Lifestyle
Priority Entry
Less time waiting, more time tasting. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers get in first.
Grand Weekend · Day 1 of 2
Grand Tasting
Presented by
Day one of the Grand Weekend, on the bay. California wine country and the city's best kitchens pour and plate side by side all afternoon, everything included, with the Chef of the Fest title decided by the people tasting.
- Date
- Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Time
- 12 – 3 pm · VIP + Early Entry from 11 am
- Place
- Embarcadero Marina Park North · 400 Kettner Blvd, San Diego
Price increase
Tickets
Every food and drink tasting is included. Prices include fees.
Official Credit Cards of the San Diego Food + Wine Festival
Experiences
What to find on the day, from the competition stage to the culinary districts.
VIP
Southwest Airlines® VIP Lounge
An extra hour, top chefs, Napa Valley wines, the Southwest Airlines® Speakeasy and special giveaways.
Food
Cabetos Pops Experience
Build your own handcrafted ice cream pop with Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards.
Lifestyle
GMC Garage
Get behind the wheel of GMC's premium trucks and SUVs between bites.
Food
Smoke + Fire
Chef Jonathon Sawyer hosts celebrity chefs bringing live-fire heat.
Food
Brandt Beef Experience
The ultimate waterfront experience: family-raised beef, craft cocktails, a DJ, and local celebrity chefs.
CultureSaturday
Street Feast
Bold, sizzling street food inspired by Asian night markets, hosted by celebrity chef Chris Oh.
Food
CohnChella
Music-fest energy meets chef-driven bites from Cohn Restaurant Group's beloved San Diego restaurants.
Culinary District
Sweet Street
Save room for pastries, coffee, and Luxardo® treats, hosted by Chef Kareem "Mr. Bake" Queeman.
Culinary District
Destination Baja
Just south of San Diego lies a culinary revolution. Taste Baja's boldest chefs and winemakers.
Culinary District
So San Diego
San Diego wines meet independent makers, artists, and brands behind America's Finest City.
CompetitionSaturday
Chef of the Fest
Vote for the 2026 People's Choice champ as chefs battle for up to $5,000.
Grand Weekend Presented by Southwest Airlines®
Two days, one weekend
Day 1
Sat
Sat
Grand Tasting
Saturday, November 7 · California wine country, the city's top kitchens
Day 2
Sun
Sun
Grand Fiesta →
Sunday, November 8 · Spirits of Mexico, Taco TKO, live Latin music
Talent
Chefs, winemakers, brewers and distillers, with more announced as they sign.
Exhibitors
Wineries, breweries, distillers and restaurants, pouring and plating all day.
Sponsors
Grand Tasting is presented by Southwest Airlines®, home of the Southwest Airlines® VIP Lounge.
Make it a weekend
Friday, November 6
Icons + Legends
Opening Night at JULEP. Celebrated chefs and acclaimed wineries.
Opening night
November 1 – 6
Festival Week
Chef dinners, a wine lunch and a culinary expedition, in the days before the Grand Weekend.
All events
Staying over
Plan your trip
Festival hotel rates, flights, and how to get to each venue.
Where to stayFeatures
April 29, 2026
Two Delicious Days Along the Bay: The New SDFW Grand Weekend
October 23, 2024
A Guide To Navigating The San Diego Food + Wine Festival: 20th Anniversary Celebration
September 24, 2024
San Diego Food + Wine Festival Celebrates 20 Years of Cross-Border Culinary Innovation with Support from the Consulate of Mexico
Know before you go
All-inclusiveEvery tasting is in the ticket, unless otherwise noted. Portions are sample sized.
21+ onlyNo infants or children.
Rain or shineDress for the weather.
ID + securityValid government-issued ID. Screening and bag check for every guest.
Embarcadero Marina Park North
400 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 · Directions
Ticket terms: food and beverage tastings are taxable at a value of $25; the tax is included in the ticket price.