The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is set to return this September, bringing with it a week of culinary and cultural celebrations that will culminate in its signature Grand Tasting event on September 13 and 14 at Surf Sports Park in Del Mar, California. Now in its third year, the festival has quickly established itself as one of Southern California’s premier food and wine gatherings, blending the region’s scenic coastal beauty with a rich mix of gourmet flavors, star chefs, and community spirit.
This year’s edition will expand on what has made the festival a standout since its inception. The schedule stretches from September 10 through 14, featuring intimate chef-hosted dinners, spirited sports events, and immersive culinary showcases. The centerpiece remains the two-day Grand Tasting, which offers guests the chance to explore a vast landscape of food and drink, including contributions from more than 100 wineries, breweries, distilleries, and restaurants representing both San Diego’s thriving dining scene and international influences from Baja California and beyond. The event is designed as both an indulgence and an experience, giving attendees the chance to savor fine wine and food while enjoying the open-air coastal setting that defines Del Mar.
At the Grand Tasting, festival-goers will be able to sample from over 200 wines, along with craft cocktails and small-batch beers. Culinary offerings will range from refined small plates by Michelin-recognized chefs to creative bites by up-and-coming local talents. Organizers have emphasized that the mix is intentional, celebrating both excellence at the highest levels of cuisine and the diversity of flavors that define Southern California’s food culture. Entertainment will accompany the tastings, with live music, DJs, and cultural performances helping to create a celebratory atmosphere that goes beyond food and drink.
The event has attracted notable figures in both food and sports. The festival was co-founded by a team that includes former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan, and surfing icon Rob Machado. Their involvement has helped shape the festival into something larger than a standard food event—one that reflects the community values, athletic culture, and vibrant lifestyle of the region. Beyond tasting booths and cooking demonstrations, guests can expect crossover events that highlight the connection between cuisine, wellness, and Southern California’s active way of life.
The location of Surf Sports Park plays a key role in defining the festival’s identity. With its sprawling lawns and proximity to the ocean, the venue provides a backdrop of coastal breezes and sunset skies that add to the sensory impact of the event. The design of the festival space incorporates shaded seating areas, lounge-style setups, and open-air tasting stations, encouraging guests to mingle and move through the grounds as they sample and explore. The intent is to make the festival not just a place to eat and drink, but a place to socialize, connect, and celebrate the shared culture of food.
The festival also includes a philanthropic element, with proceeds supporting Feeding San Diego, a nonprofit dedicated to hunger relief and reducing food waste. In previous years, the event has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities, underscoring its role as both a cultural and community-focused gathering. By tying celebration to impact, the festival aligns with the broader movement toward socially conscious dining experiences that combine pleasure with purpose.
Ticketing for the event offers different levels of access, from standard admission to premium packages that include early entry, VIP lounges, and exclusive tastings. Organizers expect both locals and regional visitors to attend, drawn by the chance to enjoy fine food and wine in one of California’s most picturesque settings. For many, the appeal lies not only in the opportunity to sample gourmet offerings but also in the festival’s ability to capture the essence of Southern California living—sunset views, ocean air, vibrant culture, and a sense of community.
As the Grand Tasting approaches, anticipation is building for a weekend that promises to deliver on all fronts: culinary excellence, lively entertainment, coastal beauty, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival has grown into an event that reflects both the region’s evolving food culture and its enduring appeal as a destination. For residents and visitors alike, it offers a chance to step into a setting where cuisine, culture, and community come together under Southern California’s iconic skies.
Read Also: https://socaljournal.com/southern-californias-cultural-festivals-celebrating-diversity-year-round/
