San Diego Wine & Culinary Event Center Reviews

We hosted a 58-person wedding at the SD Wine and Culinary Center in February 2022. We chose it for a handful of reasons. The location was fantastic (we really liked having the option of continuing the afterparty downtown); the food and beverage options were top-notch; the staff were incredibly kind, organized, and accommodating; and it wasn't exorbitantly expensive like a lot of other venues around town. I also loved how we were able to use the space--with different rooms available at different times, and the patio with fire pits available all night for guests who wanted some more chill moments. I actually went through 3 different day-of wedding coordinators through the venue (because of staff changes due to COVID and other factors), but the transitions were honestly flawless. They were incredibly organized and I felt confident that I would be taken care of the entire time. I ended up with Erin as my day-of, and she was absolutely wonderful. My wedding was fairly DIY, but she helped take care of everything to make the night flawless. And I also want to note that Liz, the beverage coordinator, is just incredible. She helped with so much this past year, and she went above and beyond to make everything fit our vision. I really can't speak highly enough of my experience here.

My husband and I chose SD Wine and Culinary as our Wedding Reception venue in October 2018. I am so unbelievably thankful at how beautiful and seamless the entire experience was with Shannon, Kenny, and the entire team.
Finding a wedding venue was the most difficult process of wedding planning for me. After attending 9 of my friends’ rustic style weddings in the last 2 years, I wanted something different. I’ve always loved the vibrancy of downtown Gaslamp but couldn’t grasp the price tag of a lot of the fancy hotels. When I found the Wine & Culinary Center and met Shannon and Kenny for a tour, I knew instantly that this was it, I found the perfect venue. The interior is very warm and inviting and makes you feel like you’re in wine country. Step outside on the patio and the venue transforms itself, feeling like a hip downtown establishment with views of beautiful palm trees, the convention center, and tall skyscrapers. I just loved how versatile the venue felt; Romantic and warm on the inside, while trendy and energetic on the outside!
The Event Manager Shannon was so easy to work with when it came to any requests I had. She knows how to do her job well and she does it with ease, kindness, and poise. I loved how dedicated she was at helping me with any little thing. From rearranging the seating chart a dozen times to accommodate our large group of 170 guests, to tailoring a custom bar menu to fit our budget and taste. My absolute favorite was how she decorated the venue with beautifully lit candles everywhere to add ambiance...so thoughtful, it was the perfect touch!
The night of our wedding was absolute perfection. The venue was decorated exactly how I had outlined, and the event went on without a hitch. Bar Manager Kenny was constantly checking in with us, making sure we had all we needed including a drink in our hands at all time. Not to mention, our Signature drinks were the BEST TASTING drinks I have ever had at a wedding, ever! A true craft cocktail, made to perfection each time. All my guests were raving about the “Grooms Cup” and the “Blushing Bride,” it was great! Guests also commented on how knowledgeable Kenny was on liquor and spirits, and how professional, kind, and funny he was! His presence as the bar manager that night really elevated the experience for me and everyone in attendance.
If I ever have another large event to host in the future I will definitely think of Shannon, Kenny and the Wine & Culinary Team, as my experience couldn’t have been more magical. THANK YOU guys for making our wedding the most memorable and beautiful day of our lives. We love you!

San Diego Wine & Culinary Center was the perfect place for our wedding!!! Shannon, our wedding coordinator was fantastic! She made sure all our wishes were met and some. I would definitely recommend this venue to family and friends!!!

I hosted a celebration here last year and it was the best decision! From the moment I visited the venue, to speaking with Shannon, and the night of our event, everything went so smoothly. We couldn't have asked for more. Shannon assisted us with coordinating all the details, including customizing our menu, wine selection, and the decor. We enjoyed a lovely food tasting and were introduced to Continental Catering, their preferred caterers, who also handles linens and decor. They have a wide selection to choose from and will accommodate your vision or provide suggestions. We went back and forth multiple times on the menu, while Shannon prepared multiple rounds of proposals. She never complained once and was courteous, professional and quick to respond to our gazillion questions. We considered bringing in a dessert vendor and she was happy to accommodate. We asked to put lawn games out on the patio near the fire pits and she was happy to accommodate. We asked for a kids' corner and she was happy to accommodate. Honestly, one of the reasons why we decided to go with the W&C Center was because of Shannon. She is incredibly easy to work with, carries a positive attitude and does her job WELL. When planning a large event, the last thing you need is someone who is over-bearing, pushy, unresponsive or inflexible. She accommodated every need we asked for and made sure her staff followed through with our requests. In addition, Kenny the GM, was very personable, charming and made our guests feel welcome. His professionalism and passion for what he does definitely shines through. He even invited us to return for an anniversary wine tasting on the house! By the end of the night, we received many compliments on this venue and how beautifully everything came together. We full-heartedly recommend the SD W&C Event Center. Stop by and take a tour because it is truly a gem.

I recommend them to everyone! So loving and caring, my special day was like how I dreamed and it was beautiful! Thank you to all of you.

We had an amazing experience with the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center. Shannon was on point and made planning our wedding reception less stressful. We loved the food and still have guests telling us how impressed they were with our wedding food. The venue is so pretty, it's a winery look with the feel of Downtown San Diego. Excellent location. I highly recommend San Diego Wine and Culinary Center.

Our venue had a contract with San Diego Wine and Culinary Center, so I wasn't thrilled I had to use them at first. Mary totally turned that around for me when she 1.) found all the local craft beers we wanted to serve at no additional cost, b.) hosted a private wine tasting for my mother and I to personally pick out the wines we wanted, and c.) served up DELICIOUS signature cocktails we had sent over, but our guests were just raving at how good they were! Mary was also super flexible in adding unlimited champagne and wine service at the last minute. She was so agreeable and we heard nothing but rave reviews from our guests! Couldn't recommend this team more.