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Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2026: Your Guide to Tickets & Events
- SoCal Travel Blog
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you love discovering great food, wine, cocktails and unique San Diego experiences, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival should be on your fall calendar. Taking place September 30 through October 4, 2026, the festival brings together acclaimed chefs, restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries and culinary personalities for five days of food and drink experiences throughout San Diego.
While the Grand Tasting is the festival's signature event, there are several other ticketed experiences worth checking out. Here's a look at what's happening and which events might be the best fit for you.
Signature San Diego Opening Night Party
September 30 | Monarch Ocean Pub | $150
Start the festival with a celebration of San Diego's food scene at Monarch Ocean Pub. This walk-around tasting focuses on the flavors that define the region, including Baja-inspired seafood, coastal cuisine and Mexican favorites.
Rioja Uncorked
October 1 | Rancho Valencia | $200
Wine lovers can explore Spain's famous Rioja region during this intimate tasting at Rancho Valencia. Rioja wines will be paired with a selection of bites from the resort's culinary team, making this a great choice for anyone who enjoys wine education combined with upscale food.
Chateau Montelena 50th Anniversary Celebration
October 1 | Fairmont Grand Del Mar | $638.75
This is one for serious wine enthusiasts. The evening celebrates the 50th anniversary of the legendary Judgment of Paris, featuring Chateau Montelena wines paired with a multi-course dinner from Chef Mawa McQueen and Fairmont Executive Chef Bryn McArthur.
Celebrity Pickleball Tournament
October 2 | Barnes Tennis Center | Tickets from $125
Food and sports come together during this event benefiting Feeding San Diego. Guests can watch from the sidelines, play recreationally, compete in tournament divisions or even play doubles alongside a celebrity or professional athlete. Every ticket includes the walk-around food and drink experience.
JUSTIN Wine Dinner
October 2 | Estancia La Jolla | $225
Enjoy a multi-course wine-paired dinner featuring Chefs Kaitlyn Weber and Jackson Kalb, with premium selections from JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. This is a great option if you prefer a more intimate, sit-down culinary experience.
Tequila Ocho Presents the Baja Dinner
October 2 | Private Rancho Santa Fe Estate | $400
For a true Baja-inspired experience, this exclusive dinner brings together acclaimed Baja chefs including Benito Molina and Drew Deckman for a multi-course celebration of the region's coastal cuisine. The dinner also benefits Feeding San Diego.
Grand Tasting
October 3 & 4 | Surf Sports Park
The Grand Tasting is the centerpiece of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival. More than 100 chefs and restaurants will serve signature dishes alongside more than 150 wineries, breweries, distilleries and beverage makers.
Ticket options include:
General Admission: $185 per day
Early Entry: $235 per day
VIP: $425 per day
Two-Day Pass: $275 General Admission, $375 Early Entry or $765 VIP
VIP tickets include early access, exclusive tasting experiences and VIP areas.
Nightcap – The Official After Party
October 3 | Guesthouse Hotel at La Valle | $150
Not ready for the day to end? Nightcap continues the celebration with premium spirits, craft cocktails and food inspired by classic cocktails. It’s a fun way to wrap up your Grand Tasting experience.
Which Del Mar Wine + Food Festival Event Should You Choose?
For the best overall festival experience, I’d choose the Grand Tasting. If you're a serious wine lover, Rioja Uncorked or the Chateau Montelena dinner offer a more specialized experience. For something different, the Celebrity Pickleball Tournament combines food, drinks and sports, while the Baja Dinner is an excellent choice for anyone who loves Baja cuisine.
Whatever you choose, tickets are 21+ unless otherwise noted, and the festival states that tickets are non-refundable.
For the complete 2026 schedule and the latest ticket availability, visit the official Del Mar Wine + Food Festival events page.
Images provided by Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
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