The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Food + Wine Festival 2024

As the San Diego Food + Wine Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, we’re mapping out its top tasting events, taking place from Nov. 2 to 10. Come hungry!

Raise a glass on Nov. 8 at the Friends of James Beard Foundation Opening Night: Grand Decant event; PHOTO BY JAMES TRAN

Nov. 2

Hundreds of wineries and more than 100 top chefs, farmers and fishermen will come together for over 20 unique culinary experiences during the San Diego Food + Wine Festival, all leading up to the Grand Weekend celebration from Nov. 8 to 10. Begin your delicious adventure on Nov. 2 at the Food Tank Summit, where celebrity chefs Alice Waters and Elizabeth Falkner will discuss the future of food on a local and national level alongside CEOs, civic leaders, advocates and more.

Nov. 3

Discover Barrio Logan’s diverse cuisine during Love Thy Neighbor(Hood): Food and Art Exploration. You’ll enjoy four drink-paired tasting stops and dive into the neighborhood’s Mexican-American culture through its Chicano murals, art galleries and boutique shops.

Nov. 6

Make pasta with Michelin-starred chef Mario Cassineri at Ciccia Osteria during the Love Thy Neighbor(Hood): Bib Gourmand Pasta Making Class. You’ll knead, roll and shape myriad pasta shapes and taste the fruits of your labor at the session’s conclusion.

Julep Venue will host the Grand Decant; PHOTO BY JAMES TRAN

Nov. 7

As the festival ramps up, numerous events will occur on Thursday, Nov. 7. Highlights include the Baja Culinary Expedition, where you’ll venture to the Valle de Guadalupe to visit three Michelin Guide-honored restaurants and two wineries. Stop by Sovereign Thai Modern Cuisine for a cooking class with chef Jumi Pitiwartarlai, view culinary-themed films through a partnership with the Coronado Island Film Festival—featuring the Sunday premiere of documentary Marcella, produced by James Beard Award-winning chef Art Smith—or raise a glass at one of two wine dinners. L’Auberge Del Mar’s Adelaide Restaurant will host the Amizetta Napa Valley Winemakers Dinner, while the Chateau Montelena Winemaker Experience will take place in Rancho Santa Fe.

Nov. 8

Kick the day off at the fan-favorite Prestige Cuvee and Caviar tasting before heading to the iconic Mister A’s at noon for a four-course, wine-paired luncheon featuring coveted pours from the Revana Family Vineyard. Oenophiles will also love The World in a Wine Glass, a master class with Food & Wine Magazine’s executive wine editor Ray Isle, and Must Love Burgundy, an in-depth tasting experience with master sommelier Josh Orr.

If you prefer beer, join Mike Hess Brewing in North Park for a tour, tasting and time with award-winning brewmaster Paul Deres. The Love Thy Neighbor(Hood) series also continues in Little Italy, where you’ll partake in a three-hour walking tour with stops at three local drinking and dining destinations.

Finally, secure your spot at the Friends of James Beard Foundation Opening Night: Grand Decant, hosted by Michelin Sommelier of the Year Charlotte Randolph, co-owner of the two Michelin-starred Californios. Opt for the Grand Decant Lux ticket for early access and exclusive upgrades, including pours of vintages, premium wine and spirits, grower Champagnes, celebrity chef-led tasting stations, and caviar.

Indulge in a variety of flavors at the Grand Tasting at the Port of San Diego on Nov. 9; FESTIVAL PHOTO BY JAMES TRAN

Nov. 9

The festival’s crown jewel is the Grand Tasting at the Port of San Diego, a waterfront culinary extravaganza featuring over 200 wineries, breweries and spirit purveyors alongside more than 100 top chefs and restaurants. Don’t miss the Chef of the Fest Competition, where one chef will be crowned the 2024 People’s Choice Chef of the Fest.

By night, join Sazerac at the Andaz San Diego for the San Diego Food + Wine Festival’s 20th Birthday Bash. Celebrity chefs will serve exquisite cuisine while acclaimed bartenders from The World’s 50 Top Bars and local speakeasies sling spirits, all to benefit Turning Tables.

The festival will conclude at the Grand Fiesta at Liberty Station on Nov. 10; PHOTO BY JAMES TRAN

Nov. 10

Wrap up the weekend at the Grand Fiesta, a cross-border celebration of the region’s rich culinary landscape featuring Bocuse d’Or Team Mexico. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Liberty Station’s Ingram Plaza will be filled with live music, cultural conversations, chef demos, and delicious cuisine and spirits. You’ll even be able to vote for San Diego’s best taco during the annual Taco TKO competition.