From the stunning beachside setting to the magnetic culinary talent and masterful cooking on display, the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival presented by Puerto Rico Tourism Company exceeded all expectations in its inaugural year, creating an unforgettable fusion of flavor, culture, and hospitality excellence. The festival kicked off on April 3 at San Juan’s La Concha Resort and other locations throughout the island, bringing guests from around the globe together alongside an all-star lineup of talent, including Host Chef Mario Pagán; Maneet Chauhan; Andrew Zimmern; Claudette Zepeda; Antonia Lofaso; Marc Murphy; Anne Burrell; Paul Bartolotta; Giorgio Rapicavoli; Carlos Portela; Natalia Rivera; Roberto Treviño; Jose Enrique; Guillermo Lopez Folch; José Santaella; Mario Castrellón; Josiah Hernandez; Ventura Vivoni; Jeff McInnis; Nasha Fondeur; Carol Reyes; John Tesar; Juan Peña; Efren David Robles; Enrique Piñeiro; Sebastian Rosado; Giovanna Huyke; Trent Eichler; Sean Brasel, and others.
Highlights of the weekend included the festival’s highly anticipated opening day golf tournament, Birdies & Bites, at TPC Dorado Beach Golf Course, followed by a star-studded Opening Night Reception at La Concha Resort; the Power Lunch series hosted by top chefs including Mario Pagán, Michael White, José Mendin, and Maneet Chauhan; Saturday and Sunday’s La Gran Placita Grand Tasting, a celebration of local flavors; and the luxurious Sunday Bubbles & Brilliance Champagne & Caviar Experience.
“We are thrilled with the reception we received from our host venues, our guests, and our incredible lineup of talent,” says festival founder Robert Weakley. “Not only were we able to exceed expectations in our first year, but we created a wave of interest, support, and genuine enthusiasm for Puerto Rico’s established and emerging culinary stars.
“I’m so grateful to our participating talent and host Chef Mario Pagán, as well as our incredible sponsors, including Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Visa, and Banco Popular. The impact of this festival is going to be felt long after this weekend, and we cannot wait to do it again.”
In addition to its goal of celebrating the island’s cuisine and culture, the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival is making a lasting impact on the community by supporting Puerto Rico Eats for Good, a year-round charitable initiative dedicated to promoting culinary and wine education,” continues Weakley. “Through this program, the festival helps provide scholarships and career development opportunities, ensuring the growth of the island’s culinary artisans. The event also showcased Puerto Rico’s rich local flavors, featuring ingredients like coffee, produce, and artisanal goods, while directly supporting the island’s farmers and entrepreneurs.”
More information about the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival can be found at the festival’s website.
About Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival presented by Puerto Rico Tourism Company
A celebration of gastronomic excellence infused with local flavor and tradition, Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival presented by Puerto Rico Tourism Company is a four-day culinary and cultural immersion experience, scheduled to debut April 3 through 6, 2025, at La Concha Resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival brings an all-new culinary experience to the island, uniting national and local chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, and winemakers. Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival seeks to make a meaningful impact on the community via the Puerto Rico Eats for Good nonprofit, fostering a spirit of generosity that extends far beyond the dining table.
