
- STK
- Tahona
- Paradise Point
- Understory
WINE, BEER + SPIRITS AT the GRAND TASTING
Some of the participants include:
- Bivouac Ciderworks
- Carruth Cellars
- Curious Juniper
- Doffo Winery
- Europa Village
- Frey Ranch
- Pali Wine Co.
- Societe
- Tap Truck
- Wilson Creek
Friends of James Beard Foundation Opening Night: Grand Decant
The Friends of James Beard Foundation Opening Night: Grand Decant is a premier celebration that kicks off the annual event. This celebration features culinary powerhouses, including beloved James Beard award winners and nominees, showcasing their talents.
Guests will embark on a luxurious journey through a limited-release tasting of award-winning wines and spirits from around the globe. Experience exceptional wines from prestigious regions such as Paso Robles, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Lodi, Temecula, San Diego, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, and beyond. It includes renowned areas in Spain, Argentina, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, and more.
It’s an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence and fine beverages!
November 9th
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
$250
don't miss The Grand Fiesta
The Grand Fiesta serves as the unforgettable finale of the San Diego Food + Wine Festival, celebrating the vibrant culinary and cultural influence of Latin America on Southern California. Enjoy world-class cuisine crafted by award-winning chefs, exceptional wines, and traditional spirits of Mexico, along with stunning art installations.
Sunday, November 10
Early Entry: 11 am–3 pm
General Admission: Noon–3 pm
lunch and dinner events
In addition to the weekend events, there is a series of events during the week catering to those interested in dining experiences.
Since these events sell out quickly, be sure to check the event website for ticket availability:
- Baja Culinary Expedition – Michelin Guide Edition at Moniker General
- A Culinary Journey from CO to CA at Marisi
- Amizetta Vineyards Napa Valley Winemakers Dinner at L’Auberge Del Mar
- Chateau Montelena Winemaker Experience (sold out)
- Mister A’s Tasting Experience with Revana Family Vineyard
if you are visiting just for the san diego food + wine festival
You will love the location of the events and the availability of hotels. Partner Hotels include Kona Kai, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Marriott Marquis, Kimpton Alma, and U.S. Grant Hotel.
The San Diego Food + Wine Festival is a celebration of food and drink. It is a fantastic way to spend a weekend. It combines amazing food, and exceptional wine, in a stunning location. It will leave you counting down the days until next year’s event. If you’re looking for a food and wine festival that truly stands out, this is the one!
