Local Flavor

From its one-of-a-kind art and fashion to exceptional food and wine, San Diego is a potpourri of cultures and customs. And even in the middle of fall, we are able to enjoy this mix in the warm, October air.

The charming villages of Del Mar, La Jolla and downtown San Diego invite guests to casual meander the streets while savoring local art, wine and cuisine. The Del Mar Taste and Art Stroll, La Jolla Art and Wine Festival and San Diego Food and Wine on the Bay are three of the best opportunities to take in all these luxuries San Diego has to offer.

San Diego Wine and Food on the Bay

Food and wine aficionados Ken Loyst and Michelle Metter attended various food and wine events throughout the country when they realized what a great opportunity this could also be for San Diego. The festival producers went on to create one of the most drool-worthy epicurean experiences, in a five-day, not-to-be-missed event.

Since 2004, San Diego Wine and Food on the Bay has brought new, fresh chefs, classifying it the largest wine and food event in San Diego — with more than 10,000 visitors during the week. This year’s event, which runs from Nov. 14 to 18, will have the largest offering for "guests to experience San Diego’s best," according to event planners. On the docket are several local favorites, including Jake’s Del Mar, South Coast Winery and Quality Social.

Showcasing more than 170 different breweries, wineries and spirit masters, this event also features 70 local and out-of-town chefs, including celebrity chefs who will be spotlighted throughout the week.

Metter encourages visitors to pick specific events to attend through the week, particularly emphasizing Saturday’s Grand Tasting Event, the festival’s grand finale featuring the cuisine of more than 70 of the city’s most talented chefs and 170 wine and spirit purveyors, as well as celebrities and live entertainment.

Visit sandiegowineclassic.com for a detailed schedule of celebrity chef spotlights, culinary and wine tasting classes and more.with tickets — $25 in advance and $30 at the door — can sample the fare of 28 restaurants.

Del Mar Taste and Art Stroll

In its tenth year, the Del Mar Taste and Art Stroll is the perfect occasion for families to spend a day getting to know the local businesses and seeing everything its downtown has to offer. In additional to beautiful weather, visitors are drawn to "the great food and perfect venue," says to Jen Groves, the event’s executive director. Closed to traffic, the event fills the downtown stretching up from 15thth Street to Del Mar Plaza and down the 101.

This Oct. 7 stroll features a plethora of art, wine, food and entertainment. And with a children’s area — complete with face painting, crafts and temporary tattoos — there is a broad spectrum of activities for children and adults. The event even includes a pet stroll, with specific areas for dogs to taste culinary treats alongside their owners.

During the free art stroll, visitors can view exclusive art in all mediums while listening to featured local bands. And those with tickets — $25 in advance and $30 at the door — can sample the fare of 28 restaurants.

For more information, visit taste.delmarmainstreet.com.

La Jolla Art and Wine Festival

When Sherry Ahern, long-time resident of La Jolla, noticed extreme budget cuts at her children’s schools, she decided to incorporate La Jolla’s foundation as an artist village to "help the community bring art back and help the schools."

For its fourth year, the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival will raise money for the art, music, technology, physical education and library programs that have been cut at the local elementary and middle schools. In fact, since launching in 2009, the festival has raised more than $120,000.

Migrating from its original location on upper Girard, the festival this year will take place Oct. 13-14 in the heart of the village, between Prospect Avenue and Kline Street, on lower Girard Avenue. This two-day juried art show and fundraiser has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the most prestigious art and wine festivals on the West Coast. The event is free, with cash donations accepted at all the festival entrances.

Partnering with the La Jolla Village Merchants Association, Ahern credits the success of this growing event to all the volunteers.

"When you band together, you obviously have more strength than on your own," she says. In fact, Ahern anticipates nearly 450 unpaid volunteers and more than 20,000 attendees.

And it’s no surprise that so many will be drawn to the "unique, affordable art," as well as craft beers and wines from around the world and food from various local restaurants and farmers’ market vendors. Visitors can share in family-friendly activities, all while taking in the beauty of the La Jolla coast.

In fact, Ahern suggests that attendees should: "Make a day of it. Make a stay of it."   

Check out ljawf.com for more information.