Spring is a significant time of the year in many parts of the world. More than being a new season, it’s an exciting time because it also represents new beginnings. Although, we don’t have Spring here in the British Virgin Islands, we certainly believe in and are thrilled about starting new things. For example, our BVI Food and Wine Festival 2024, which will take place from 15-21 April. It’s our first time hosting what is to become an annual festival.  

This new culinary affair will join the ranks of our other annual celebrations, and we anticipate it will grow in popularity each year. We are talking about food, after all. So, what can you expect of the first-ever BVI Food and Wine Festival? First, in addition to spotlighting the culinary creations of four of our top chefs, the festival will highlight various wines, whiskeys, and beers. The different events are to be held at several participating restaurants.

Over the seven days, some of the entertainment will include a whiskey and cigar night, opportunities for wine pairing, and a clash of the best mixologists. Did we mention that our star mixologist, Christian “Xtian” Macdonald, will be featured at most events? Also, for the foodies, there will be a Grand Tasting village showcasing the mouthwatering BVI cuisine. We imagine it’s going to draw a large crowd.

We know you’ll want to hit all the events, and to do so, you’ll have to plan. To get started, here’s a schedule of activities that will take place over the next seven days.

15 April 2024

• A Wine Course tasting class by Proudly African at Dove Restaurant, beginning at 1pm.

• At 4pm, Happy Hour at Botella with Xtian at the CBR, Tortola Pier Park.

• Chef Josie Smith-Malave’s tasting dinner with Proudly African at Prime Restaurant from 8pm.

16 April 2024

• A Wine Course tasting class by Global Wine Advisors at Dove Restaurant, beginning at 1pm.

• At 4pm, Happy Hour at Aromas with Sid at the CBR, Tortola Pier Park.

• Chef Opick’s tasting dinner with Global Wine Advisors at Prime Restaurant from 8pm.

17 April 2024

• A Wine Course tasting class by TICO at Dove Restaurant, beginning at 1pm

• At 4pm, Happy Hour at Botella with Xtian at the CBR, Tortola Pier Park.

• Chef Michael Ferrero’s tasting dinner with TICO at Prime Restaurant from 8pm.

18 April 2024

• A Wine Course tasting class by The French Deli at Dove Restaurant, beginning at 1pm.

• Grand Tasting Village: Mixology contests and tasting from island restaurants and food and spirits suppliers from 4pm at Nanny Cay.

• Whiskey flight and cigar pairing by Aromas at 5pm.

• Chef Francis Reynard tasting dinner with The French Deli at Prime Restaurant from 8pm.

19 April 2024

• Cocktail class and Happy Hour with Xtian at Botella starting at 1pm and 4pm, respectively.  

• Collaborative tasting dinner with all chefs and Festival Sommelier at Prime Restaurant from 8pm.

20 April 2024

• The Ralph T. and Edris O’Neal Foundation dinner at the Little Dix Bay Resort, Virgin Gorda.

21 April 2024

• All-day beach party at Ivan’s on Jost Van Dyke from 9am.

• Pig Roast at Ivan’s on Jost Van Dyke, beginning at noon.

• Rum tasting class by Caribbean Cellars at Ivan’s, beginning at 2pm.

• Rum cocktails with mixologist Xtian.

The BVI Food and Wine Festival 2024 awaits! You can visit the official website for more information or to purchase tickets for the individual events.