Food
Award-Winning Chefs
Open the Grand Weekend with Michelin-honored, James Beard-awarded, and cross-border culinary icons.
SDFW Opening Night
Icons + Legends
Presented by
An elevated tasting experience that brings together award-winning chefs and world-class producers for one unforgettable evening. It’s the best of the best: poured and plated.
- Date
- Friday, November 6, 2026
- Time
- 6:30 – 9 pm · Early Entry from 6 pm
- Place
- JULEP Venue · 1735 Hancock St, 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
The best of the best, poured and plated.
Wine
Luxury Pours
Rare global and domestic vintages, prestige wines, and top-shelf spirits poured by the makers.
Lifestyle
Arrive with Blacklane
Opening night, presented by Blacklane: premium chauffeur service for the ultimate grand entrance. Sold separately.
Wine
Explore Napa Valley
America's most storied wine region comes to you in an ultimate food and wine pairing.
The Weekend is Just Getting Started
More to taste. More to explore.
Fri
Icons + Legends
Friday, November 6 · SDFW Opening Night
Sat
Grand Tasting →
Saturday, November 7 · Presented by Southwest Airlines®
Sun
Grand Fiesta →
Sunday, November 8 · Presented by Southwest Airlines®
Talent
Chefs, winemakers, brewers and distillers, with more announced as they sign.
Exhibitors
Wineries, breweries, distillers and restaurants, pouring and plating all day.
Sponsors
Make it a weekend
Know before you go
All-inclusiveEvery tasting is in the ticket, unless otherwise noted. Portions are sample sized.
21+ onlyNo infants or children.
RideshareRideshare is recommended.
ID + securityValid government-issued ID. Screening and bag check for every guest.
JULEP Venue
1735 Hancock St, 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.