It’s back! The San Diego Food + Wine Festival returns November 1–8, 2026, bringing chefs, winemakers, and food lovers together for its 22nd annual celebration. Expect intimate dinners, cross-border culinary collaborations, and waterfront tastings—with the three signature events taking place November 6–8.
Previously voted the country’s best wine festival in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023 and 2024, the festival remains among the nation’s favorites, placing fourth in the 2026 awards. Here’s what’s on the menu this year.
What to expect
This year’s festival brings together culinary talent from San Diego, Mexico, and across the country, with Michelin and James Beard honorees joining winemakers and other food-and-drink tastemakers. The program stretches across eight days, from smaller chef-led gatherings to expansive tastings overlooking San Diego Bay.
The festivities begin with a Día de Muertos Gala at Fairmont Grand Del Mar on November 1. Later in the week, the schedule includes a Baja Culinary Expedition to Valle de Guadalupe, a dinner honoring Chino Farm, Oyster Jam in Pacific Beach, and a Bevan Cellars wine lunch at Mister A’s.
The biggest draw? The Grand Weekend, presented by Southwest Airlines®, pairs Saturday’s Grand Tasting with Sunday’s Grand Fiesta—two afternoons of food, wine, spirits, and culinary discovery at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Who’s coming?
The announced 2026 experiences feature several familiar faces from the culinary world:
- Jonathon Sawyer hosts the Grand Tasting’s Smoke + Fire experience, where celebrity chefs will showcase live-fire cooking.
- Chris Oh hosts Street Feast, a tasting experience inspired by Asian night markets.
- Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman hosts Sweet Street, featuring pastries, coffee, and other treats.
- Cat Cora and Aidan Owens team up for “A Cali-Mediterranean Finale” at Herb & Wood on November 8, beginning with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m.
- San Diego–Tijuana band Bulevar Descarga brings Latin funk, horns, and dancing to Sunday’s Grand Fiesta
The organizer says more talent will be announced as participants sign on, so check the official lineup before booking a particular experience.
Signature San Diego Food + Wine Festival weekend events
Three signature events anchor the November 6–8 weekend:
Icons + Legends: Friday, November 6
Presented by Blacklane, Icons + Legends opens the signature weekend with an elevated tasting featuring award-winning chefs, prestige wines, and top-shelf spirits. This is the Friday event listed on the 2026 program, replacing the original article’s Grand Decant listing.
- Time: 6:30–9 p.m.; early entry begins at 6 p.m.
- Venue: JULEP Venue.
- Address: 1735 Hancock Street, San Diego, CA 92101.
Grand Tasting: Saturday, November 7
The festival’s iconic waterfront tasting brings California wine country and San Diego’s kitchens together for an afternoon of sample-sized bites and pours. Explore culinary areas such as Destination Baja, Street Feast, and Sweet Street, then vote for your favorite dish in the 2026 People’s Choice Chef of the Fest competition.
- Time: Noon–3 p.m.; VIP and early entry begin at 11 a.m.
- Venue: Embarcadero Marina Park North.
- Address: 400 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101.
Grand Fiesta: Sunday, November 8
Sunday celebrates the flavors connecting San Diego and Latin America, with Baja wineries, Mexican spirits, taquerías, and live Latin music taking over the waterfront. The Taco TKO competition returns, with chefs competing for the title of the year’s Most Awesome Taco and up to $5,000.
- Time: Noon–3 p.m.; VIP and early entry begin at 11 a.m.
- Venue: Embarcadero Marina Park North.
- Address: 400 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101.
Where does the festival take place?
The festival uses multiple venues throughout the region, so the location depends on the experience you book. Friday’s Icons + Legends takes place at JULEP Venue, while both Grand Tasting and Grand Fiesta take place at Embarcadero Marina Park North on San Diego Bay. Other dinners, lunches, and experiences have their own locations; the Baja Culinary Expedition travels to Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico.
Check the individual event listing and your ticket confirmation for the correct venue, date, and admission time—particularly if you’re booking VIP or early-entry access.
Tickets for the San Diego Food + Wine Festival
Tickets for the festival’s signature experiences start at the following prices:
- Icons + Legends: $210
- Grand Tasting: $210
- Grand Fiesta: $155
As of October 14, 2026, tickets are also available in packages starting at the following prices:
- Full Weekend Package: $405
- 2-Day Grand Weekend Package: $331
- FOMO 4-Pack: $582
These are advertised starting prices and may change as ticket tiers sell out or prices increase.
Tickets for the three signature events include food and drink tastings unless otherwise noted, with sample-sized portions and fees included in the listed prices. All three events are for guests aged 21 and older, and a valid government-issued ID is required. Grand Tasting and Grand Fiesta take place rain or shine.
