All the Celebs Attending the 2024 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Sep 20, 2024 at 7:16 PM

Culinary Superstars Converge at the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is set to captivate food and wine enthusiasts once again, as it brings together some of SoCal's biggest names in the culinary world. From acclaimed chefs and TV personalities to local culinary talents, the festival promises an array of exclusive events, curated wine experiences, and immersive lifestyle activities that will delight attendees from October 2-7.

Indulge in a Culinary Extravaganza at the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Trattoria di Prato: A Taste of Italy with Renowned Chefs

On Thursday, October 3, acclaimed chefs Rocco DiSpirito, Jackson Kalb, and Jason McLeod will host a four-course Italian dinner on the lawn at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. DiSpirito, an award-winning chef and best-selling author, has worked in some of the country's top restaurants, including the three-Michelin-starred Jardin des Sens in France. Joining him is Top Chef alum Jackson Kalb, who launched his own catering company at the age of 12 and now owns several successful restaurants in Los Angeles. Rounding out the talented trio is chef Jason McLeod, who has over 25 years of culinary experience and has earned two Michelin stars in Chicago. This exclusive event promises an unforgettable dining experience, with tickets priced at $300 per person.

Pickleball, Celebrities, and Cocktails: The Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament

On Friday, October 4, former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees will host the annual Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament, benefiting Feeding San Diego. The event will feature a star-studded lineup, including tennis champions CoCo Vandeweghe and James Blake, Olympian Chase Budinger, San Diego Padres alumni, and San Diego Wave FC players. Summer House's Kyle Cooke will also be on hand, showcasing his line of sparkling hard teas, spritzes, and cocktails. Food Network host Catherine McCord and The Grill Dads will be serving up delicious bites for the afternoon. Spectator tickets start at $125, while those looking to play alongside a pro can purchase tickets for up to $500.

A Night of Divine Art + Cuisine with Maneet Chauhan

On Friday, October 4, award-winning chef, television personality, and author Maneet Chauhan will be the featured guest at the Night of Divine Art + Cuisine event at the Kitchen at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Chauhan, a judge on Food Network's Chopped and the first-ever two-time winner of Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions, will delight guests with a sunset dinner featuring four courses and wine pairings. Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at $300.

Napa Wine Tasting with Chef Jason McLeod

Also on Friday, October 4, guests can join some of the top Napa wine producers for a walkaround tasting experience at Rancho Santa Fe, hosted by chef and restaurateur Jason McLeod and the culinary team at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. This is an opportunity to sample some of the best pours from the wine country, with tickets priced at $225 per person.

Coastal Cowboy Dinner: A Fusion of Flavors and Flair

On Friday, October 4, get ready to don your best western attire and beachy elegance for the Coastal Cowboy dinner presented by Experience Scottsdale and co-hosted by James and Ryane Shields. This family-style tasting event at a private estate in La Jolla will feature acclaimed chefs Beau MacMillan (Guy's Grocery Games, Next Iron Chef), Matt Carter, and Rene Andrade (James Beard Award winner for "Best Chef in the Southwest"). Tickets for this exclusive dinner are priced at $550 per person.

Spice Girls Dinner: A Global Culinary Adventure

On Saturday, October 5, chefs Claudia Sandoval (MasterChef) and Aarti Sequiera (The Next Food Network Star) will host the Spice Girls Dinner at a private estate in Rancho Santa Fe. Sandoval, a San Diego native, will showcase her passion for Mexican cuisine, while Sequiera, known as "The Spice Queen," will incorporate spices from around the world into the tasting experience. Tickets for this event are priced at $500 per person.

Beach Cleanup and Seafood Brunch: A Sustainable Celebration

On Sunday, October 6, the Beach Cleanup and Seafood Brunch will be hosted by Top Chef's Brian Malarkey and Baja culinary icon Javier Plascencia. Surf legend Rob Machado will join the cleanup, while Herb & Sea's executive chef Aidan Owen will prepare food in collaboration with Malarkey and Plascencia. Tickets for this event are priced at $150 per person.

Rancho Bernardo Inn: A French-Baja Fusion Dinner

Also on Sunday, October 6, guests can enjoy a raw bar, tray-passed reception, and four-course dinner at Rancho Bernardo Inn. The event will be hosted by chef Sergio Jiminez (Avant Restaurant) and chefs Drew Deckman (31ThirtyOne) and Benito Molina (MasterChef México), with wine pairings from Austin Hope and DAOU. Tickets are priced at $250 per person.

Celebrating San Diego Wave FC with Tiffani Faison

On Sunday, October 6, celebrity chef Tiffani Faison (Top Chef, Tournament of Champions) is teaming up with the Big Queer Food Festival to celebrate the San Diego Wave FC. Attendees can mingle with the club and enjoy dishes inspired by the players' hometowns. Tickets for this event are priced at $150 per person.

The Grand Tasting: A Culinary Showcase

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival's Grand Tasting events on Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, will feature an impressive lineup of celebrity chefs, TV personalities, and local culinary talents. On Saturday, attendees can expect to see award-winning chef Claudette Zepeda, actor and producer Rob McElhenney, and Callie's Travis Swikard showcasing their culinary prowess. Additionally, a special collaboration between Top Chef alum Brian Malarkey and Beau MacMillan (Guy's Grocery Games, Next Iron Chef) will be a highlight in the VIP tent. On Sunday, former USWNT player and San Diego Wave FC captain Alex Morgan will be on-site, along with The Grill Dads and acclaimed chef Eric Greenspan. Tickets for the Grand Tasting events are priced from $165 to $425 for VIP access.

Closing Out the Festival with a Golf Classic

On Monday, October 7, the Happy Fillmore Golf Classic Event will feature chef Lauren Lawless (Supermarket Stakeout), Eric Greenspan, and The Grill Dads. Attendees who purchase tickets to play golf between now and Friday, September 27, will receive a general admission ticket to Sunday's Grand Tasting event.Don't miss your chance to immerse yourself in the culinary delights and exclusive experiences at the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival. With a star-studded lineup of chefs, personalities, and local talents, this event promises to be a true celebration of the region's vibrant food and wine scene.