DATE: EVENT RUNS NOV 6-8, 2026 | GRAND TASTING NOV 7TH | GRAND FIESTA NOV 8TH
Day by Day at the San Diego Food + Wine Festival: THE BIG EVENTS - UPDATED FOR 2026
ICONS + LEGENDS: aka 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 ICONS + LEGENDS, previously known as the GRAND DECANT on Friday, Nov 7th, 2026. 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 $210.
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. 7th, 2026 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 $210, early bird entrance is $260, and the VIP tent is $360 The event is from 11 - 3 for VIPs, 12 to 3 for general admission.
The Grand Fiesta: New Location in 2026
Held on Sunday, Nov 8th, 2026 anticipation is high for this event. Once a bit of an afterthought, a casual event held at Liberty Station, in 2026 the event will be held at the same glorious location at The Grand Tasting on the bay. Now your unlimited tacos and Baja Wines will have a view to match the event.
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.
In the past the early entry was an unnecessary splurge as lines were short or non-existent but with the new location this might change in 2026. Still, and I’m being honest here, you can only eat so many tacos so I’d probably stick with the GA and I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
COST: General Admission is just $155, Early Entry is $205.