This event—a “taste” of the 2025 festival—will be held on Nov. 20, 2024, at San Juan’s La Concha Resort. It will feature several of the island’s top chefs and a lineup of all-star Puerto Rico-born baseball players.
Attendees will be able to sample exceptional bites and beverages from talented winemakers and mixologists while mingling with their favorite major league players.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival and collaborate with such an incredible group of chefs, mixologists, and friends,” says Chef Pagán. “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.”
“Many of the baseball stars joining us are longtime friends, making this even more meaningful. Together, we’ll create an unforgettable experience for guests to share our passion for food and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rico.”
Among the all-star baseball players participating in the “Taste of the Big League” celebration: former New York Yankees pitcher Javier Vázquez; World Series champion and Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora; 2008 National League Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto; three-time all-star and World Baseball Classic champion Carlos Baerga; and World Series champions Alexis Rios, Carlos Delgado, and Carlos Beltrán. Delgado’s Extra Bases Foundation and the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy are, notably, among the Puerto Rico-based institutions and charities that the event will support.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the ‘Taste of the Big League’ for choosing the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy as one of the beneficiaries of this incredible event,” says Beltrán. “I am genuinely excited to be part of this unique culinary experience that brings together talented chefs and baseball players.”
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared passions while raising funds to support our young athletes,” adds Beltrán. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation of players, and I can’t wait to see everyone there enjoying great food, great drinks, and great company, for a great cause!”
“Taste of the Big League” precedes the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, which will showcase the island’s dynamic culinary landscape on a global stage, celebrating its rich food and drink culture while incorporating influences from mainland and international sources. Attendees can enjoy tastings from renowned wineries, and interactive activities like golf and pickleball tournaments. With a strong emphasis on philanthropy, the festival will support local culinary education through Puerto Rico Eats for Good, providing aspiring chefs with hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, and resources to launch their culinary careers, ultimately nurturing the next generation of talent in Puerto Rico’s vibrant food scene.
“We are immensely proud to have the support of these exceptional chefs and superstar players, all dedicated stewards of Puerto Rico, who embody the island’s vibrant culinary heritage and the inclusive spirit of our festival,” says Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival Founder Robert Weakley. “Their passion and expertise will elevate the event and also help us raise awareness and strengthen our bond within the community as we showcase the rich flavors and cultural diversity that make Puerto Rico a premier destination for food and celebration.”
Tickets to the “Taste of the Big League” go on sale Monday, October 28, priced at $225 and can be purchased here. Tickets to Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival will be announced at a later date. 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
A celebration of gastronomic excellence infused with local flavor and tradition, the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, presented by Puerto Rico Tourism Company, is a four-day culinary and cultural immersion experience scheduled to debut April 3-6, 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.