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Southern California’s premier food and wine celebration, the San Diego Food + Wine Festival, returns this November for its landmark 20th year, supported by the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego and Baja California Travel. This year’s festival promises an immersive journey into the heart of Baja’s rich culinary heritage while emphasizing deeper cross-border collaborations, showcasing chefs, winemakers, and artisans transforming the gastronomic landscape on both sides of the border.
At the core of this year’s event is the enduring influence of Mexican culture on San Diego’s vibrant food scene. The festival will feature everything from Michelin-starred guided tours to Valle de Guadalupe’s renowned wine regions, culminating in the Grand Fiesta finale. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to savor the very best that Mexico and Southern California have to offer.
More than just a food event, the San Diego Food + Wine Festival pays tribute to the shared history, flavors, and future of culinary exploration between Mexico and the U.S. The Consulate General of Mexico will highlight the festival’s Grand Tasting opening ceremonies on Saturday, November 9th, where the official lineup of events and fundraising beneficiaries will be announced. The ceremony will feature a crowd-pleasing Champagne saber demonstration, symbolizing the bold, celebratory spirit that defines the festival.
“The San Diego Food + Wine Festival is undoubtedly the premier event where San Diegans can enjoy the finest wine and beer produced in Mexico, particularly in Baja California,” said Ambassador Alicia Kerber-Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego. “Mexican wine is the top pairing option for the hospitality industry in San Diego. Currently, the United States is the main destination for Mexican wine exports, accounting for 50% and reaching approximately $7 million.”
This nine-day festival invites attendees to explore the dynamic future of Mexican food and beverages. A Michelin-focused Baja Culinary Expedition on Thursday offers an exclusive, curated exploration of Baja’s thriving culinary landscape and its recent Michelin star recipients. On Friday, the Grand Decant will highlight a selection of wines from Valle de Guadalupe, a region synonymous with innovation in viticulture.
On Saturday, the Baja Pavilion will feature interactive tastings showcasing the depth of Mexican gastronomy. Guests can sample offerings from top Mexican chefs, winemakers, and distillers, discovering the history and craft behind each flavor profile.
The festival will culminate in the Grand Fiesta on Sunday, November 10th, where culinary talents from San Diego, Baja, and beyond will celebrate the inextricable bond between Mexican and Southern Californian cuisine. The Grand Fiesta will showcase their collaborative efforts and highlight the future trajectory of this cross-border culinary dialogue.
“The culinary conversation between California and Mexico has been a constant source of inspiration for our team, growing richer and more dynamic each year,” said Michelle Metter, festival co-producer and co-founder of Fast Forward Events. “Our goal is to deepen the connection, understanding, and celebration of the vibrant food culture we share with our southern neighbors. We’re thrilled to partner with the Consulate General of Mexico to strengthen these relationships even further.”
This milestone year for the San Diego Food + Wine Festival marks two decades of fostering culinary connections and pushing the boundaries of what the food and beverage community can achieve when working together across borders. With the support of the Consulate General of Mexico, this year’s festival promises to be a groundbreaking celebration of cultural exchange and culinary artistry.
Individual tickets and weekend packages are currently available for purchase for the Grand Decant, Grand Tasting, and Grand Fiesta experiences, along with other ticketed events such as panels, educational sessions, culinary expeditions, and tastings. Travelers can find information on hotel partner packages and flights via official airline partner Southwest Airlines. For more information, please visit the festival website and follow on Instagram @sdfoodwine.
The 20th Annual San Diego Food + Wine Festival is an international showcase of premier wine and spirits producers, chefs, culinary personalities, and gourmet foods. Held from November 2-10, 2024, the award-winning festival raises funds for culinary, enology, and hospitality scholarships and grants, having awarded over $600,000 to individuals and nonprofits through previous events. For more information, visit www.sandiegowineclassic.com and follow @sdfoodwine.