DEL MAR — The Del Mar Wine and Food Festival returns next month, featuring a lineup of athletes, celebrities, chefs and sommeliers to showcase San Diego’s food and drink scene.
The festival, held from Oct. 2-7, pairs the region’s food with Southern California’s active lifestyle and will include over 25 events in Del Mar and San Diego County, such as a two-day Grand Tasting, wine and spirits programs, a celebrity pickleball tournament, and activities like golf, soccer, volleyball, and surfing.
Events will also highlight LGBTQ+ culinary contributions and cross-border influences from the Cali-Baja region. Proceeds will benefit Feeding San Diego.
Activities include the Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament hosted by legendary retired NFL quarterback Drew Brees, with North County former pro tennis champions Coco Vandeweghe (Rancho Santa Fe) and James Blake (Solana Beach), Food Network personalities and others.
Other events feature a beach cleanup with Rob Machado alongside celebrity chefs. Brian Malarkey and Javier Plascencia at Herb & Sea, a “Tacos, Tortas, and Tequila Opening Night Party” with San Diego FC at Monarch Del Mar, and a celebration of local heroes hosted by the San Diego Wave FC, Big Queer Food Fest and celebrity chef Tiffani Faison.
The two-day Grand Tasting will feature local sports teams, while the Happy Fillmore Golf Classic will conclude the festival with a golf tournament, food, drinks, and music.
Festival co-founder Troy Johnson will host events with chefs from across the country alongside local chefs, focusing on the region’s farmers, fisheries, and suppliers. Events include a tea party with Faison, an Italian dinner with Rocco DiSpirito, and a dinner with Aarti Sequeira and Claudia Sandoval paired with wines.
“The energy and passion coming out of San Diego’s food scene is incredible,” said soccer icon Alex Morgan. “The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival brings that all together.”
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will host wine tastings, discussions, and seminars led by winemakers and sommeliers, including David Ramey, Ian Cauble, and Jonathan Cristaldi. Events include a tasting of wines that tell David Ramey’s life story, a first public tasting of New Zealand’s Pyramid Valley Winery’s 2022 Botanicals Collection, and a blind tasting with Master Sommeliers.
“Del Mar Wine + Food Festival celebrates the soul of San Diego lifestyle,” said Drew Brees. “It’s quickly becoming an annual pilgrimage for those looking for the most unique, culinary-fueled lifestyle event.”
For more information and event details, visit the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival website.
