The 12th annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (SDBWFF) will make its tasty return next month, bringing delectable dishes and premiere wines to feasting foodies.
The week-long fest, which runs Nov. 16-22, will showcase San Diego’s thriving food scene and local culinary talent in a series of events including tastings, workshops and special dinners. Of course, like in years past, luxury wines and spirits will also take center stage.
With so many events where one can sip and savor, here is a scrumptious sample of a few of those mouthwatering activities for foodies to sink their teeth into. Cheers!
Bayless + Plascencia + White Opening Feast (Nov. 16)
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bracero Cocina De Raiz
Three local chefs and restaurateurs – Rick Bayless, Javier Plascencia and Chad White – host a very exclusive opening night feast at Bracero Cocina De Raiz in Little Italy. With only 30 seats available, the upscale chic dinner event includes a private meet-and-greet with the talent and a four-course dinner paired expertly with wines from the Valle Guadalupe region. Diners will even get a chance to watch the chefs in action from an observation kitchen, seeing first-hand what it takes to put perfection on a plate. Tickets cost between $100 and $250 per person.
Fish Tacos & Craft Beer Featuring the Fish Taco TKO (Nov. 17)
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Quartyard Urban Park
Anyone who lives in San Diego knows Taco Tuesday is a big deal, but this SDBWFF event in downtown San Diego takes the concept to another level. Back for the fourth year, this battle features fish tacos created by 12 of the city’s top chefs competing head-to-head for votes. In the past, winners have included tacos from the PB Fish Shop and Sandbar Sports Grill. Organizers say this casual event will also include 12 unique craft beer station and live music. It’s presented by “Dining Out” Magazine. Tickets are $45.
Bernard Guillas & Friends Host an Ocean to Table Lunch (Nov. 18)
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Marine Room
Join The Marine Room’s celebrated Chef Bernard Guillas and some of his culinary pals for a coursed, fresh seafood lunch topped with wine pairings and breathtaking views. The daytime event includes a champagne reception, followed by hors d’oeuvres and four courses for discerning palates. Tickets cost $85 per person. Check out the menu here.
Wine Faults Workshop: Yeast, Bacterial and Sulfer Defects in Wine (Nov. 19)
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Manchester Grand Hyatt, Golden Hill AB
This SDBWFF seminar – led by Patrick Farrell of Inventive Technologies, Inc., and Amy Christine of Black Sheep Wines – explores the root of the most conspicuous wine faults, from visual defects like protein instability and tartrates to microbial issues that stem from yeast, bacteria and rot. The workshop costs $55 per person.
SommCon Tasting & Silent Auction (Nov. 20)
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Manchester Grand Hyatt, Grand Ballroom
For the first time, SommCon, a leading conference for sommelier-level education and training of wine professionals and serious enthusiasts, has paired with the SDBWFF to bring this educational tasting event to the festival’s lineup. Attendees will be able to sample sips from more than 100 wine, spirit and brewery producers while mingling with industry professionals. The event also includes a silent auction to benefit the American Institute of Wine & Food and the Chaine des Rosisseurs culinary arts scholarship programs. Tickets cost $65.
The Lexus Grand Tasting Event (Nov. 21)
12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park North
If you attend only one San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival event this year make it this – the big finale of the SDBWFF. The Grand Tasting at Embarcadero Marina Park North, right behind Seaport Village, will boast 150 wine and spirit purveyors pouring more than 700 different wines from a range of domestic and international wineries. In addition, more than 60 of San Diego’s top chefs will take the spotlight at The Grand Tasting, whipping up their finest fare. A “Chef of the Fest” competition will determine the best of the best, with one winning chef walking away with up to $50,000 in cash and prizes and, of course, serious bragging rights. Attendees will also enjoy samples from more than 30 gourmet food companies, plus live entertainment. Tickets range from $135 to $200, depending on the extras you’d like to add. Designated Driver tickets are also available.
Sail With Gale (Nov. 22)
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Marriott Marquis & Marina
Sail around San Diego Bay with award-winning author and Chef Gale Gand and her closest chef friends while feasting on some of her favorite dishes (cold, warm and hot options, plus dessert) and sipping on custom cocktails. There are only 40 spaces available aboard this 60-foot, private luxury yacht, so buy your tickets early to snag a spot. Tickets are $125.
There you have it – a small slice of what’s ahead at the 2015 San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. By the way, foodies who want to attend more than one of these events may want to opt for special packages, which include tickets to multiple activities and other swag.
For all of the details on San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, visit the event website.
