USD Wine Classic 2026: Saturday, July 11 at the University of San Diego

Overview

The USD Wine Classic returns to the University of San Diego on Saturday, July 11, 2026 — the Alumni Association's signature scholarship fundraiser, where ~25 wineries, unlimited gourmet food, live entertainment, and an ocean-view setting come together at the campus's scenic Garden of the Sea, all to support student scholarships.

It's one of San Diego's most beloved summer wine-tasting events — and it's perfect for wine lovers, USD alumni and families, and anyone who wants an elegant afternoon of sipping and sampling with a view, knowing every dollar goes toward a good cause.

What You Actually Need to Know

• Event: USD Wine Classic, presented by U.S. Bank (USD Alumni Association's signature fundraiser)
• Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
• Time: Afternoon — traditionally 3:00–6:00 PM (confirm the exact 2026 start time when you register)
• Where: The Garden of the Sea at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, University of San Diego — 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110
• Cost: Ticketed; net proceeds benefit the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund
• Ages: 21+ (it's a wine-tasting event — bring valid ID)
• Parking: Free on campus

What's Included

Each ticket comes loaded with the full tasting-event experience:

• Sample tastings from ~25 wineries — many owned or operated by USD alumni, parents, and friends
• Unlimited gourmet food from a range of vendors
• A custom engraved wine tasting glass to take home
• Access to the silent auction — featuring magnums of wine, tasting experiences, getaways, and more
• Live entertainment throughout the afternoon
• The Wine Wall (wine pull) and raffle — chances to win standout bottles

The Experience

The USD Wine Classic has earned its reputation as a "can't-miss" summer event by pairing serious wine with a genuinely beautiful setting. USD's hilltop campus is one of the most picturesque in the country, and the Garden of the Sea delivers sweeping views as the backdrop for an afternoon of tasting.

Throughout the event:

• Wander from winery to winery, sampling across a curated lineup of producers
• Graze the gourmet food stations between pours
• Bid in the silent auction or try your luck at the Wine Wall
• Enjoy live music in an elegant, social atmosphere
• Soak in the views from one of San Diego's prettiest campus settings

When and Where

Saturday, July 11, 2026 — afternoon (traditionally 3:00–6:00 PM; confirm exact timing at registration)

Location: The Garden of the Sea at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110.

USD sits on a hilltop above Mission Valley, with Spanish Renaissance architecture and ocean views — an easy drive from central San Diego, Old Town, and the beaches, with free parking on campus.

About the Cause

The Wine Classic isn't just a party — it's the USD Alumni Association's signature scholarship fundraiser. Net proceeds support the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund, helping make a USD education possible for students who need financial support, including underrepresented students. Over the years, the event has raised well over $900,000 for student scholarships, making every ticket a contribution to the next generation of Toreros.

Why It Works

A few specific reasons this event is worth your Saturday afternoon:

1. The setting is stunning. The Garden of the Sea and USD's hilltop campus make for one of the most scenic tasting venues in the city.

2. It's wine with a purpose. Every ticket directly funds student scholarships.

3. The value is real. Unlimited gourmet food, ~25 wineries, and a keepsake glass in one ticket.

4. The local connection runs deep. Many of the wineries are tied to USD alumni and families.

5. It's a San Diego summer tradition. A long-running event the community genuinely looks forward to.

Who It's For

• Wine lovers — a curated lineup of ~25 producers to explore
• USD alumni and families — the signature event of the Torero summer
• Foodies — unlimited gourmet bites included
• Date-day and group outings — an elegant, social afternoon
• Anyone who likes giving back — proceeds fund scholarships

How to Make a Day of It

• Arrive when doors open — to maximize tasting time across all the wineries
• Plan a safe ride home — it's a wine event, so arrange a rideshare or designated driver
• Pace yourself — graze the food stations between pours
• Explore nearby — Old Town and Mission Valley are minutes away if you want to extend the day

Tickets

Tickets are available through usdwineclassic.com, with net proceeds supporting the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund. The event has sold strongly in past years, so booking ahead is wise.

Get tickets and event details →

Good to Know

• This is a 21+ event — bring a valid photo ID
• Confirm the exact start time when you register, as listed times have varied
• Free parking is available on the USD campus
• Plan a safe ride home — rideshare is the smart call
• Dress comfortably — smart-casual is appropriate, and there's outdoor walking involved
• Tickets support scholarships — your purchase funds USD students

For more events happening in San Diego this summer, check out our full July events calendar or browse our neighborhood guides.