Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Del Mar Wine & Food Festival is an annual food and wine festival held each fall in Del Mar, California — a weeklong event culminating in a 2-day Grand Tasting on October 3 and 4, 2026, at Surf Sports Park. Founded by San Diego locals, the festival draws celebrity chefs, top winemakers, craft brewers, and notable figures from sports and entertainment to a coastal lawn venue at 14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014. A prior edition drew more than 6,000 guests, and the 2026 event has expanded its layout to accommodate larger attendance.

Del Mar Wine & Food Festival is structured around a weeklong series of events, with the 2-day Grand Tasting serving as the centerpiece on October 3 and 4. The festival features over 100 exhibitors, including top restaurants, wineries, and celebrity chefs, with wines sourced from regions including Temecula, Napa, and Sonoma. Past vendor participants have included Glassbox Sushi, Red O, and Tajima Ramen. Programming has extended beyond tasting to include a tequila-paired dinner, a pickleball tournament, a celebrity golf challenge, and a section dedicated to the Big Queer Food Fest with music and games. Food Network personality and San Diego Magazine co-owner Troy Johnson serves as the festival's host, and ambassadors for 2026 include soccer star Alex Morgan, former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, and surfer Rob Machado.

Tickets are available as single-day passes for Saturday or Sunday, or as a 2-day Grand Tasting pass covering October 3–4. GA admission includes unlimited pours and bites from all participating vendors. A GA Early Entry option adds access to the grounds before general crowds arrive. VIP tickets include early admission and access to a dedicated VIP area with additional tasting experiences; full VIP details are to be confirmed closer to the event. Parking at Surf Sports Park is $20 per day; a rideshare drop-off zone is available on-site, and the Amtrak/Coaster Solana Beach station offers an alternative for those skipping the car. The festival is 21-and-over only, and all tickets are non-refundable. A portion of proceeds benefits Feeding San Diego, a local food rescue organization.

Del Mar sits in San Diego County, within reach of Southern California's growing wine corridor. Temecula Valley, approximately 60 miles northeast, is San Diego County's primary wine region, known for warm-climate varieties including Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier. The festival's inclusion of wines from Napa and Sonoma alongside Temecula producers gives attendees a comparative cross-section of California wine styles in a single coastal setting — a practical draw for visitors looking to explore California's range without traveling between regions.