‘British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and the BVI Charitable Fund welcomed international tastemakers, seasoned gourmands, travelers and media from throughout the world including Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States of America to the 2009 Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners series from July 15 through 19, 2009; more than $100,000 USD was raised from the July series for the BVI Charitable Fund.

‘The gourmet lunches and dinners were held at a collection of exclusive BVI villas on four islands and featured flavorful cuisine and wine, helmed by the expertise of some of the world’s celebrated chefs and winemakers. Over 1,000 people in total attended the four dinners, seven luncheons and the VIP Reception, which featured 78 separate courses of food, and 87 different wines that were paired with these courses.

‘Ajit Mathew George, co-chair of the BVI Charitable Fund and Managing Director of Nail Bay Resort reported that even though the economic climate was very challenging, the first part of the 2009 Winemakers Dinners attracted 29% more sponsorship revenue than all of the 2008 Winemakers Dinners. He added that the July series of the Winemakers Dinners was completely sold out in advance with a long waiting list for each dinner and lunch.

‘The second part of the 2009 Winemakers Dinners series will be held from December 3rd to the 6th with an opening reception at the Pirates Bight on Norman Island on December 2nd followed by the dinners on Virgin Gorda and Tortola, including Baraka Point at Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda on December 3; Frenchmans Lookout, Tortola on December 4; Paradisi, Virgin Gorda on December 5; and the Golden Pavilion Villa, Tortola on December 6.’

Source and more details: CaribbeanNetNews