The countdown to the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival begins today. San Juan’s iconic La Concha Resort will host the exclusive Taste of the Big League event this evening, setting the stage for the inaugural Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival scheduled for April 3-6, 2025. With renowned chefs and Major League Baseball legends in attendance, tonight’s event celebrates the island’s vibrant culinary heritage. But that’s not all. The event will also raise funds for local charities.

Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival: A Culinary Celebration

The Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival will showcase the island’s dynamic food and beverage scene on a global stage. The festival will bring together top chefs, mixologists, and sommeliers to deliver an immersive four-day experience. From wine tastings to gourmet experiences, attendees can savor the creativity and diversity of Puerto Rico’s cuisine.

“We are immensely proud to have the support of these exceptional chefs and superstar players,” said Robert Weakley, the festival’s founder. “Their passion and expertise will elevate the event and also help us raise awareness and strengthen our bond within the community.”

The festival’s impact extends beyond the table. Its philanthropic arm, Puerto Rico Eats for Good, will provide mentorship and career development for aspiring culinary students. This initiative aims to nurture Puerto Rico’s next generation of culinary talent.

“Taste of the Big League”: A Star-Studded Kickoff

Tonight’s Taste of the Big League event marks the beginning of the countdown to the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival. Hosted by acclaimed Chef Mario Pagán and World Series champions Carlos Beltrán and Carlos Delgado, this celebration brings together culinary excellence and sportsmanship.

Guests will enjoy a curated selection of bites and beverages. Everything will be prepared by Puerto Rico’s top chefs alongside notable mixologists and winemakers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to mingle with baseball legends, including Javier Vázquez, Alex Cora, Geovany Soto, Carlos Baerga, Alexis Rios, and others.

Chef Pagán expressed his excitement for the event, saying, “This is a chance for all of us to come together and celebrate the rich, diverse flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine and the homegrown talent that makes our food scene so special.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit two key charities: Puerto Rico Eats for Good and the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy. Beltrán shared his gratitude, stating, “I am genuinely excited to be part of this unique culinary experience that brings together talented chefs and baseball players. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation of players.”

Why the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival Matters

Beyond its gastronomic delights, the Festival serves as a platform to promote Puerto Rican culture and economy. By featuring locally sourced products and supporting educational initiatives, the festival embodies a commitment to the island’s growth.

Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, emphasized the festival’s significance: “Gastronomy is an intrinsic part of our culture, and [this festival] will provide the perfect venue to showcase the fusion of cultures that have created our creative and elevated gastronomic scene.”

Tickets for tonight’s Taste of the Big League event are priced at $225. Details about the April festival will follow soon. For more information, visit their official website.

Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of food, culture, and community. Tonight’s kickoff event is just the beginning of a journey to showcase the island’s culinary excellence to the world.