It’s 2026 and I have to keep it real. In the past if someone asked me which was better, the original San Diego Food and Wine Fest or the newcomer Del Mar Wine and Food Festival I would say “do both”. Go celebrate life, go have fun, that’s what I would say.
But hey, wow, basic things like gas and food have gotten expensive this year, making doing both seem a bit too extravagant I don’t know what’s causing it (well, maybe I do) but bottom line is it’s time to choose and I’m here to tell you which one IS the best. No fluff, no double talk or ambiguity, I’m going back to my Local Wally roots and will tell it like it is.
The crowd scene at San Diego Food + Wine Fest
The HONEST TRUTH: SAN DIEGO OR DEL MAR, WHICH IS BETTER?
Between the two big wine and food festivals the one that I would pick if I could only pick one would be the San Diego Food + Wine Festival. They’re the original and while Del Mar is a strong contender there’s something about being on the bay at the OG festival that makes it hard to beat. Here’s the breakdown:
EVENT LOCATION: San Diego for the win with the location right on the bay. It feels so special, it makes you so happy you live in San Diego. The vibe, the people, it’s a total win. Del Mar is at the old polo fields and while it’s more spread out it’s less festive.
FOOD QUALITY: This one varies. After Covid the San Diego Food + Wine Festival definitely took a hit and Del Mar jumped in and frankly knocked them out. But last year San Diego took back the crown with and incredible comeback. Honestly you won’t be disappointed with either. Don’t let the food be a deciding factor.
VIP TENTS: San Diego Food + Wine Fest does their VIP tent right with ultra premium foods and wines, a live band, it feels like a great party. Del Mar’s VIP tent has been a bit “more of the same”, just another area with more food options but not essential. San Diego wins this one.
PEOPLE WATCHING AND THE VIBE: San Diego wins again. After filling up on too many gourmet bites and perhaps one too many sips of wine, you’ll find me chilling on the lawn and watching the crowds go by. It’s premium people watching, especially towards the end of the event (iykyk).
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING: While Del Mar has a ton of parking I’m just going to say it - you shouldn’t be driving after an event like this. Just like I tell my readers at NapaTouristGuide.com there’s just no way you’re not going to drink too much, especially when there are unlimited good wines being poured.
The giant parking lot at Del Mar for me is too big of a temptation and their uber pick up and drop off is a hassle. The San Diego event on the other hand is at the huge grassy area behind Seaport Village so parking can be challenging and expensive, basically forcing you to take an Uber or the Trolley or Coaster. It’s not only convenient but removes the DUI temptation.
Search for the hidden speakeasy - it’s worth the effort!
And there are more food adventures leading up the the event and the NEW Grand Fiesta, this year being held at the same San Diego Bay location (not Liberty Station as it’s been at for years). Here’s a breakdown for all of the events for 2026.
So there you go, Local Wally recommends the San Diego Food + Wine Festival for 2026 if you can only go to one. Now look, the Del Mar event is still a great event so don’t misread this. But if you must pick just one, do the San Diego Food + Wine Fest.