The Chronicle Wine Tasting Event is the public pour for the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, bringing hundreds of award‑winning bottles under one roof at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture on Marina Boulevard. Oenophiles, industry pros, and curious newcomers taste medalists from the largest competition of North American wines while taking in Golden Gate and bay views from this classic Marina venue.
Hosted inside Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion, the tasting unfolds as a self-guided journey through expansive varietal and regional stations—Pinot Noir to Zinfandel, Napa to Sonoma, Paso Robles to Willamette Valley, plus standout offerings from across the West and beyond. Winemakers and winery reps pour and discuss vintages, styles, and cellar practices, giving you direct insight into what earned each bottle its ribbon. Between sips, cleanse your palate at water stations, graze on artisanal bites from local food purveyors, and chart your next pour with the event’s tasting guide and floor map.
Best for wine lovers who want breadth and depth in a single afternoon—serious collectors scouting new producers, casual tasters exploring grape varieties, hospitality teams benchmarking lists, and small groups seeking a convivial, learning‑rich outing. New to tasting? Docents and well‑marked sections make it easy to navigate without pressure.
General admission tickets typically start around $75–$85; availability and tiers vary by year—check the official site early as sessions often sell out. Bring a government‑issued ID (21+), travel light, and wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be on your feet and moving between stations. Public transit, rideshare, or designated drivers are strongly recommended—parking at Fort Mason and along Marina Blvd can be limited on event days. Eat beforehand, hydrate frequently, and use spit buckets to keep your palate fresh. If you discover a favorite, note producer and vintage in the tasting booklet or snap a label photo for easy follow‑up at local retailers or direct from the winery after the event.
Wine tasting registration, badge pickup, explore Fort Mason Center.
Morning wine seminars, exclusive tastings, Marina district dining experiences.
Final tastings, feedback sessions, event closure.
Featured appearances from renowned vintners and esteemed sommeliers, alongside keynotes from Chronicle insiders. Speaker lineup, subject to change.
Skip the surge pricing. Keep the good nights’ sleep. Downtown and Marina area accommodations near Fort Mason Center book up fast and may surge in price during major events. Marina Motel situates you in a quieter, classic San Francisco neighborhood — close to the waterfront, Chestnut Street shops and restaurants, and just minutes away from Fort Mason Center by car, rideshare, or public transport. It’s a great match for attendees looking to finish a vibrant wine-tasting day away from event crowds, offering parking ease and a more relaxed, residential atmosphere.
