Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

20th Anniversary of the San Diego Wine and Food Festival 2024

San Diego Wine + Food Fest 2024: Twenty Year Anniversary Special Events announced! Nov 2-10

Local WallyComment

San Diego Wine + Food Fest Celebrates 20 years!

I had a feeling that the 2024 SAN DIEGO WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL was going to be insane. After all, it’s the 20th anniversary and that’s not nothing. They just announced their headliners and events and let me tell you that they pulled out all stops to create a week long experience that’s going to blow you away.

For those of you who haven’t been to this event before the San Diego Wine + Food Festival is a week long “immersive journey into the world of gastronomy”. OK, that’s a mouthful so let me break it down. On Nov 9th there’s what’s call The Grand Tasting event held along the bay in the large grassy peninsula behind Seaport Village. You’ll find rows and rows of booths handing out glasses of wine and unlimited bites of gourmet food. This is the big event and here’s the link to get tickets. It’s possibly the best wine and food event in the country.

On Sunday, Nov 10th, there’s a smaller event held at the park in Liberty Station that’s just tacos and more wine and more drinks. That’s called The Grand Fiesta and is a favorite of mine, a low key and laid back afternoon with tacos, tacos and more tacos, live music, it’s a killer event and and feels so very San Diego. Tickets are a less expensive than The Grand Tasting making it a good event to attend if you just want to see what all the fuss is about. Take my word for it, you will love it. Here’s ticket info for The Grand Fiesta. I go to both events, they’re different but both super fun.

Headliners for the SD Wine + Food Fest 2024

But there’s more to the San Diego Wine + Food Festival other than those two main events. During the week are more events to keep your food and wine spirit indulged. This year features a blend of James Beard award winners, chefs of Michelin star restaurants, celebrity chefs and personalities from Food Network and Top Chef, and includes exclusive dinner events, special tastings, even an excursion into Mexico’s wine region. You’re going to be glad that your company still lets you “work for home” because you’re going to want to do all of these events.

This year’s roster includes culinary luminaries like Alice Waters, Elizabeth Falkner, and Mexico’s first chef to earn a Michelin star, Carlos Gaytán, and many more. 

Here’s a calendar of everything happening from Saturday, Nov 2, all the way through the next weekend. You’ll want to check out the complete list but here are some of my favorites.

  • Love thy Neighbor(hood): Food and art exploration of Barrio Logan, Sunday, Nov 3. Ticket Info

  • Sabores Eternos Pairing Dinner: Six courses exploring the vibrant traditions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead - paired with wine, of course. Wednesday, Nov 6th, Ticket Info

  • Baja Culinary Expedition - Michelin Guide Edition: Tour Valle de Guadalupe’s most prestigious wineries and restaurants. Luxurious and delicious. Ticket Info

  • Amizetta Napa Valley Winemakers Dinner: Limited seating at the beautiful L’Auberge Del Mar Adelaide restaurant with bubbles, wine, and appetizers while mingling with the winemaker and somm Cristina Merrigan, followed by a meticulously crafted late harvest fall menu dinner that promises to elevate this to an evening to remember. Ticket Info

  • Mister A’s Tasting Experience: The OG of San Diego elevated dining, Mister A’s stunning views of the city are surpassed by this rare opportunity to experience Revana, a highly allocated California cult wine. Ticket Info

And there are more events, more neighborhood excursions cooking classes, caviar and bubbles, the list goes on and on. Want that complete list again?

Let me close by saying that The San Diego Wine + Food Festival deserves to be on your calendar. Pick some events during the week and cap it off at The Grand Tasting and The Grand Fiesta and you’re living large, San Diego style!

    • Ray Isle (Author, The World in a Wineglass, Executive Wine Editor, Food & Wine Magazine,)

    • Maynard Llera (Kuya Lord, LA, 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: California)

    • Clarice Lam (Author, Breaking Bao, 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist Best New Restaurant)

    • Carlos Gaytán (Hà, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, 1-star Michelin; Paseo, Anaheim; Tzuco, Chicago; Top Chef; Bocuse d’Or Team Mexico)

    • Anne McBride (Vice President of Programs, The James Beard Foundation)

    • Roberto Alcocer (Malva, Valle de Guadalupe and Valle, Oceanside, 1-star Michelin)

    • Charlotte Randolph (Inaugural Michelin Sommelier of the Year, co-owner of Californios, San Francisco, 2-star Michelin)

    • Matt Crafton (Winemaker, Chateau Montelena, Calistoga)

    • Danielle Nierenberg (President, Food Tank)

    • Ruffo Ibarra (Orix Restaurante, Baja, Bocuse d’Or)

    • Suzette Gresham (2-star Michelin Aquerello, San Francisco)

    • Travis Swikard (Michelin Bib Gourmand, Callie, San Diego) 

    • Claudia Sandoval (Claudia’s Cocina, Master Chef Latino)

    • Kevin Gómez (North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024; Aruba Day Drink, Tijuana)

    • Jairo Villalvaso (Bocuse d’Or Team Mexico, Beef, Baja)

    • Cameron Ingle (Marisi, La Jolla)

    • Drew Deckman (1-star Michelin, Conchas de Piedra, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja +  31THIRTYONE)

    • Oliver Seki (Seki Restaurante, Baja, Bocuse d’Or)

    • Marcelo Hisaki (Restaurant Amores, Baja, Michelin + Bocuse d’Or)

    • Gerardo Carrera (Sabina Sabe; Oaxaca, #22 World’s Best Bars 2023)

    • Ewan Bennie (Young Blood; San Diego, #49 World’s Best Bars 2022)

    • Mawa McQueen (Mawa’s Kitchen, Aspen)

    • Ming Pu (James Beard Policy for Change Boot Camp Alum, Brooklyn and The Butcher, New Albany, IN)

    • Matt Vawter (James Beard Foundation Awards 2024 Winner Best Chef: Mountain; Rootstalk, Breckenridge, Colorado)

    • David Alarcon (Fuego Santo, Piedra Santa, Baja)

    • Esteban Lluis (Michelin Star 2024, Damiana, Baja)  

    • Mairym Monti Carlo (Netflix, Food Network)

    • Hugo D’Acosta (Winemaker, Casa de Piedra, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja)

    • Lulú Martinez (Winemaker, Bruma Winery, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja)

    • Oscar Torres (1-star Michelin; Animalón, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja)

    • Javier Plascencia ( 2016 James Beard Award Nominee Best New Restaurant, 1-star Michelin, Animalón, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja)

    • James Trees (2020 James Beard Award Finalist Best Chef Southwest; Esther’s Kitchen, Las Vegas) 

    • Juan Cabrera (Casa Tijuan, Baja)

    • Diane Moss (Project New Village)

    • Bob Kamensky (CEO of Feeding San Diego)

    • Jonathan Bautista (James Beard Foundation Awards semi-finalist 2023; Ember & Rye, Carlsbad)

    • Jiranan Tanvilai Mo, Eo Pitiwartarlai, JuMi Pitiwartarlai (Sovereign Modern Thai, San Diego)

    • Javier Caro (La Justina and Oja y Valle de Guadalupe, Baja)

    • Denise Grande (Solare Ristorante, San Diego)

    • Ken Cook (President, Environmental Working Group)

    • Mark Kropczynski (AAA Four Diamond; The US Grant Hotel, San Diego)

    • Gustavo Arellano (Los Angeles Times)

    • Danny + Dante Romero (Two Ducks, The Lion Share, Ponyboy, San Diego)

    • Eduardo Salgado (Food & Wine en Español’s Best New Chef 2024; ‘Emat, Baja)

    • Anthony Wells (James Beard Foundation Awards semi-finalist 2022; Juniper & Ivy, San Diego)

    • Reyna Venegas (Bocuse d’Or Team Mexico Manager; Rancho La Puerta, Baja)

    • Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter (Theology and Religious Studies, USD)

    • Stephane Voitzwinkler (AAA Four Diamond; Mister A’s, San Diego)

    • Miguel Angel Guerrero (La Querencia, La Esperanza, Baja)

    • Bernard Guillas (Maître Cuisinier de France)

    • David Sim (Kingfisher, San Diego)

    • Jennifer Gilmore (CEO of Kitchens for Good)

    • Clare Fox (Executive Director of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders)

    • Martin San Roman (Former Bocuse d’Or Team Mexico; Dobsons, San Diego)

    • Carlos Esquivel (Corazón D’Petra, Baja)

    • Ian Ward (Ponyboy, San Diego)

    • Angelo Sosa (Tia Carmen, Kembara, Phoenix, Top Chef)

    • Josh Orr (Master Sommelier, Broadbent Selections)

    • Touré Folkes (Executive Director of Turning Tables)

    • Jaz Brisack (Union Organizer, Starbucks Workers United)

    • Emily Burgueno (Head Seed Keeper, Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel)

    • Beau du Bois (America’s Top 25 bartenders by The Daily Meal; Roma Norte, San Diego)

    • Jack Ford (Owner/Rancher; Taj Farms)

    • DuVal Warner (Ranch 45, Solana Beach)

    • James Montejano (Executive Chef, L’Auberge Del Mar)

    • Gale Gand (Food Network Personality, Two time James Beard Award Winner, Restaurateur, Author)

The Two Biggest Wine and Food Festivals Coming to San Diego Fall 2024

Local Wally2 Comments

San Diego Wine & Food Festival versus Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

We are so damn lucky in San Diego. We have numerous wine and food festivals throughout the year, so many that it’s hard to choose which ones to go to. As we round the corner this Fall of 2024 there are two of the biggest festivals coming - First up is the Del Mar Wine + Food Fest with their Grand Tasting event held over two days on Oct 5th and 6th, then followed by the San Diego Wine + Food Festival with their Grand Tasting event on Nov. 2nd.

With two competing large festivals, what’s the difference between the two? Let’s break it down.

DEL MAR WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL

  • Grand Tasting Oct 5th and 6th, 2023. Additional events such as chef dining experiences starting Oct 2nd.

  • Location: Grand Tasting at Del Mar Surf Sports Park, aka the polo fields. MAP

  • Overview: Two days of Grand Tasting with some different food vendors on each day. Tickets range from $165 for standard admission to $425 for access to the VIP tent for either Sat or Sun. Coming both days will cost $275 for standard admission and $775 for VIP. And yes, there’s early entry options as well. HERE’S THE OFFICIAL TICKET INFO

  • THE LOWDOWN: This is the second year for this event but last year the crowds were very manageable and the food quality off the charts. The VIP tent was pricey but worth it which is not always true at other events. A lot of people came for both days last year which doubles the fun but not the price.

  • Wally Says: The photos below should show you what I’m talking about when I say the food at this event is over the top. While so many “food festivals” leave you feeling a bit hungry and trigger that haunting “was that worth it?” question as you walk back to your car, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival goes overboard with insanely good food and huge portions to boot. Lobster roll? OK, I’ll have another. Wait, a full size prime beef burger? Yes please. Oh no, oysters? More than an otter can eat? Sushi that’s not a California Roll? Bone Marrow with a shooter?? The list goes on and on and on and every bite was so delicious. All thriller, no filler.

  • PRO’S: Easy parking, huge event space so you’re not bumping into people around you, food is easily the best I’ve ever had at an Wine and Food Fest.

  • CON’S: Not on the water, vibe is a tad more restrained outside of the VIP tent but that could change this year as the word gets out what a great event this is.

SAN DIEGO WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL

  • Grand Tasting Nov 9th with other foodie events such as a Michelin Guide Baja food and wine expedition and cooking classes starting Nov 2nd.

  • Grand Fiesta Nov 10th at Liberty Station park. A smaller festival featuring just tacos and plenty of beverages and live music.

  • Location: The Grand Tasting is the big event and held at Embarcadero Marina Park North, also known as the big grassy area behind Seaport Village and on the bay. MAP

    The Grand Fiesta is held at Liberty Station Ingram Plaza which is the big park in the middle, can’t miss it. MAP

  • Overview: This is the 20th anniversary for this event so expect them to pull out all stops to make this the most impressive event ever. The week starts with plenty chef lunch and dinner experiences, trips to Baja, San Diego neighborhood food tours, but the Saturday Grand Tasting is the event that most people think of when you mention the San Diego Wine and Food Fest. Standard admission is $215 and of course there’s an early entry option for about $50 more which is always worth it. The VIP tent gets you additional food and drinks and access to the dance floor with live music and is $370. HERE;S THEIR OFFICIAL TICKET INFO

    The Grand Fiesta, aka Taco TKO, is my favorite smaller event, a very manageable festival with so many tacos there is no way you can try them all. The standard admission is $106.50. You can get early entry if you just can’t get enough tacos or consider it if you want to just hang out with the live music and friends all day.

  • THE LOWDOWN: This is the wine and food fest that started it all and if I’m being honest it got a bit “light” during the Covid period, which can be expected. But last year they bounced back with an incredible and impressive spread and tons and tons of good wines, beers and spirits to try. I think they’re going to be hard to beat this year since it’s their 20th anniversary. My hopes and expectations are high and I’m pretty confident they’ll exceed them.

    As for the Grand Fiesta what’s not to love about tons of tacos in a laid back setting?

  • Wally Says: Celebrity chefs, a beautiful bay side setting, glorious San Diego fall weather, and lots and lots of great wines and food bites make this a San Diego essential event. It’s like a giant party with unlimited hors d'oeuvres and stellar people watching. This is the original San Diego food and wine festival and I expect great things from them on their 20th anniversary. Don’t pass over their events the happening the week before - some very cool options ranging from Thai cooking classes to exploring the culinary scene in some of San Diego’s iconic neighborhoods.

  • PRO’S: Great location and people watching, has a strong San Diego vibe that’s fun whether you’re in your 20’s or 70’s. Feels like a celebration event.

  • CON’S: Can get crowded and the food tends to be more happy sized (which is not necessarily a bad thing if you want to try it all). Parking can be expensive if you don’t Uber (highly recommended!)

which is better? the del mar wine + food festival or the San Diego Wine & Food Festival?

You don’t really expect me to answer that, right? I mean, both are really, really good options and if your calendar is free and your budget says YES then do both. I think you’ll find that each one has a bit of something unique to offer that makes them both worthwhile. Being only the second year, after blowing it out last year I expect that Del Mar will be even better this year as they really want to put their name on the map. But come on, this is the 20th anniversary for the San Diego Wine and Food Fest so I am ready for them to really do some over the top stuff.

I will say that the San Diego Bay location is hard to beat so if I would give them an extra point there. There’s something so traditional, at least in a San Diego way, to tasting wine and savoring the sunshine (and food) right on the bay before the holiday season starts. In some ways it does signal the kickoff of the holidays.

But Del Mar is no slouch and the food, oh my God, the food was just so insanely good last year that I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. And if crowd size is a consideration the event is held on such a large area that you can spread out with very quick lines for food and drink, which is nice.

I guess I’m going to have to take the easy way out and tell you that both festivals are worth your time and money and if you only go to one, well, don’t worry too much about it as both are so good that there really is no wrong decision here.

DID YOU GO TO EITHER EVENT LAST YEAR? Leave a comment below!

Advance Info on 20th ANNIVERSARY SAN DIEGO WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL 2024 aka SD Bayfest

eventsLocal Wally1 Comment

Every year around mid November is the San Diego Wine and Food Festival, a week long celebration of gourmet food and wine adventures with THE GRAND TASTING on Saturday as the main event. The Grand Tasting is booths and booths of food and wine, all yours for the taking. Every year has been incredible and 2023 really knocked it out of the park but I anticipate that THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY of the SD Wine and Food Fest will be the BEST ever and you won’t want to wait to get tickets as it will guaranteed sell out.

HERE’S THE LATEST INFO ON THE SD WINE AND FOOD FEST 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2024

DATE: To be determined but I would bet The Grand Tasting will be on Saturday, Nov 9th, 2024. This makes the Grand Fiesta, aka Taco TKO, on Sunday, Nov 10th, with the various food and restaurant experiences the week before.

PRICING: Basic tickets were $250 last year but I suspect the pricing will increase in 2024, especially since their main competition, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, has tickets in the $400 range. If you can swing it the VIP experience is the way to go. You get in an hour earlier plus you gain entrance to additional food bites, the higher end stuff like caviar and oysters and for the VIPs. You want to do this if you can.

As more info is available I’ll update this. Of course you can always click the info button to be magically transported to the official website. Ahh, the internet is so cool.

Where are all the oysters??? Well, I helped empty a few. Don’t worry, plenty more coming!

WANT A REVIEW OF THE 2023 SAN DIEGO WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL TO SEE IF IT’S WORTH IT? Click here to read my review and check out the photos!