The Inaugural night at the Puerto Rico Wine and Food Fest presented by Puerto Rico Tourism was a flight of fancy for hundreds of taste buds. The well attended event was held poolside at the chic La Concha Hotel. Top chefs from Puerto Rico and the US crowded all their culinary knowledge into bite size morsels of delight at the many tasting stations. The crowd, all dressed in white, was also treated to more than 50 varieties of wine and bubbly. Music was pumping and both locals and visitors went from station to station exploring vast culinary landscape. This was the first edition of the PUerto Rico Wine and Food Festival. Judging by the enthusiasm there will definitely be many more even larger than before.
A culinary first for the Island
This unique event is the creation of Robert Weakley with the guidance of renowned chef Mario Pagán. This festival brings together top, award-winning Puerto Rican and US chefs. You’ll get to savor their creations at more than 40 curated gourmet events such as walk around tastings, dinners, lunches, golf tournaments and seminars. More than 50 wineries will offer their wares, knowledge and more at tastings and the main events.
Let the flavors begin
The Opening Night Reception at the Puerto Rico Wine and Food Fest was an open-air tasting celebration at La Concha Resort’s stunning Solera Pool Decks & Sereno. This activity will be hosted by celebrity chef Natalia Rivera, Cluadette Zepada, Mario Pagán and Maneet Chauhan. At this walk around event you’ll be able to taste the creations of over a dozen top chefs and over 50 wineries.
Extraordinary culinary experiences at the Puerto Rico Wine and Food Festival
Several Power Lunches are on the agenda. Each has a unique focus such as Mediterranean Cuisine, Bold Creations and even Puerto Rico’s cooking. Wine enthusiasts will be specially excited to see events such as Opus One, Napa Valley, single vineyard, site specific, vineyard designate, and 100 point wine tastings.
The unique Feast of Legends.
This feast will be held at Dorado Beach, A Ritz Carlton Reserve property, and the renowned chefs Paul Bartolotta, Wilo Benet, Andrew Zimmern, Antonia Lofaso, and Marc Murphy will join forces to create an unforgettable multi-course menu expertly paired with cult and exclusive wines.
La Gran Placita
On Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 12m to 4:00pm you can partake of La Gran Placita. These are the festival’s largest grand tasting events. The Puerto Rican Institute of Culture, in Old San Juan, will host this unique activity. Here you’ll be able to sample endless drink varieties, live music and entertainment in a vibrant colonial atmosphere.
Local and Latin extravaganza
Puerto Rico and Latin America’s unique cultural and culinary scene will be the front-liners at two events; Barrio Bites and Ritmo y Raíces. Barrio Bites (April 4th- 8:00pm) is a dynamic walk-around tasting event highlighting the island’s culinary heritage. Hosted by celebrity chef Anne Burrell, Giovanna Huyke, Jose Santaella and Ming Tsai. Over 50 wineries and 15 renowned chefs will serving up both traditional Puerto Rican dishes and bold, modern interpretations while you enjoy the rhythms of live music and the warm, welcoming energy of Puerto Rico. Ritmo y Raíces (April 5th- 8:00pm) is a celebration of Latin culture, led by acclaimed chefs Marc Murphy, Guillermo Lopez Folch and Juan José Cuevas. Here, the showcase will be expertly crafted Latin dishes and drinks that blend tradition with bold innovation. Wines and samples will flow at this poolside outdoor event. La Concha Resort will host both events.
A gourmet golf experience
Probably the tastiest golf tournament ever is scheduled for April 3rd the Dorado Beach East Course. Here you can chase birdies and tasty bites at unique, interactive tasting stations. These will feature exquisite dishes crafted by renowned chefs Antonia Lofaso, Mario Pagán and Ming Tsai along with featured chefs Luis (Boly) Negron and Juna Peña. Each bite is perfectly paired with exceptional wines, elevating your game with unforgettable flavors. You can also network top brands and food purveyors as you play on one of the more beautiful courses on the Island.
Tickets and more
Additional information, tickets and even more event activities can be found by visiting www.wineandfoodpr.com. There are packages available that include multiple and exclusive happenings and VIP Tickets that allow early access. (all times included here are based on VIP early access)
This events benefits Puerto Rico Eats for Good. This foundation supports the growth of aspiring chefs and sommeliers through year-round fundraising, culinary education, and career development. As a 501(c)(3), it provides financial assistance, training, and mentorship to nurture the next generation of Puerto Rico’s culinary professionals.
Information and tickets: wineandfoodpr.com
