The Del Mar Food + Wine Festival is coming and I can tell from the confused look on you face that you are wondering about the two day event…. do you do go Saturday, Sunday, or both, and if you do both is is worth it? Well let me give you the straight scoop on this.
First, the event itself is held at the huge grassy “polo fields” in Del Mar, inland off the 5 off Via de la Valle. It’s a big event, spread out, with rows and rows of food, wine, and beverage stalls. Unlimited food, and really good food. I really like this event because the lines are much shorter than at the San Diego Wine and Food Festival (a great event, just longer lines) so if eating a lot of gourmet food and drinking a lot of premium wine is one of your objectives at an event like this, Del Mar Food and Wine Festival nails it.
Which Day is BEST for the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival?
Ideally you would go for both days and I met a number of people who did just that. They sauntered around, grabbed a bite here and there, sipped some wine in the shade, totally chilled out knowing they had two days to see and taste it all. And in past years some of the vendors changed so it’s not a total repeat - but even if the vendors are same both days this chill concept is a good one…. if you can afford it.
How much does the del mar food + wine festival cost?
You can get one day tickets for $205 for the standard admission, early entry an hour early is $265, and access to the VIP tent is $465. Honestly, the standard ticket is probably all you need but if you can afford the splurge I won’t hate you for that. The VIP tent in the past was great one year with caviar and that sort of thing, but there’s honestly enough food, great food, at the main event so only do this if you’re wallet agrees. And see that sandwich below?
That’s just one “sample” from the Brandt Beef area that is yours for the taking, as many as you want. This was a grilled smoked pastrami if I recall, super delicious and I hope they have it again. But my point here is unlike some food festivals where you must upgrade to get the good stuff, at the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival there’s good stuff everywhere so the standard ticket won’t disappoint if that’s your pick.
The Big queer food festival zone
Look, this isn’t a political statement but I LOVE that Del Mar Food + Wine Festival isn’t shying away from celebrating everyone. The Big Queer Food Festival Zone is all about providing a safe, welcoming and lively place for queer and allied voices to express their pride through food, drink, and sustainability. This year, we’re including some incredible tastes you won’t want to miss out on.
Common Stock – Casual, but sophisticated where it matters, Hillcrest’s home for good, old fashioned hospitality and great Old Fashioneds.
Es Okay – A winemaker that gives you permission to have a little shameless fun. It’s just fruit juice with attitude after all. So live your truth. ¡Es okay!
Cary Q Wines – This woman-owned, small-production Cuban-American winemaker highlights terroir, sustainability, and community through vibrant, expressive wines.
Gossip Grill – A place where chosen families, bouncing booties and colorful drinks collide to make incredible memories. Add some classic American comfort food for a safe space that always feels like home.
Fierce & Kind Spirits – A minority- and woman-founded spirits brand that believes ethical consumption is the key to lifting the human spirit.
Lalo Tequila – Honoring tradition with a modern focus, these third-generation tequila makers from Guadalajara produce pure tequila blanco as an expression of their Mexican heritage.
Lia’s Lumpia – This mother-and-son duo have been bringing the flavors of their traditional Filipino upbringing to festivals all over the region and now a brick and mortar restaurant serving modern fusion street food.
Pique Wines – A San Diego based distributor that spotlights boutique and underrepresented producers. Their curated selection invites everyone to discover and celebrate the richness of diversity in winemaking.
T’Maro Brands, Inc. – A woman-owned sustainable liqueur brand with a vision of a deliciously beautiful world.
The LGBT Center – Find out how to get involved with this organization that enhances and sustains the health and wellbeing of San Diego’s broader queer community, to the betterment of our region and everyone in it.
MORE EVENTS AT THE DEL MAR FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL
Celebrity chefs, fancy dinners, you can stretch this out for days if you are so inclined and every event looks to be a standout with great food and a great experience. You can check these out for yourself by clicking the ticket info below for event description and pricing and availability.