Rachael Ray, Tom Colicchio Joining Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival
Two of America’s most recognizable chefs are heading to The Bahamas. Rachael Ray and Tom Colicchio will highlight the 2026 Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival, returning to Atlantis Paradise Island from March 11–15, 2026.
The five-day celebration is shaping up to be Atlantis’ most star-studded culinary event yet, with Ray and Colicchio joining a lineup that reads like a who’s who of modern cuisine: José Andrés, Aaron Sánchez, JJ Johnson, Antonia Lofaso, Michael White, and Ian Kittichai, among others. Together, they’ll turn Paradise Island into a global dining destination, blending Bahamian flavor, international innovation, and a few surprises in between.
For festivalgoers, this year’s event is all about access — the chance to meet, cook with, and dine alongside some of the world’s most celebrated chefs.
Rachael Ray’s Wine Dinner at Ocean’s Edge
Ray, who made her name transforming home cooking into an art form, will host an intimate dinner experience on the Ocean’s Edge bluff. Guests can expect her signature warmth, bold flavors, and curated wine pairings overlooking Paradise Island’s turquoise waters.
Tom Colicchio’s Catch & Cook Experience
Colicchio, founder of Craft Hospitality and longtime Top Chef judge, brings something completely different — a luxury fishing excursion where guests head out to sea, reel in their own catch, and then help transform it into a gourmet meal under his guidance. It’s the kind of hands-on experience that defines the festival’s unique spirit.
The festival also features Paella on the Patio with José Andrés, Tacos & Tequila with Aaron Sánchez and Michael Symon, and R&B Brunch with JJ Johnson, all set against the backdrop of live performances by Sugar Ray and DJ Pauly D.
Beyond the headliners, NPIWFF continues to showcase Bahamian culinary talent, from Julie Lightbourn of Sip Sip to Kenneth McKenzie of McKenzie’s Fresh Conch.
Atlantis’ own dining venues — including Paranza by Michael White, FIELDTRIP by JJ Johnson, and Shake Shack Atlantis, the first-ever Shack in a resort setting — will be part of the culinary showcase.
What You Need to Know
The Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival runs from Wednesday, March 11 through Sunday, March 15, 2026, across multiple venues at Atlantis Paradise Island. Tickets and event passes are available now at npiwff.org, with select experiences — including Rachael Ray’s dinner and Tom Colicchio’s Catch & Cook — offering limited capacity. We suggest you book early.
With two culinary icons leading the way and the Caribbean’s most ambitious resort as the stage, NPIWFF 2026 promises a week where flavor, creativity, and island energy meet — and where every plate tells a story worth remembering.
Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.
