Mario Pagán, Andrew Zimmern, Michael White, José Santaella, Anne Burrell, Antonia Lofaso, and Maneet Chauhan among more than 50 acclaimed chefs taking part in first-ever Puerto Rican culinary and cultural celebration
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival presented by Puerto Rico Tourism Company – 2025’s most anticipated culinary and cultural event that puts a global spotlight on the island’s rich heritage and rising chef talent. Created by entrepreneur and restaurateur Robert Weakley, the immersive four-day festival runs April 3 through 6, 2025, bringing together a global lineup of celebrated chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, and restaurateurs at San Juan’s La Concha Resort and other iconic locations around Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico’s incredible culinary culture and heritage are at long last taking center stage and gaining global recognition,” says Mr. Weakley. “We are thrilled to spotlight the exceptional talent that makes this island a must-visit destination, while welcoming some of the most renowned names in the culinary world to collaborate and create unforgettable experiences.
“More than just a celebration of Puerto Rican cuisine, this festival is a commitment to the local community, ensuring the island’s rich culinary legacy continues to inspire and thrive for generations to come.”
With Puerto Rico Tourism Company as the presenting partner and Visa Banco Popular as the official credit card sponsor, Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival will feature multiple strolling events over four days, including a variety of Wine Tastings and Mixology Seminars; the “Power Lunch Series” with fan-favorite personalities paired with local chefs, mixologists and sommeliers; and multi-course seated intimate and exclusive dinners throughout Puerto Rico, as well as all-inclusive walk around events including Thursday Night Opening Reception, Barrio Bites, and Ritmo y Raíces. Saturday and Sunday events include La Gran Placita at Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, a grand tasting experience with more than 20 acclaimed chefs cooking and sharing their dishes, over 75 wineries pouring, and the island’s top mixologists and sommeliers.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, bringing unforgettable experiences to our Visa cardholders in Puerto Rico,” says Visa Country Manager Luis Guerra. “This event is a celebration of culture, community, and the passion that unites us. At Visa, we are dedicated to fostering connections, bolstering entrepreneurship, and advancing digitalization. Our commitment extends especially to supporting small and micro merchants who play a vital role in dynamizing the economy.”
Participating local, and national chefs and restaurateurs include: Mario Pagán (Chef, Restaurateur, Mario Pagán and Chayote); Maneet Chauhan (Chef, Restaurateur, TV Personality, Cookbook Author, Chauhan Ale, Masala House and eet by Maneet Chauhan); Andrew Zimmern (Chef, Restaurateur, TV Personality and Cookbook Author); Claudette Zepeda (Chef, Restauranteur, TV personality, Cookbook Author and Leu Leu by Claudette Zepeda); Antonia Lofaso (Chef, Restauranteur, TV Personality, Cookbook Author, Scopa Italian Roots, Dama and Black Market); and Marc Murphy (Chef, Restaurateur, TV Personality, Cookbook Author, and Marc179 Restaurant); Anne Burrell (Chef, Restaurateur, TV Personality and Cookbook Author). Paul Bartolotta (Chef, Restaurateur, The Bartolotta Restaurants); Michael White (Levant); Giorgio Rapicavoli (Luca Osteria and Eating House); Juan Jose Cuevas (1919 Restaurant); Carlos Portela (Orujo Taller de Gastronomía); Natalia Rivera (La Concha Resort); Roberto Treviño (Dragonfly and Budatai); Jose Enrique (Caña); Guillermo Lopez Folch (lala); José Santaella (Santaella); Mario Castrellón (Maito and Besties); Josiah Hernandez (Chef’s Garden); Ventura Vivoni (Ay Que Rico); Jeff McInnis (Root & Bone); Nasha Fondeur (Condado Collection); Carol Reyes (Bóveda Restaurante); John Tesar (Knife); Juan Peña (COA); Efren David Robles (Frutos del Guacabo); Enrique Piñeiro (Mesa 364); Sebastian Rosado (Levant); Giovanna Huyke; Trent Eichler (Bottles); Sean Brasel (Meat Market) and many more. Additional events and featured chefs will continue to be announced in the coming weeks.
“The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is delighted to partner with the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, highlighting one of our island’s greatest assets — its diverse and world-class gastronomy,” said Willianette Robles, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. “Bringing together internationally renowned culinary names alongside our exceptional local talent, this festival not only showcases Puerto Rico’s rich culinary heritage to a global audience but also strengthens the local tourism economy, benefiting both residents and visitors alike. By supporting events like this, we continue to position Puerto Rico as a premier destination for exceptional dining experiences and cultural discovery.”
Ticket pricing for all-inclusive experiences starts at $125 and varies by event. Guests can purchase tickets to individual events and customize their experience with festival packages available on the website. Guests paying with a Visa Banco Popular Credit Card can unlock an exclusive 15% off all events.
As a catalyst for meaningful philanthropic impact across the island, Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival promotes locally sourced products including coffee, produce, and artisanal goods – supporting local farmers and entrepreneurs. Additionally, the festival will support Puerto Rico Eats for Good, a year-round charitable program focused on promoting culinary and wine education through scholarships and career development opportunities.
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.
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SOURCE Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival
