The Ultimate Guide to The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival returns after being named one of the “Best Food Festivals of 2025” nationwide, bringing together culinary stars, pro athletes, and cross-border culture for five days of celebration near the sea.

This epic week showcases the magic of San Diego and Baja’s food and drink scene with Michelin-level talent, ESPY-worthy star power, and the perfect September timing when locals’ summer delivers psychedelic sunsets and vibrant harvest flavors.

Why September Makes Perfect Sense

Festival cofounder and Food Network personality Troy Johnson chose September because it’s “locals’ summer” – when sunsets go psychedelic, temperatures hover between 67-78 degrees, and there’s a perfect breeze that shows up right on cue.

It’s also peak harvest season in SoCal, when the region’s farms, vineyards, and coastal waters deliver some of their most vibrant flavors.

San Diego’s 267 days of sunshine and 70-degree average temperature made it famous for outdoor action lifestyle, but now it’s making national headlines for its cross-border food and drink culture. The festival brings both together with some of North America’s top celebrity talent in food, drink, and sport.

The Star-Studded Lineup

Star athletes, including international soccer superstar Alex Morgan, NFL legend Drew Brees, and pro-surfing icon Rob Machado, have invited teammates and friends to curate culinary-fueled activities that redefine modern food festival culture, alongside San Diego FC, San Diego Wave FC, San Diego Legion, and San Diego Mojo.

The chef lineup reads like a Food Network and Top Chef roster: Michael Voltaggio, Jet Tila, Marc Murphy, Kelsey Murphy, Mawa McQueen, Adria Marina, Beau MacMillan, Jackson Kalb, Brian Malarkey, Catherine McCord, Carlos Anthony, Claudia Sandoval, Benito Molina, Michelle Mathelin, The Grill Dads, and Zuliya Khawaja.

Chef Brian Malarkey, Festival Founder Ernie Hahn, Pro Surfer Rob Machado

Aarti Sequeira, Claudia Sandoval at Del Mar Wine + Food Festival.

Cali-Baja’s Best Local Talent

The festival showcases Michelin Stars alongside beloved mom-and-pops from the Cali-Baja culinary scene.

Featured talent includes Eric Bost (Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie & Lilo), Javier Plascencia (Michelin-starred Animalón), Drew Deckman (Michelin Star & Green-starred Conchas de Piedra), Jason Knibb (Nine-Ten), Karen Krasne (Extraordinary Desserts), and many more local legends with global credibility.

Wine wizard Ted Glennon curates the beverage program, bringing everyone from David Ramey and Kosta Browne to pop-culture disruptors like Kyle Cooke from Loverboy and Summer House.

Signature Events Worth Planning Around

Opening Night Party hosted by San Diego FC kicks things off at Monarch Ocean Pub with ocean views, sunset toasts, and hometown pride. Alex Morgan hosts Game Changers dinner at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, celebrating women redefining their industries with six powerhouse female chefs.

The Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Tournament at Barnes Tennis Center promises the best pickleball party on the planet, benefiting Feeding San Diego. Multiple wine dinners feature legendary winemakers paired with superstar chefs at iconic venues like The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and Estancia La Jolla Hotel.

The Grand Tasting Weekend

The Grand Tasting at Surf Sports Park represents the festival’s signature event—over 100 top chefs and restaurants from San Diego and Baja, plus 150+ international wine, spirits, and beverage producers on perfect pro-soccer grass.

Highlights include the VIP Experience with acclaimed chefs and fine wines, Big Queer Food Fest celebrating LGBTQ+ culinary excellence, The Beach zone with volleyball and coastal lifestyle brands, Plant Paradise curated by Top Chef winner Zuliya Khawaja, and Taco Alley featuring San Diego and Baja’s oxygen—tacos.

Community Impact and Purpose

Beyond the celebration, the festival has raised $75,000 for partner Feeding San Diego over its first two years. This year spotlights groups making positive change, including Big Queer Food Fest, Alex Morgan Foundation championing equity for girls, and a partnership with San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women.