There will be more than 700 wines for the tippling, signature noshes from top chefs and gourmet food purveyors for the tasting, and wine and culinary classes for the taking.
The third annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, a five-day epicurean extravaganza, is poised to storm San Diego next week at destinations throughout town. Foodies can flex their taste buds and expand their gustatory know-how while supporting the American Institute of Wine & Food, the beneficiary of this year's event.
“This year's festival blends top-notch wine and culinary talent in classes designed for both the novice wine and food enthusiast as well as the more experienced home chef and serious wine collector,” said festival co-producer Michelle Metter.
The festival's highlight is the Grand Event on Nov. 11 in huge tents erected in Embarcadero Park North behind Seaport Village. More than 150 wineries and spirit producers will present tastings, 50 chefs will whip up gourmet foods for sampling, and a live auction and olive oil tasting will be held.
Chef Brian Hill, who was a “Top Chef” contestant on the Bravo television reality series and has cooked for such well-heeled clients as Mary J. Blige, Eddie Murphy and Mariah Carey, will prepare his signature dishes. Local chefs who will serve some of their specialties include Riko Bartolome of Asia-Vous, Gavin Kaysen of El Bizcocho, Brian Sinnott of Molly's, Dean Thomas of Barona Valley Resort, Stephen Window of Roppongi, Jeff Rossman of Terra and Brian Pekarcik of Arterra.
Among the visiting celebrity chefs is David Lawrence, author of “Boy Eats World.” He will teach two classes: “Cocktails and Hors D'oeuvres to Die For” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. next Thursday at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center ($55), and “A Private Chef Cooks Simple Gourmet” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at Macy's School of Cooking ($60).
Chef Vikki Nulman, owner of Sol Cafe in Santa Fe, N.M., will teach “Spice Up Your Holiday With a Southwest Thanksgiving” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Thursday at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center ($55).
There will be plenty of opportunities to improve your wine education as well. Sommelier Tracy Wallace of The Wine Encounter will teach “Ole! Tour of Spanish Wines & Tapas” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. next Thursday at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. And master sommelier Joseph Spellman and a panel of Napa Valley winemakers will conduct a cabernet tasting and discussion from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at the San Diego Marriott.
Caroline Dipping is a Union-Tribune news assistant.
THE FACTS
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Grand Event: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, Embarcadero Park North
Wine and cooking classes: Wednesday through Nov. 12 at various locations, including the Westgate Hotel, San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, Macy's School of Cooking, and San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina.
Cost: Grand Event is $95. Most classes are $40 to $65. Ticket packages are available for multiple events.
Information and reservations: (619) 342-7337 or www.worldofwineevents.com.
