What is the Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip?

The Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip is a culinary stroll through Del Mar Village, where attendees sample tastes from local restaurants and sips from local wineries, breweries and distilleries at “Sip Stops” located inside retail shops and businesses. The Winter Taste & Sip also features multiple live musical performances throughout the charming heart of Del Mar.

Sunday, December 8 is also Del Mar Village’s North Pole by the Sea, which features many family-friendly activities from 1:00 to 5:00 pm and culminates in the annual tree lighting ceremony in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at 5:00 pm. Click here for more North Pole by the Sea info.

What should I expect at the event?

The Winter Taste & Sip features tastes from local restaurants and sips from local wineries, breweries and distilleries. You can expect bite-size portions from restaurants and tasting-size pours from beverage vendors within the designated Sip Stops. Attendees who have purchased Taste + Sip tickets will receive a reusable tasting cup to use in the Sip Stops.

This is a traditional Taste event in which attendees traverse Camino Del Mar sampling tastes and sips; the total route distance is less than half a mile.

Please note that while our restaurants come prepared for this event, guests are not guaranteed a taste from every vendor, especially as the event nears its end. This is also a very busy day in the village, as our North Pole by the Sea family-friendly day of holiday festivities takes place concurrently. We recommend arriving on the earlier side to leave plenty of time to stroll and eat!

Is there parking nearby?

We encourage you to take Lyft or Uber when possible, but there are many parking options in Del Mar. As part of the City of Del Mar’s free holiday parking program, all metered parking in the village will be free the day of the Taste & Sip event. Free parking is available at the Del Mar Civic Center, and paid parking is also available at Del Mar Plaza.

Where do I check in?

Check in takes place on 15th Street just west of Camino Del Mar. You will be able to check in and get your event ticket – and wristband/tasting glass for Taste + Sip ticketholders.

What do I need to bring in order to check in?

You must have your ticket – either printed or pulled up on your phone – and a photo ID in order to check in and receive your ticket/map and, if applicable, your wristband and tasting glass. No exceptions.

Can I pick up my wristband early?

Unfortunately no. Please queue up at the check in area, where we will be able to check you in and get you moving on the event route promptly at 1:00 pm. Participating restaurants and beverage partners (within Sip Stops) will be ready to serve starting at 1:00 pm.

Will tickets be sold at the door?

The Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip is SOLD OUT! Thank you so much for your support of DMVA and the businesses that make up our downtown.

What else should I bring?

Sun is in the forecast, so make sure to wear your sunscreen or wear a hat, and bring a full reusable water bottle, which you can refill at any of the restaurants. It will be a festive day in the village, so feel free to add some holiday flair to your outfit.

What if I have special dietary needs?

While some restaurants may offer options that accommodate special diets/food allergies, we cannot guarantee that all offerings meet specific dietary needs. Guests are encouraged to contact participating restaurants directly as the event approaches to ensure they have some available options, although restaurants sometimes have to make changes at the last minute due to product availability/pricing.

Are children allowed?

Children are welcome to enjoy the Winter Taste & Sip with a “Taste Only” ticket or as a non-tasting attendee; only attendees 21 and older are allowed to partake in the wine, beer and distilled spirits being poured inside the Sip Stops.

Can I bring my dog?

The Winter Taste & Sip is a dog-friendly event! Feel free to bring your furry friends, but understand they may not be allowed in the retail shops and offices hosting Sip Stops.

Are there refunds?

We're sorry, but we do not offer refunds for for the Winter Taste & Sip; however, we will gladly transfer your tickets to a friend or family member who can attend. Please email info@visitdelmarvillage.com with the first and last name and email address of the person to whom you would like to transfer your tickets before end of day Saturday, December 7.