day by day at the san diego food + wine festival: THE BIG EVENTS
The Grand Decant
While there are various dinner events and excursions during the week leading up to Grand Events the real excitement begins at the GRAND DECANT on Friday, Nov 7th. This evening event runs from 6:30PM to 9:00PM with early bird VIP tickets available for those wanting to get a 30 minute head start as well as other perks.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Held at the Julep Venue at 1735 Hancock, the event features the best wines offered, including limited release and rare bottles. There are also a number of gourmet food bites to pair with your wines, though in the past this event has been much more wine-centric versus a “food and wine” event.
WALLY’S EXPERIENCE AND TIPS: I went last year and was a bit concerned that this might be a snooty or dressy affair. Hey, I do my best but once I got there found that people came as they came so there’s no need to get dressed for a night out at the clubs. Yeah, I wore my Sketchers much to my more stylish wife’s disapproval. As for the wines, there were plenty of great wines to be had but food was more on the lighter side so we stopped at In N Out on the way home. In other words, don’t come un-hungry but don’t come starving either.
COST: General Admission is $292.62 and VIP is $576.97
the grand tasting
This is the event most people think of when they think of the San Diego Food + Wine Festival. Held on Saturday, Nov. 8th on the San Diego Bay, this event features rows and rows of wines, spirits, beer, and glorious bites of delicious food. The scene is lively and festive and the best day drinking party you can imagine. It’s fun super fun, and definitely hits the “worth it” box.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Considered one of the BEST wine and food festivals in the nation and it’s easy to see why. The setting on the bay is stunning, the food and wine stunnier, and everyone is having a great time. The VIP tent in the past has been well worth it but if 2025 has you checking your bank balance a bit more often you won’t be feeling left out with the standard general admission ticket.
WALLY’S EXPERIENCE AND TIPS: I really love this event - come super hungry because there is so much food that you’re going to want to try. I recommend you take the Coaster or Trolley in to avoid the parking madness and mad rush at the end. The Coaster drops you at the Santa Fe station which is about a 10 minute walk, not too bad, and the trolley drops you off at the Convention Center, even closer. You could also go from Coaster to Trolley.
COST: There are two ticket levels - General Admission is just $215, early bird entrance is $318, and the VIP tent is $421. The event is from 11 - 3 for VIPs, 12 to 3 for general admission.
THE GRAND FIESTA
Held on Sunday at the huge grassy park at Liberty Station, this low key taco driven event has been one of my favorites. While the Saturday event is high energy and upscale, the Grand Fiesta is nice and relaxed, not too busy with a cool San Diego vibe. Chefs are creating gourmet tacos with plenty of spirits and Baja wines to enjoy.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Rows and rows of booths making tacos, all vying for the title of BEST TACO IN SAN DIEGO in the Taco TKO event.
WALLY’S EXPERIENCE AND TIPS: This is the event to treat your friends to, the best way to spend an Sunday afternoon. The tacos are so plentiful that there is no way you’re going to try them all so be selective and don’t just grab the first one you see. Plenty of room to spread out, enjoy the live music and sip a glass of wine or some tequila and savor the San Diego lifestyle, lucky you.
For this event I don’t think you need to upgrade to VIP or early bird though no one would fault you if you did. It’s just chill, and delicious. Parking is also free but you probably want to consider Uber since there is so much to drink and you won’t want to cut yourself off.
COST: General Admission is just $158, Early Bird is $199 and VIP is $261,