Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2025 Guide

Name: Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2025 Guide
Start: 9/10/2025 6:00:00 PM
End: 9/14/2025 4:00:00 PM
Location: Surf Sports Park

Surf Sports Park

14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014

Del Mar

Date:

Sep 10, 2025 to Sep 14, 2025

Hours:

Sat & Sun from 12pm to 4pm

Cost:

Starting at $205 per person per day

The 2025 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival will feature food prepared by celebrity chefs,100’s of wines & more! Explore ticket options, the event list, & FAQs.

Key Takeaways

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2025 is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10th -Sunday, September 14th, 2025 with food, wine & fun!
1 & 2-day tickets are available for the Grand Tasting, the festival’s main event. VIP tickets & special event tickets are also available.
What celebrities are scheduled for this year’s festival? Big names like Guy Fieri, Brian Malarkey, Alex Morgan, & Jet Tila. Read on for more!

By Kristina Cappetta

Last Updated on
Sep 11, 2025

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival Guide

Additional Activities

Transportation Info

Planning Tips & FAQs

Highlights

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival Guide

Things to Do

Getting There

Tips

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2025

Festival Style Steak Bites at the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival

Food, wine, and San Diego sunshine, who could ask for more?

If you love food and wine as much as our team does at Go Visit San Diego, then we have a real treat coming up for you! The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2025 is returning to San Diego in September.

The annual event brings Southern California’s top chefs, well-known winemakers, and celebrities from sports, the culinary world, and more to San Diego, specifically to the Del Mar area. Just wait until you hear who’s going to be in town!

Walking around the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

When and Where is the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2025?

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2025 is set for Wednesday, September 10th through Sunday, 14th, 2025.

As a proper five day festival, you won’t be surprised to hear that there are various events scattered throughout the Del Mar area. We’ll fill you in on all you need to know about the big ones in this article!

But so you know right up front, the Grand Tasting, which is the main event, will take place at Del Mar’s Surf Sports Park located at 14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar on Saturday and Sunday, September 13th and 14th, 2025.

Charity Partners

If you’ve attended a wine and food festival before, like August’s Uncorked Wine Festival: Del Mar at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, or just the Del Mar horse racing track, then you probably already know that there is a good cause, a charity or two, that will greatly benefit from this event.

A portion of the festival’s proceeds will be donated to Feeding San Diego. This organization rescues perfectly good food that would be otherwise thrown away, and gives it to those with food insecurities.

I don’t know about you, but I love when I can attend an event and help a good cause at the same time.

Get Your Tickets & Book Your Hotel Now!

Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay at the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is one of the premiere wine and food events each year in San Diego, so it makes sense that tickets are selling quickly.

Let’s have a look at 2025’s ticket options so you can reserve your space. I’ll also share a few suggestions of where I’d stay if I wanted to make a weekend out of it!

Ticket Types

The Grand Tasting is the main event that draws thousands to Del Mar. With that said though, there are a number of other currently scheduled dinners and special events, all requiring admission.

I’ll focus mainly on the ticket types for the Grand Tasting below.

General Admission

A single day, Saturday or Sunday ticket is $205
A 2-day GA ticket is $305
The ‘More the Merrier Bundle’ tickets are available for single day tickets (4 ticket bundle saves $25 per ticket and 8 ticket bundle saves $50 per ticket)
Get unlimited drinks and food from various vendors and see celebrity chefs
Experience 200+ fine wines, beers, and spirits
See over 100 exhibitors
Access runs from 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Early Entry Tickets

A single day, Saturday or Sunday ticket is $265
A 2-day Early Entry ticket is $415
Get all general admission perks privileges to offer plus an extra hour of tasting
Access runs from 12:00pm - 4:00pm

VIP Tickets

A single day, Saturday or Sunday ticket is $465
A 2-day VIP ticket is $815
All general admission privileges
Early admission
11:30am VIP reception
Access to a special VIP area with more tasting options

Main Character Pass

You can also go big with this pass that includes access to numerous events all week. These tickets are $1,060 per person. The pass includes everything below.

9/10 - Opening Night
9/12 - Pickleball Tournament (Spectator)
9/12 - Kosta Brown Dinner
9/13 - Cluckfest After Party
9/13-9/14 - 2-day VIP Grand Tasting ticket

Special Event Tickets

If you’re into wine and food (who isn’t right) then you may want to have a look at the additional special events. The Game Changers Dinner is one I wouldn’t want to miss but the Ramsey Wine Dinner with Marc Murphy also really sounds cool!

Tickets to these exclusive events are available through the official festival website. All sales are final.

Lobby Bar at L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa

Where are the Best Places to Stay Near the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival?

With so much to do and see, I personally think it’s a really good idea to stay in the area to get the full experience. If you’d like a real special place to stay, our team at Go Visit San Diego would absolutely recommend the L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa.

This is one of our favorites because of the hotel’s clean and comfortable rooms, coastal and garden views, poolside cabanas, and several on-site bars and restaurants.

You also might want to check out the Best Hotels Near Carlsbad which offers a list of beautiful properties just about a 20 minute drive away and the Best Boutique Hotels in San Diego for more options.

Featured Hotel

L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa

Beaches

Boutique

Couples

L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa offers guest award-winning 4-star luxury with contemporary design, plush rooms and suites and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Prices Starting at $288

Check Availability

The Main Event: What to Expect

With several days to enjoy the event, let’s have a look at some of the highlights and main events so you’re prepared to take in all the 2025 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival has to offer!

Roasted Bone Marrow Delight at the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival

The Grand Tasting

The Grand Tasting is the festival’s big event which is set for Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th, 2025. You’ll have the chance to taste some of the best food around from top chefs. Tacos, burgers, sushi, you name it, it will all be there! It really is a foodie’s dream!

Keep an eye out for Food Network favorite Guy Fieri and famous chef Brian Malarky, among others. This is worth the price of admission alone in my opinion!

If this wasn’t enough, you’ll also get to sample some of the best pours from globally acclaimed winemakers and mixologists. You can discover San Diego Bay wine and the best pairings around!

Smoked Salmon and Roe Sliders at the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival

Special Events & Dinners

The Game Changers Dinner, hosted by Olympic soccer star Alex Morgan, is at the top of my list of special events this year.

The dinner recognizes women who have really changed the world around them. It’s being held on Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Proceeds benefit the Alex Morgan Foundation that strives to level the playing field for girls in sports and all life aspects.

MasterChef alums Adria Marina, Michelle Mathelin, and Claudia Sandoval will be on hand with a host of others.

The Ramey Wine Dinner

The Rancho Santa Fe is hosting acclaimed chefs, Marc Murphy, Jackson Kalb, and Jason McLeod as part of this year’s event. This star-studded lineup will present its signature dishes on Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at the Croquet Cottage at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

I know Marc Murphy from his frequent appearances as a judge on the Food Network show ‘Chopped’. Getting a picture with him would be an awesome treat!

The Kosta Browne Wine Dinner with Baja Culinary Legends

Kosta Browne, one of the most fruitful American pinot noir and chardonnay producers, is scheduled to join five big name chefs for a wine-paired dinner that will go down in history.

Catch it Friday, September 12th at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, a real gem in La Jolla.

Michael Voltaggio & San Diego Wave FC CluckFest After Party

If you don’t want Saturday night to end like me, then get your ticket and join Chef Michael Voltaggio, who will be mixing amazing cocktails from his Macardo 28 Tequila brand.

Co-hosts San Diego Wave FC, will also bring their star power for an unforgettable evening. The after party takes place Saturday, September 13th, 2025 from 6:30pm – 9:30pm.

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Activities & Festival Fun

Pickleball Tournament at the Del Mar Food + Wine Festival

The Del Mar Food + Wine Festival is bringing out all the stops, with some big names and exciting activities you just might want to check out!

Chef Meet-and-Greets & Live Cooking Demos

Keep your eyes open throughout the festival for chef sightings and autograph opportunities with culinary superstars! Guy Fieri, Benito Molina, and Jet Tila are just a few of the big names expected.

Check the festival site for a complete list.

Raise Your Glass

It’s a wine festival for a reason! You’ll have the opportunity to join guided tasting by acclaimed winemakers plus be part of educational seminars.

Sports Events

The Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Event will bring together world ranked tennis player James Blake, NHL Hall of Famer Jeremy Roenick, and NFL legend Drew Brees for a friendly pickleball tournament.

The game starts Friday, September 12th at 11:30am at the Barnes Tennis Center and is one that I think our founder Todd and his son would really enjoy!

More Things to Explore

Carlsbad Local Food Tour

$70 per person

Buy Now

Gaslamp Brothels, Bites & Booze Tour

$75 per person

Buy Now

Old Town Tales, Tacos & Tequila

$75 per person

Buy Now

Tequila, Tacos & Tombstones Tour

$76 per person

Book Tour

The Best Ways to Get to the Festival’s Events

Smoky Santa Maria Tri-tip on the Grill at the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

While there are events scheduled for Del Mar and really around town with the Ramsey Wine Dinner in Rancho Santa Fe, the Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Event in Point Loma area not far from Ocean Beach and the Baja Dinner at Puesto Mission Valley in Mission Valley, most events are in Del Mar.

The main event is the Grand Tasting 2025 in Del Mar set for the Surf Sports Park, so I’ll focus on getting you to that event.

Where is the Entrance to Grand Tasting at the Del Mar Wine + Food Event?

The main entrance of the Surf Sports Park is located at Villa de la Valle. The entrance off El Camino Real will be closed.

Parking

There’s no lack of parking at the Surf Sports Park. The cost will be $20/day.

Rideshare & Public Transportation

If you don’t want to deal with parking, take the Amtrak or Coaster to Solana Beach and catch a San Diego ride share there.

These are great options that I promise you will make for an easy entry and exit. You’ll see a drop-off section at the park for your convenience.

Know Before You Go: Insider Tips & FAQS

We’ve attended our share of wine and food festivals in San Diego and have a few more tips that will help you have an unforgettable time!

Can I Bring My Kids?

No, unfortunately the main event is a 21 and over event, but that does make sense. Bring a valid photo ID to get in.

Is the Grand Tasting Event ADA Accessible?

Surf Sports Park is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are also permitted. If you have specific needs, contact the park beforehand.

Food and Bags

No outside food or beverages are allowed. You can bring a reusable water bottle to take advantage of the water stations around the event.

Pack light because your bags may be searched when you enter.

Be Social Savvy

It’s a good idea to sign up for festival emails or follow their social media for real-time updates about chef appearances and possible schedule changes.