San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival returns with delicious culinary events

Yes, San Diego Beer Week is having its moment, but the city’s wine + culinary scene is also poppin’ off with the 18th annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival — a celebration of delicious events running today through Sunday, Nov. 13. 🍷

From the Grand Tasting along the Embarcadero to the Grand Fiesta at Liberty Station, here’s a taste of what to expect at the 6-day fest named the Best General Food Festival via USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice in 2019.

Photo via San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

🍝 The main courses

🏺 The Grand Decant | Friday, Nov. 11 | 6-9 p.m. | Building 177, Liberty Station
The festival’s official kickoff bash features the country’s top sommeliers, wineries + winemakers. Find tickets.

🧀 The Grand Tasting | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 12-3 p.m. | Embarcadero Marina Park North
Billed as “the city’s biggest foodie party of the year,” this event features bites from top chefs, plus sips from international wine, beer + spirits purveyors. Expect live entertainment at this outdoor extravaganza — and a demo on using cooking as therapy.

Photo via San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

🌮 The Grand Fiesta | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 12-3 p.m. | Ingram Plaza, Liberty Station
This newly-expanded shindig on the final day of the Wine & Food Festival showcases Mexico’s best wines, spirits + cuisine — plus live music and cross-border art. Make your way through food stations curated by local chefs like Not Not Tacos from Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien and tasting booths from local brands including Nova Easy Kombucha, Pure Project, and Bivouac Ciderworks.

Pro tip: Don’t fret, the signature Taco TKO competition is still around, with chefs vying for their creation to be crowned San Diego’s Most Awesome Taco.

🥗 The sides

The fest includes special dining events at select local restaurants like JRDN at Tower23 in Pacific Beach and Ranch 45 in Solana Beach, and an expedition into Baja California’s food scene. Choose your own adventure.