Where to See Celebs at the 2025 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
Each year, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival brings together celebrity chefs, TV personalities, local icons, and the best of the best in the food and beverage industry. Of course, insiders know that the best part of the fest is its weeklong schedule of exclusive events from September 10-14.
Attendees get the chance to not only rub shoulders with their favorite celebs, but to walk away with some epic stories. Take its first year, for example, when actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul hosted an intimate sit-down dinner with their mezcal brand, Dos Hombres, at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.
Instead of sneaking out after the meal, the Breaking Bad stars sat back, sipped back on mezcal and hung late into the evening regaling stories with guests like it was a series wrap party. And what’s a party without some crashers? Food Network chefs Eric Greenspan and Catherine McCord snuck into the dinner and helped out in the kitchen, making the experience even more memorable.
“To say we had a hand in creating that memory, and connecting two of the baddest-ass actors from one of the greatest shows in TV history to local chefs, local drinksmakers, local food and drink fans is awesome,” says San Diego Magazine publisher and Food Network judge Troy Johnson.
Or, if you scored tickets to the Grand Tasting last year. You may have seen celebrity chef Beau MacMillan (Iron Chef America) riding around the grass in a golf cart with his former mentor chef Jeff Jackson (formerly AR Valentien), moonlighting as event staff.
“You had this iconic San Diego chef who was at the forefront of modern farm-to-table cooking in the city, with his old understudy who became a massive restaurateur in Arizona and beat Bobby Flay on Iron Chef delivering ice and beverages to San Diego chefs,” remembers Johnson. “Such a cool thing. I’d love to give all of our celebrity chefs golf carts, but I’d imagine there are laws about that.”
Whether you attend 2025’s event to chat up celebrity chefs like Michael Voltaggio and Jet Tila in-person or are hoping to catch a golf cart ride with Food Network stars, here’s our list of where to run into a celebrity chef, TV personality, award-winning winemaker, or professional athlete throughout the week.
Wednesday, September 10
Opening Night Party at Monarch Ocean Pub
Food Network Judge Troy Johnson & San Diego FC
San Diego’s brand-new MLS team is serving up more than just team spirit at this rooftop kickoff. Hosted by San Diego FC and Food Network judge Troy Johnson, the night blends the North County coast vibes with a culinary tour of the city’s past, present, and future. DJs set the mood, surprise guests pop-up, and bold bites and signature cocktails keep the energy high. It’s the perfect San Diego classic, a sunset rooftop party to toast the end of summer and kick off a weeklong celebration of our city’s thriving food scene.
Monarch Ocean Pub | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Tickets $156
Thursday, September 11
Game Changers Dinner at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Alex Morgan, Adria Marina, Catherine McCord, Claudia Sandoval, Michelle Mathelin, Zuliya Khawaja & Karen Krasne
Celebrating women who are changing the game, this open-air dinner hosted by soccer icon Alex Morgan honors six trailblazing celebrity chefs, Catherine McCord, Claudia Sandoval, Michelle Mathelin, Zuliya Khawaja, and Karen Krasne, each one a powerhouse in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Together, they bring bold creativity, fearless innovation, and real change to the table. Expect elevated flavors, JUSTIN wine pairings, and a spotlight on the Alex Morgan Foundation’s mission to empower girls in sports and life.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Tickets $300
Ramey Wine Dinner at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Marc Murphy, Jackson Kalb & Jason McLeod
Wine, but make it star-studded. David Ramey, the winemaker behind some of California’s best bottles, teams up with top chefs Marc Murphy, Jackson Kalb, and Jason McLeod for a refined night of culinary creativity and perfect pairings at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Each course is crafted with passion and precision, all set against an intimate and charming backdrop.
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | 6:30 p.m. –9:30 p.m. | Tickets $250
Friday, September 12
Celebrity Pickleball Tournament Presented by JUSTIN Winery
Drew Brees, Catherine McCord, Jet Tila & Kyle Cook
Join NFL legend and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees along with culinary stars Jet Tila and Catherine McCord for a friendly doubles-style pickleball tournament at the Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma. Choose your celeb teammate (yes, really), sip on JUSTIN’s finest, and play your way into the weekend. You won’t want to miss Loverboy, the sparkling hard tea brand from Summer House’s Kyle Cooke, who will be there as one of the exhibitors with a booth serving refreshing drinks and cocktails!
Barnes Tennis Center | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Tickets $500 – $600
Kosta Browne Wine Dinner Benefitting Feeding San Diego
Benito Molina, Drew Deckman, Jet Tila, Mawa McQueen & Katie Weber
One of the buzziest wine dinners of the week, Estancia La Jolla brings together five notable, Michelin-starred, and celebrity chefs under one roof. Paired with world-class Kosta Browne wines, the evening blends soul food, bold ocean-inspired flavors, sustainable Baja cuisine, and global influences. And, proceeds benefit Feeding San Diego.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel | 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Tickets $225
Baja Dinner Presented by Tequila Ocho
Javier Plascencia & Raul Casillas
Two of Baja’s best are bringing the flavor north for one night only. Join chefs Javier Plascencia and Raul Casillas on Friday in Puesto’s hidden tequila cellar for a deep dive into coastal cuisine and artisanal agave spirits. Expect multiple courses, masterfully creative tequila pairings, and a celebration of modern Baja.
Puesto Mission Valley | 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Tickets $135
Saturday, September 13
CluckFest: The Official Grand Tasting After Party
Michael Voltaggio & San Diego Wave FC Players
Gourmet fried chicken and soccer stars? Oh yes, you heard that right. CluckFest is the finger-lickin’ finale to your food festival weekend, hosted by chef Michael Voltaggio and the soccer players of San Diego Wave FC. From fiery wings to over-the-top sandwiches, it’s your last chance to sip, snack, and dance your way into Sunday—surrounded by your favorite athletes and all things poultry.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Grand Social | 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Tickets $165
Saturday, September 14 & Sunday, September 15
The 2025 Grand Tasting
Aidan Owens, Beau MacMillan, Brian Malarkey, Carlos Anthony, David Ramey, Eric Bost, Kelsey Murphy, Lauren Lawless, Rob Machado, The Grill Dads & More
Across both Saturday and Sunday, attendees will enjoy nonstop chef demos, curated bites, dreamy cocktails, and a chance to bump elbows with the faces behind your favorite dishes and drink brands.
Expect culinary takeovers from chef Aidan Owens, the Australian-born rising star now running the show at Herb & Sea and Herb & Wood, and Carlos Anthony, the executive chef redefining one of San Diego’s most iconic restaurants. Beau MacMillan (hopefully repeating his antics from last year) joins the lineup alongside Michelin-starred chef Eric Bost.
Celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, the mind behind more than a dozen restaurant concepts (including the beloved Herb & Wood and Animae), will also be on deck, along with Kelsey Murphy, winner of MasterChef Season 11 and self-declared “Queen of Game Day.”
Adding flair to the weekend, Lauren Lawless brings her bold, global cooking style as a standout from Hell’s Kitchen and Supermarket Stakeout. She’ll be joined by the Grill Dads, Mark and Fey, Food Network favorites known for their laid-back charm and serious grilling skills.
And it wouldn’t be San Diego without a touch of surf culture. Rob Machado, surfing icon and longtime local favorite, will be wandering the greens during the weekend. So be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
The post Where to See Celebs at the 2025 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
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