When the vibrant spirit of San Diego collides with the vision of a few passionate locals, the result is nothing short of spectacular. The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, set to debut from September 6th to 11th, 2023, is a testament to the county’s unique charm and culture. This inaugural event promises six days filled with tantalizing food, exquisite wines, spirits, lifestyle experiences, and even a dash of sports in the picturesque setting of Del Mar and beyond.
A Feast for the Senses
At the heart of the festival lies a two-day Grand Tasting event, held at Del Mar’s Surf Sports Park. Here, attendees will embark on a culinary journey like no other, with over 100 San Diego County restaurants and 200 wineries offering delightful samples of their finest creations. It’s an opportunity to savor the diverse flavors of the region, from farm-to-table delicacies to internationally acclaimed dishes.
For those seeking an extra dash of excitement, Breaking Bad co-stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul will host a Baja-inspired pairings dinner, showcasing their Dos Hombres Mezcal brand. The opening night event at Del Mar Plaza will celebrate the Wave FC players, who’ve made waves in the Women’s World Cup. These are just a taste of the culinary experiences that await eager festival-goers.
Beyond Food: An Array of Events
The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival isn’t just about food and drink. It’s a celebration of the San Diego lifestyle, with a diverse array of events to suit every interest. Join former Chargers quarterback Drew Brees for a charity pickleball tournament, organized to give back to the community. Del Mar’s surfing legend Rob Machado will lead a beach cleanup, offering a chance to connect with the environment. Actress/chef Catherine McCord will guide attendees through a yoga and brunch event, fostering both body and soul.
The festival’s kickoff event, hosted by San Diego Wave FC women’s soccer team captain and Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan, is sure to set the tone for a week of festivities. These events, combined with the food and wine offerings, create a holistic celebration of San Diego’s spirit.
A Vision Realized
The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2023 is the culmination of a dream conceived 18 months ago by a group of passionate San Diegans. Troy Johnson, known for his role as a host and judge on Food Network, together with his partners, Claire Johnson, Ernie Hahn, Chris Finn, Jeremy McDonald, and Ted Glennon, dared to envision an event that would not only elevate the city’s culinary reputation but also strengthen its cultural presence.
Johnson, a native San Diegan, saw the potential for San Diego to stand shoulder to shoulder with culinary giants like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland. With true grit, tireless effort, and a strong network, the founders turned their vision into a reality, launching the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival.
The Future Awaits
As the inaugural Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2023 unfolds, it promises to be a feast for the senses, a celebration of San Diego’s uniqueness, and a testament to the power of passion and vision. With big plans for the future, the founders aim to make this an annual event and continue to surprise with one-off events throughout the year.
Highlights of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2023:
- San Diego Wave FC Opening Night Celebration — 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Monarch Ocean Pub, Del Mar Plaza, 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar; $225.
- Tequila Reserva de la Familia and Adobe Guadalupe Wine-Paired Dinner at Michelin star chef Roberto Alcocer’s Valle — 6:30-10 p.m. Sept. 7. 222 N. Pacific St., Oceanside; $360.
- Drew Brees’ Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament — Noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 8. Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle Club, 875 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas; $100 and up.
- Grand Tastings — 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 9-10. Surf Sports Park, 14989 Via de la Valle, Del Mar; $225 and up.
- Rob Machado Beach Cleanup at Cardiff Reef and Seafood brunch with chefs Brian Malarkey and Aidan Owens at Herb & Sea — 7:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 10. Encinitas; $95.
For the full schedule and ticket information, visit Del Mar Wine + Food Festival’s website. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event celebrating the best of San Diego.