SAN DIEGO–The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival, Southern California’s largest food and wine celebration, returns to the city November 14 to 20 with mouthwatering dishes for culinary enthusiasts to explore.
Now in its 13th year, the food festival showcases San Diego’s vibrant culinary community through cooking classes, chef dinners, and multiple tasting events, all held in locations throughout the city and in Baja. The action-packed week features over 40 wine, culinary, and expedition style events as well as the legendary Lexus Grand Tasting held on the picturesque San Diego Bay.
Fish Taco TKO, hosted by Rick Moonen, is back for its fifth annual competition to settle the score on who is making the best fish taco. At this year’s taco showdown, the city’s best fish taco makers are dished an extra challenge; their taco must use sustainable fish. Fish Taco TKO features unique beer and tequila stations and two prize categories – People and Critics’ Choice. Location: Quartyard (November 15).
Dinner with the Culinary Icons and Live Auction Presented by Lexus- A star-studded evening with epic culinary talent of (g)astronomical proportions. This once in a lifetime dining experience features Chefs: Marcus Samuelsson, Rick Bayless, Michelle Bernstein, Rick Moonen, Javier Plascencia, Bernard Guillas, and Aron Schwartz. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, San Diego Ballroom (November 17) $300 per person.
The Trade Tasting at SommCon and Select Classes: A leading conference and exposition for wine, beer and spirit industry professionals and serious enthusiasts, SommCon features over 40 educational sessions led by Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine and an all star collection of the industry’s finest pros. Select from a variety of tastings, seminars and panel discussions as well the Trade Tasting at SommCon, where wine enthusiasts taste from over 100 exhibiting wine, spirit and beer producers.
Location: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina (November 17-18)
Lexus Grand Tasting Featuring the new Culinary Theater and VIP Experience – The largest wine and food festival in Southern California takes center stage on the scenic San Diego Bay with over 700 wines, 60 of San Diego’s top chefs, and over 30 gourmet food companies. The VIP Tent has never tasted so good as celebrity chefs Cosmo Gross and Erling Wu-Bower team up with local superstar Jason McLeod, Giselle Wellman, and Tim Kolanko to host this year’s new VIP Tent experience. Also new this year, join today’s hottest chefs for demonstrations at the Culinary Theater, including: the Hearty Boys, Javier Plascencia, Cosmo Gross, Erling Wu-Bower, and Rick Bayless. Location: Embarcadero Marina Park North (November 19).
Party After Dark Presented by Stella Artois – The fun doesn’t have to end, continue the foodie celebration at Pacific Standard with eats, drinks and beats dished out by former Bravo “Top Chef” competitor, Giselle Wellman. Location: Pacific Standard (November 19).
Pizzapalooza Featuring Battle of the Bartenders – From deep dish, New York, Neapolitan, Sicilian, grilled, Detroit, etc., people are passionate about their pizza. Take in multiple tasting stations from San Diego’s top pizza makers, hit up incredible mixology and craft cocktail stations, and vote during the Battle of the Bartender competition, Pizzapalooza also features the Gelato World Tour. Broadway Pier and Pavilion (November 20).
VIP travel packages include tickets to a selection of the week’s signature events, as well as a two-night stay at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
Fall foodie ticket packages vary and include admission to several wine and food festival events.
To take advantage of VIP ticket packages, and reserve tickets, call (619) 312-1212.
For packages that include a two-night hotel stay at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, to reserve lodging, call (877) 385-9595.
For a complete schedule of events, or to purchase tickets for the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival, visit www.sandiegowineclassic.com.
