The San Diego Food + Wine Festival returns November 2nd to 10th to celebrate its milestone 20th anniversary. Known as the nation’s premier cross-border wine and food event, this year’s festival offers an unforgettable weekend for foodies and wine aficionados alike.

With a lineup that includes James Beard award winners, Michelin-starred chefs, and familiar faces from Top Chef and the Food Network, this festival is set to be one of the most impressive culinary celebrations in the country. Attendees will enjoy exclusive dinners, tastings, and a rare opportunity to mingle with culinary masters from Southern California, Mexico, and beyond.

PHOTOS VIA JAMES TRAN

This year’s festival offers an immersive journey through Southern California’s diverse food scene, with a spotlight on the influence of Latin, Asian, and BIPOC cultures. The festival unites top chefs from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, including heavy hitters like:

• Carlos Gaytán – the first Mexican-born chef to earn a Michelin star.
• Roberto Alcocer – chef of the Michelin-starred Malva in Valle de Guadalupe and Valle in Oceanside.
• Clarice Lam – a James Beard Award semifinalist, known for Breaking Bao.
• Travis Swikard – the mastermind behind San Diego’s Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Callie.

But the festival doesn’t stop at just the chefs. Renowned winemakers like Matt Crafton of Chateau Montelena and Hugo D’Acosta from Valle de Guadalupe will also be making appearances. Plus, food industry thought leaders, including Alice Waters and Danielle Nierenberg, will join panel discussions and events centered around sustainable food practices.

PHOTOS VIA JAMES TRAN

A Grand Weekend Finale

After a week of activations across town, the 20th-anniversary celebration culminates in a weekend of must-attend events:

• Friends of James Beard Foundation Opening Night: Grand Decant (Friday, November 8) – Sip world-class wines with the guidance of top sommeliers.
• Grand Tasting (Saturday, November 9) – The festival’s signature event, with chefs, winemakers, and distillers offering tastings along the beautiful San Diego waterfront.
• Grand Fiesta (Sunday, November 10) – A vibrant celebration honoring Latin American culinary traditions, complete with flavors and flair.

Additional programming includes the Food Tank Summit, where thought leaders will discuss the future of food sustainability, and the Culinary Cinema Series, in partnership with the Coronado Island Film Festival.

PHOTOS VIA JAMES TRAN

Food For a Good Cause

As if the mouthwatering food and stellar wine aren’t enough, the festival also raises funds for culinary, oenology, and hospitality scholarships. Since its inception, the San Diego Food + Wine Festival has donated over $600,000 to nonprofit organizations and individuals, ensuring that the next generation of food and beverage professionals thrive.