San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

November 18-22, 2009

Valid until: Nov 21, 2009

The Grand Finale of the sizzling five-day festival is the star-studded Grand Tasting Event. Take in the beautiful San Diego Bay and enjoy the ocean breeze as you partake in the largest, most talked about wine and food festival in Southern California. This year you will enjoy 170 wine & spirit purveyors, 70 of San Diego’s top chefs, gourmet foods, “Chef of the Fest” competition, cookbook author signing tent, and live entertainment. Must be 21 years or older to attend. No infants admitted.

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Location: Embarcadero Marina Park North -Behind Seaport Village
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Valid until: Nov 20, 2009

An exclusive and elegant evening for collectors of fine wine, the Reserve & New Release Tasting sets the stage for wine enthusiasts to taste the pride of the vine from 160 wineries and spirits producers. Guests will also enjoy cuisine from 10 gourmet food companies and can take part in the exciting silent auction. Must be 21 years or older to attend. No infants admitted.

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009
Location: Wonderhaus (Wonderbread) Building at 14th and L Street.
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Valid until: Nov 20, 2009

Hosted by Chef Brian Malarkey & Panel of Bravo's Top Chefs Contestants
"Foodies" and reality show addicts alike tune in each week to watch chefs from all walks of life battle it out in the Top Chef kitchen. If you are a Top Chef fan, or just love really great food, this class is for you! The Challenge: Three former Top Chef contestants have collaborated to prepare a mouth-watering wine paired tasting menu exclusively for you. They each have 20 minutes to teach you the techniques to prepare their recipes at home, and then wow your taste buds with a sampling of the dish prepared during the class. Must be 21 years or older to attend. No infants admitted.

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009
Location: Macy’s School of Cooking
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Valid until: Nov 20, 2009

Hosted by Peter Mondavi Jr
Join Peter Mondavi Jr. as he traces the evolution of Charles Krug-Peter Mondavi Family wines and Napa Valley cabernet sauvignons through this compelling vertical tasting of the winery’s Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. As you taste through the wines, Mr. Mondavi will discuss how his family's sustainable vineyard practices, improved winemaking techniques, public demand and other factors have all helped shape this special wine over the last 60 years. Must be 21 years or older to attend. No infants admitted.

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009
Location: San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Valid until: Nov 20, 2009

Discussion with Panel of Paso Robles Winemakers
Halfway between the two main California metropolises of Los Angeles and San Francisco is Paso Robles Wine Country. Located along California's famed Central Coast, the Paso Robles winegrape growing region's climate is perfect for the production of award-winning premium wines. A long growing season of warm days and cool evenings give rise to vibrantly ripened fruit with dynamic flavor profiles that translate beautifully in your glass of Paso Robles wine. Join a panel of six Paso Robles winemakers as you taste from their blends, learn rationale behind the blending of wines, and the philosophies of these winemakers that shape their winemaking process. Must be 21 years or older to attend. No infants admitted.

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009
Location: San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Valid until: Nov 20, 2009

Hosted by Celebrity Chef Alex Stratta
Must be 21 years or older to attend. No infants admitted.

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009
Location: San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Valid until: Nov 20, 2009

Hosted by Celebrity Chef Paul Bartolotta
Discover the impact of seafood, vegetables, and olive oil on the Mediterranean diet and specifically traditional Italian Coastal Cuisine. Must be 21 years or older to attend. No infants admitted.

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009
Location: Macy’s School of Cooking
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Valid until: Nov 20, 2009

Hosted by Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman
Join Master Sommelier Joe Spellman as walks you through how to determine varietal, vintage and AVA utilizing classic techniques involving sight, smell and taste. Hear what professionals look for and learn how to identify different varietals and styles of wine following the Master Sommelier technique of wine identification. The blind tasting will be conducted in the Court of Master Sommeliers' tasting format. Taste from six exceptional wines along with our expert panel and test your ability to determine the grape varietal, AVA and age. Must be 21 years or older to attend. No infants admitted.

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009
Location: San Diego Wine & Culinary Center
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.