Wellness Makes Its Debut at the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Founded by locals who dreamed of the ultimate coastal cookout, the annual Del Mar Wine + Food Festival unites celebrity chefs, hometown culinary legends, craft brewers, and top winemakers for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. This year, the festival adds a new flavor to the mix on September 13 and 14: wellness.

For the first time, festival-goers can step into the Novo Dia Wellness Zone, where mindful living takes center stage. This new zone brings together wellness practices, virtual reality meditations, craft mocktails, and nutrient-forward tastings—an evolution that reflects how the region’s lifestyle blends indulgence with balance.

“Wellness is influencing the local food scene in powerful ways—chefs are spotlighting organic, plant-based, and nutrient-rich ingredients, while mixologists are embracing mocktails and zero-proof beverages as health-conscious options for those who want to have fun without compromising their body,” said Igor Lascani, Founder of Novo Dia Wellness. “By integrating wellness into the festival’s celebrated wine and food culture, we’re expanding the conversation beyond indulgence to include balance, vitality, and mindful living.”

Alongside the Grand Tasting events featuring unlimited sips and bites from hundreds of vendors, visitors can explore a curated lineup of wellness-forward brands and practitioners inside the Novo Dia Wellness Zone, including:

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is guided by some familiar local names. Food writer and TV personality Troy Johnson—a San Diego native best known for his long-running role as a judge on Guy’s Grocery Games and as the Chief Content Officer at San Diego Magazine—serves as host. Joining the festivities as ambassadors are soccer star Alex Morgan, NFL great Drew Brees, and surf legend Rob Machado, alongside special guest Guy Fieri, the Mayor of Flavortown himself.

But beyond the bites, pours, and wellness activations, the festival also carries a deeper purpose: supporting Feeding San Diego, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing perfectly good food from going to waste and redirecting it to San Diegans facing hunger. A portion of proceeds from the weekend will go directly to their efforts.

Grand Tasting 2025: Saturday, September 13 + Sunday, September 14, 1:00-4:00pm | Surf Sports Park, Del Mar

Single day ($205 / general admission) or two-day passes ($305) will grant you access to the Grand Tasting, which includes the Novo Dia Wellness Zone. Early access and VIP tickets are also available.

Browse the full event lineup and purchase passes at delmar.wine

Explore our Events Calendar for upcoming yoga events, meditation classes and wellness workshops around San Diego. Or browse all of our Movement articles for the latest fitness news and trends!