2nd Annual Manhattan Beach Food and Wine Festival 2025 returns!
Southern California’s most anticipated food and wine festival is coming back this September—this time bigger, bolder, and bursting with culinary star power. The 2nd Annual Manhattan Beach Food and Wine Festival is making waves in the regional foodie scene, just a short drive from San Diego’s coastal communities like Chula Vista, Carlsbad, Escondido, and Oceanside.
Taking place September 12–13, 2025, this high-end culinary experience will feature 46 celebrated chefs, award-winning wineries, curated cocktails, and a vibrant oceanfront atmosphere.
Hosted at Manhattan Village, the event promises luxury meets flavor, combining gourmet tastings with beachside sophistication. If you’ve been craving a world-class foodie weekend that’s still within reach of San Diego, this is the ticket. From Michelin-level cuisine to philanthropic purpose, this food and wine festival is Southern California’s must-attend culinary celebration.
A Star-Studded Culinary Lineup Worth the Drive
This isn’t your average tasting tent. The Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival 2025 boasts one of the most prestigious chef lineups in the state. Event founder Shelby Russell and host Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird, Vibiana) have assembled a powerhouse roster of names that’ll impress even the most seasoned epicurean.
From LA legends like Chef Antonia Lofaso (Scopa Italian Roots, DAMA) and Chef Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat, LA & Chicago), to local icons like Chef David LeFevre (MB Post, Fishing with Dynamite, The Arthur J), every night is a who’s who of culinary brilliance.
“Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup.”
Other featured names include Mary Sue Milliken & Susan Feniger (Border Grill), Chef Raphael Lunetta (Lunetta, Santa Monica), and Chef Chris Cosentino (KOAST, Maui). With 23 chefs each night, guests can expect bold flavors, artistic plating, and truly unforgettable bites.
Sip, Savor & Celebrate in Coastal Luxury
Manhattan Village provides the perfect backdrop—a 40,000-square-foot open-air venue just steps from the ocean, easily walkable via the Veterans Parkway Greenbelt Path. Guests can enjoy:
- Gourmet tastings from elite restaurants
- Premier wine from top vineyards
- Handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits
- Live entertainment
- Non-alcoholic craft beverage options
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast from Escondido or a foodie from Oceanside, this food and wine festival offers a full-sensory weekend escape. Even transportation is covered: complimentary parking and Lyft rideshare services make it easy to enjoy the evening responsibly.
Doing Good Through Great Food
The festival isn’t just indulgent—it’s impactful. Proceeds benefit Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (C•CAP), a national nonprofit providing underserved high school students with training, job placement, and scholarships in the restaurant and hospitality industries.
“C•CAP provides culinary, job and life skills in 186 schools across the United States across the entire state of Arizona, as well as in Baltimore, Camden, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City & Long Island, Newark, Philadelphia, suburban Maryland, and Washington DC.”
Led by industry icons like Marcus Samuelsson, the organization reflects the heart of hospitality—mentorship, opportunity, and community growth.
VIP Access, Premium Partners & Unforgettable Nights
With top-tier partners like Delta Air Lines (official airline), Infiniti of South Bay, San Pellegrino, and westdrift Manhattan Beach, the weekend promises elegance at every turn. A DELTA VIP Early Entry Pass grants access from 6:00–7:00 p.m., with regular admission from 7:00–10:00 p.m..
The event’s sponsors also include Chef Works, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove, Southern California Restaurant Design Group, and Lyft.
“Tickets are NOW ON-SALE now and for Ticket Purchase, Sponsorship Opportunities, or more information, please visit www.ManhattanBeachFoodandWine.com.”
This is a 21+ event, so leave the kids at home and prepare for a grown-up evening of elegance, flavor, and connection.
For food lovers in San Diego—from Chula Vista to Carlsbad—this is your invitation to indulge in a coastal culinary escape like no other. The Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival 2025 blends fine food, artisanal drink, and world-class hospitality into a weekend that’s both luxurious and meaningful. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss your chance to savor the best of SoCal.
Visit www.ManhattanBeachFoodandWine.com to reserve your spot.
