Wine in the Warehouse kicks off the whirlwind holiday season in St. Croix. This annual fundraiser for the St. Croix Foundation combines food, philanthropy and community under one roof at the Bohlke International Aviation Hangar at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
For the past 35 years, St. Croix Foundation has been dedicated to being a pillar of place-based philanthropy, doing the hard work required to ensure the St. Croix thrives for generations to come. Wine in the Warehouse sustains this work thanks to every ticket purchased, sponsorship received and glass of wine poured on this promising evening.
This year’s theme, “Philanthropy Rooted in Place” tied into the strength of the mighty baobab tree. Known as the tree of life, it perfectly symbolizes the mission behind Wine in the Warehouse with its deep roots, widespread branches, and longstanding strength through every season. Over $1.5 million has been raised thanks to the event, which is in its eighteenth installment. Several St. Croix Foundation initiatives are supported by the funds raised at Wine in the Warehouse, such as revitalization of Sunday Market Square, the Kids Count Initiative and the Nonprofit Consortium.
There was no denying the energy at this year’s Wine in the Warehouse. Perhaps it was due to the added VIP Experience with Celebrity Chef Eric Adjepong. As a Top Chef Alum and Food Network Host, Chef Eric’s presence at this year’s event catapulted St. Croix onto an international platform. While on St. Croix, he worked with the culinary students from St. Croix Career & Technical Education Center and St. Croix Central High School to prepare an assortment of delicious bites that left me blown away. The mahi in the rum butter sauce was one of my favorites followed by the sweet & spicy plantain mahi cake drizzled with a rich aioli. “Working with the students was my favorite part of this experience,” said Chef Eric. “Their passion and drive at such a young age was refreshing to see and I’m excited to see where it takes them.”
Each VIP guest walked away with a copy of Chef Eric’s new cookbook, Ghana to the World:Recipes and Stories That Look Forward While Honoring the Past. Chef Eric took his time engaging with each guest as he signed each cookbook with great pride and reverence.
Inside the hangar, the wine was flowing and the food was plentiful as guests mingled with live music as the soundtrack for the evening. Various local chefs prepared the delicious tastings that were available through the night. Ashley Ellis also known as Yaadie in St. Croix prepared her popular pumpkin alfredo pasta made with local pumpkin and farm fresh vegetables. Thanks to the spirits provided by CC1 Virgin Islands, I was lucky to discover a new pinot noir to add to my list of faves found on island.
All in all, 2025 Wine in the Warehouse was an amazing experience that I was honored to experience as a guest of the St. Croix Foundation. My family funds a scholarship through the Foundation in honor of my grandparents. Since 2018, the Patrick & Amelia Williams Opportunity Fund has provided scholarships to 15 talented and ambitious students totaling $84,000! Our goal is to raise $40,000 in 2026 to help even more students in the coming school year.
To learn more about St. Croix Foundation and all they do for the Virgin Islands community, visit their website at www.stxfoundation.org.
