by Mayté Rodríguez Cedillo
photos/video Fernando Favela Vara

The San Diego Food + Wine Festival returned for its 21st year November 2-9, 2025, cementing its reputation as one of the nation’s premier culinary events. Recognized by USA Today as the Best Wine Festival in the Country for two consecutive years, this eight-day celebration transformed San Diego’s waterfront into a vibrant showcase of cross-border culinary artistry, drawing over 11,000 food and wine enthusiasts from across the United States and Mexico.

This year’s festival featured more than 20 distinct gourmet experiences, bringing together over 300 chefs, winemakers, breweries, and distilleries. The lineup read like a who’s who of culinary excellence, including Michelin-starred talent such as Roberto Alcocer from Valle in Oceanside and Malva in Valle de Guadalupe, alongside James Beard Award winners and nominees. The festival’s commitment to cross-border collaboration shone through with celebrated chefs like Rick Bayless, Elijah Arizmendi, Nicholas Webber, Tara Monsod, and Bernard Guillas leading cooking demonstrations and intimate dining experiences.  It truly was a delicious experience.

A major milestone for 2025 was Southwest Airlines joining as the Presenting Sponsor of the Grand Tasting under a two-year partnership. This collaboration underscored the festival’s expanding national reach while supporting its Scholarship Program, which has awarded over $600,000 to rising culinary stars and nonprofits including the James Beard Foundation, Food Tank, and The Ecology Center. Southwest’s involvement helped fly in top culinary talent from across the country, enriching the festival’s already impressive roster.

The festival’s signature Grand Weekend anchored the week with three iconic events. The Grand Decant on Friday evening opened festivities with a sophisticated tasting of luxury wines, spirits, and elegant small bites from award-winning chefs. We had the opportunity to say hello to chefs Carlos Gaytan, Roberto Alcocer and Ruffo Ibarra.

Saturday’s Grand Tasting, held at Embarcadero Marina Park North along San Diego Bay, served as the festival’s crown jewel. This sprawling outdoor celebration featured hundreds of tasting stations where attendees could sample exceptional wines, craft beers, artisanal spirits, and innovative dishes while watching live cooking demonstrations. VIP ticket holders enjoyed early entry and exclusive shaded lounges with premium tastings. Sunday’s Grand Fiesta concluded the weekend with a vibrant celebration of Baja-inspired cuisine, music, and culture, highlighting the rich Latin American influence on Southern California’s culinary landscape.

Beyond the Grand Weekend, the festival offered diverse experiences tailored to different interests. A new Wellness Weekend at Fox Point Farms in Encinitas provided a mindful alternative, featuring chef-driven nutrient-rich menus paired with low- and no-alcohol beverages, complemented by yoga sessions, sound baths, and farm tours. Throughout the week, intimate chef collaboration dinners took place across San Diego, including a five-course meal at Mister A’s with Napa Valley’s David Arthur Winery, the Bad Boyz BBQ at Ranch 45, and Les Amis de Bernard’s 10-year anniversary dinner. A Culinary Cinema Series in partnership with Coronado Island Film Festival paired films with complementary tasting experiences, while educational workshops like “Wines of Georgia: Ancient Roots, Modern Sips” and “A Tasting Tour of the Côtes du Rhône” deepened attendees’ wine knowledge.

The festival’s emphasis on sustainability, local business support, and cross-border collaboration continued to define its mission. By showcasing the biodiversity and agricultural innovation of the San Diego and Baja California region, the event reinforced its commitment to driving economic impact while celebrating the unique coastal influences and convergence of culinary cultures that make Southern California dining distinctive. As the festival concluded its 21st year, it remained a powerful testament to the region’s culinary excellence and a destination experience unlike any other. Looking forward to next year’s event, for more information please visit SanDiegoWineClassic.com.