Rachael Ray Offers a Sneak Peek at the Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival
The Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival transforms Atlantis Paradise Island into a gastronomic haven — and Us Weekly provides exclusive details on how Rachael Ray and Michael Symon are gearing up for the event of the year.
This five-day festival, occurring from Wednesday, March 11, to Sunday, March 15, at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, showcases headliners like Ray, José Andrés, and others, offering everything from intimate wine dinners to grand tasting celebrations throughout the resort. Evening activities include Tacos & Tequila hosted by Michael Symon & Aaron Sanchez (featuring DJ Pauly D) and Taste of Paradise with Tom Colicchio, along with Jerk Jam led by JJ Johnson & Antonia Lofaso (with a performance by Sugar Ray).
For Ray, the setting significantly influences the menu.
“I always let the locale inspire me,” Ray shares with Us. “The Bahamas boasts sensational local seafood and cultural traditions, and I curated the Seafood Social menu based on that, selecting recipes that resonate with the location and the moment. The wine dinner, on the other hand, is more classic and refined, catering to the intimacy of the gathering. It’s about attuning to the environment, or in this case, the island.”
Ray is set to host an elegant multi-course wine dinner on Friday, March 13, and an engaging seafood extravaganza on Saturday, March 14, with intentional contrasts in mind.
“My wine dinner at Ocean’s Edge promises to be gorgeous and intimate, featuring communal seating, multiple courses, and carefully curated pairings,” she describes. “In contrast, the Seafood Social will have a different vibe altogether, showcasing fresh seafood, music, and a stunning sunset. The weekend will blend elegance with accessibility and lively energy — that’s how I love to host.”
While Us confirms that events like Jerk Jam and Tacos & Tequila are quite the parties, Ray notes that smaller gatherings often leave a lasting impression.
“Everything feels more deliberate — the pours, the pacing, the discussions. You’re sharing dishes and bottles with people you may not yet know, and by dessert, it feels like you’ve known them forever,” Ray tells Us. “A large tasting event is fun, but nothing compares to the gradual buildup of a genuine dinner where memories are created.”
Symon, on his part, will host Tacos & Tequila on Thursday, March 12, along with a beloved food tour around Nassau on Friday, March 13.
“It truly is an immersive sensory experience,” he explains to Us. “And as I mentioned, you can’t surpass Bahamian hospitality, which elevates everything.”
After last year’s sold-out food tour, he is particularly thrilled to reintroduce guests to the local culinary scene. “Exploring the island and connecting with local chefs is unparalleled,” he notes.
He believes the weekend emphasizes both culinary traditions and innovations that highlight the island’s flavors.
“This event beautifully showcases how the culinary landscape is evolving while honoring the roots of island cuisine,” Symon shares.
For Ray, the venue also alters the dining atmosphere.
“Being in such a breathtaking location instantly relaxes people, dramatically enhancing the table’s dynamic,” she tells Us. “I hope the venue offers an extraordinary experience that encourages guests to unwind and relish their time. For an event like the Seafood Social, with music and the ocean nearby, the setting enriches every bite.”
Her primary aspiration for guests to leave with isn’t a recipe — but an experience.
“That they were truly present with those around them, not glued to their phones, not in a rush, just enjoying the moment,” Ray expresses. “Food and wine have a unique ability to slow us down. Whether through quiet conversations during a wine dinner or laughter with new friends over fresh seafood and live music, I want people to walk away feeling genuinely connected. That’s the essence of a remarkable meal.”
Symon concurs that the destination itself is memorable: “The warmth and hospitality of the Bahamian people are truly unparalleled. I hope every guest gets to experience that, as it’s something really special.”
Tickets for the 2026 Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival are available now.
