There's still time to reserve your spot at the 15th annual San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival. From Nov. 11–18, roughly 10,000 food and wine enthusiasts will gather in San Diego for more than 40 events, including cocktail parties, a taco showdown, and plenty of food and wine tasting. If that’s not enough to convince you, read on for some light persuasion.
1. Go to a cocktail party in a speakeasy
A party that's only accessible via a secret fireplace? We’re in. On Monday, Nov. 12, speakeasy Raised by Wolves hosts the festival’s Opening Night Party from 7–10 p.m. Join Jason McLeod and Graham Elliot (of Bravo’s Top Chef) for a night fueled by hand-crafted cocktails and a Shake Shack pop-up.
2. Try food made by mega stars
The attendee list reads like the eating and drinking hall of fame. Celebrity chefs slated to headline the festival’s events include: Stephanie Prida of Manresa; James Beard award–winning pastry chef Gale Gand, television personalities “The Hearty Boys,” Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh; Katsuya Fukushima of Daikaya; Matt Zubrod of The Little Nell; Abraham Conlon of Fat Rice; and more.
3. Eat and drink with an incredible backdrop
It’s always sunny in San Diego! In a city that averages 266 perfect days per year, festival-goers will almost certainly enjoy perfect weather. Embarcadero Marina Park North, which serves as the festival’s hub, is the perfect place to watch boats float by or catch a beautiful sunset.
4. Learn something new
For experiences you can enjoy long after the week is over, sign up for one of the edu-tasting classes held through the week. Find out how to roll truffles at Chuao Chocolate, shake up the perfect cocktail at You & Yours Distilling Co., or learn all about California’s cheese culture with the owner of Venissimo Cheese.
5. Taste wine with master sommeliers
The perfect excuse to expand your palate: the Grand Decant serves more than 500 wines from 200-plus wineries. Held at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, this tasting-on-steroids event is a must for any oenophile. Join the best sommeliers and winemakers in the country to find your new favorite vintage.
6. Take part in a massive feast
On Nov. 17, The Grand Tasting—the premier event of the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival—offers hundreds of opportunities for the perfect bite (or sip). Go from tent to tent to try the offerings from celebrity chefs, gourmet food shops, and top wine, beer, and spirit purveyors.
7. Drink Rosé all day
Head to the chic Marine Room on Nov. 14 to enjoy an ocean-to-table feast with views of the crashing surf. French chef Bernard Guillas and sommelier Josh Orr join forces to present the Rosé Lunch. Freshly caught seafood (think bourbon vanilla-infused lobster) is paired with exceptional rosés from Provence. Check here for more incredible meals throughout the week.
Tickets are available for individual events, or the festival offers packages for multi-day festival goers.
