With miles of pristine coastline, a full complement of attractions, and some of the top restaurants in the country, San Diego is a must visit Southern California destination. An annual average temperature of 70℉ and nearly constant sunshine allow you to fill your days with plenty of fun. Spend a day at the beach or head indoors to one of the 15 museums at Balboa Park. When the sun sets, visit one of the city’s vibrant nightclubs, San Diego has something for everyone!
VinDiego has established itself as one of San Diego’s leading wine and culinary events in only five years. The event will take place on Saturday, April 11, at the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station. Event organizers anticipate more than 2,250 attendees. Patrons will encounter the full spectrum of San Diego's wine and culinary scenes with more than 75 wineries and 24 restaurants represented. Guests will be able to sample wines and dishes, chat with chefs and wine masters, and listen to live music performed by Jimmy & Enrique. The event donates a portion of its proceeds to some great local nonprofits including It's All About The Kids® and San Diego Italian Film Festival. We got the opportunity to interview Robert Esparza, a representative for the event, to talk about this showcase of San Diego's best food and wine.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
RE: This is our 5th year!
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
RE: We anticipate around 3,000 attendees.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract?
RE: VinDiego is a 21+ only event. Guests come from homes with an annual household income greater than the county's average. Our Facebook network is 70% female!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
RE: The food. VinDiego hosts some of the best restaurants in San Diego, and you get to try every one of them! Also because this is not a drunk fest, it's a high-class event with no beer or spirits, just wine.
RAL: Take me through the activities a day at the event...what can I expect as an attendee?
RE: The event is very straightforward. We have over 75 wineries and 24 restaurants set up waiting to serve our guests, and Jimmy & Enrique will provide the live entertainment. All-inclusive ticket grants patrons unlimited wine and food tastings.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
RE: You never know!
RAL: What’s the overall environment like?
RE: Amazing. VinDiego is hosted in the historical courtyard at NTC Liberty Station in beautiful Point Loma.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?
RE: The Courtyard is offering a $169 per night special for VinDiego guests. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the event location. Guests can call (800) 321-2211 and reference the VinDiego code, "VIN."
RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?
RE: The Courtyard is hard to beat due to the proximity, although The Pearl Hotel would be a great fit for those looking for a boutique hotel. The Pearl is a 5-minute car ride to the event.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
RE: Yes! Our participating wineries and restaurants get the opportunity to promote their business directly to their target market. Also, the Courtyard books several rooms for our guests coming from out of town. The majority of the wineries are from outside the city, and their team comes to San Diego, bringing money directly the local community.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
RE: This year VinDiego is supporting the San Diego Italian Film Festival and It's All About The Kids®. Both are local 501(c)(3) organizations.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
RE: It's simple. If you enjoy fine wine and gourmet fare in a causal-historical setting, VinDiego is the event for you! Join us and find out why the event has been referred to as the "Disneyland of wine events."
For more information about VinDiego, please visit the event website.