What began as a local tasting event has evolved into a weeklong cross-border showcase of culinary culture, bringing together Latin, Asian, and BIPOC chefs and artisans whose creativity defines Southern California’s dynamic food scene. This year introduces major partnerships with the James Beard Foundation and Southwest Airlines, along with appearances by award-winning talent including Suzette Gresham, Roberto Alcocer, Elijah Arizmendi, and Carlos Gaytán, Mexico’s first Michelin-starred chef.
From intimate pairing dinners to grand seaside tastings, the 2025 festival will feature more than 20 experiences across San Diego. And here’s a tip for local foodies - promo code SDVILLE saves $10 per ticket on the festival’s three marquee events: the Grand Decant, Grand Fiesta, and Grand Tasting.
After combing through the full schedule, these are SanDiegoVille’s top seven picks for this year’s can’t-miss culinary celebration.
7) Flavors of Kapwa: A Filipino Culinary Experience ($219+, Wednesday, November 5, 6:30-9:30pm, Nima at Animae) - Three of the country’s most celebrated Filipino chefs unite for one unforgettable dinner grounded in kapwa - the Filipino concept of shared identity and community. Hosted by two-time James Beard finalist Tara Monsod at Animae, this four-course, family-style experience celebrates Filipino heritage through storytelling, flavor, and heart. Monsod is joined by Lordfer Lalicon (Kaya Orlando, Green Michelin Star) and Melissa Miranda (Musang Seattle), each bringing their own regional influences to dishes like Spiny Lobster Pinakbet Salad and Oxtail Terrine Kare Kare. Come curious, hungry, and ready to feel the connection in every bite.
6) Who’s Your Pappy? The Legend Continues ($150+, Friday, November 7, 2-3pm, Green Acre, Campus Point) - Back by popular demand, this sell-out seminar returns with new bottles, bold palates, and one legendary pour. Whiskey expert Tom Fischer of BourbonBlog.com leads guests through a blind tasting of rare and reserve whiskeys — no hints, just taste. Hidden among the flight: the elusive Pappy Van Winkle 20-year. Can your palate pick the icon? It’s the ultimate challenge for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike.
5) Les Amis de Bernard 10-Year Anniversary: Louis Latour Signature Dinner ($395+, Thursday, November 6, 6:30-10pm, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina) - A decade in the making, this extraordinary dinner celebrates friendship, artistry, and Burgundy’s best. Five acclaimed chefs — Suzette Gresham, Bernard Guillas, Katsuya Fukushima, Aron Schwartz, and Rafa Corniel — unite to craft a five-course meal paired with Louis Latour’s most exquisite wines, from Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru 2022 to Corton Charlemagne 2020. It’s a masterclass in culinary harmony and a toast to ten years of excellence.
4) David Arthur Wine Dinner at Mister A’s ($295+, Thursday, November 6, 6:30-9pm, Mister A’s, Bankers Hill) - Napa Valley meets San Diego skyline at this elegant five-course dinner featuring David Arthur Long and Chef Stéphane Voitzwinkler. As Mr. A’s celebrates 60 years of fine dining, guests will enjoy a rare selection of small-lot wines - including Elevation 1147 Cabernet Sauvignon - paired with refined, French-inspired courses served high above the city. Expect an evening of heritage, terroir, and stunning views.
3) James Beard Foundation Opening Night at Grand Decant ($250+ but promo code SDVILLE saves $10 per ticket, Friday, November 7, 6-9pm, Julep Venue) - The Grand Decant kicks off the festival’s marquee weekend in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, featuring over 300 wines and spirits from around the world. Attendees will sip highly allocated vintages and small-batch selections while sampling bites from Michelin-recognized and Beard-honored chefs, including Carlos Gaytán, Gale Gand, and Ruffo Ibarra. A limited-entry Grand Decant LUX tier offers early access and rare pours for serious collectors.
2) Grand Fiesta ($106.50+ but promo code SDVILLE saves $10 per ticket, Sunday, November 9, 11am-3pm, Liberty Station) - The festival’s energetic finale celebrates the cross-border flavors and colors that define San Diego’s food culture. Grand Fiesta immerses guests in Latin America’s culinary and artistic spirit, with top chefs from both sides of the border - including Marcelo Hisaki, Sabina Bandera, and Ilean Padilla - serving inspired bites alongside wines, craft beers, and Mexican spirits. Add in live music, art installations, and cultural showcases, and this becomes one of the most vibrant afternoons of the year.
1) Grand Tasting Presented by Southwest Airlines ($215+ but promo code SDVILLE saves $10 per ticket, Saturday, November 8, 11am-3pm, Embarcadero Marina Park North) - The festival’s crown jewel and San Diego’s biggest and best foodie bash returns to the bayfront for an all-day indulgence under the sun. More than 200 wineries, breweries, and distilleries will pour their best while over 80 chefs from San Diego, Baja, and the West Coast serve up creative coastal cuisine. Guests can enjoy live music, brand activations, and the thrilling “Chef of the Fest” competition, where one culinary talent takes home up to $5,000 in prizes - and a year of bragging rights.
For tickets, hotel packages, and the complete schedule of events, visit sandiegowineclassic.com. And don’t forget - use promo code SDVILLE to save $10 per ticket on the Grand Decant, Grand Fiesta, and Grand Tasting.
For tickets, hotel packages, and the complete schedule of events, visit sandiegowineclassic.com. And don’t forget - use promo code SDVILLE to save $10 per ticket on the Grand Decant, Grand Fiesta, and Grand Tasting.
Originally published on October 28, 2025.
