The Sunset Soca Wine Festival made its vibrant return to St. Croix Sunday, transforming Loops Beach in Estate La Grange into an evening of wine, Caribbean cuisine and Soca rhythms during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
Now in its second year on St. Croix and following its third staging in St. Thomas, organizers describe the festival as a sunset-focused experience blending curated wine tastings with local flavors and high-energy Caribbean music.
Guests arrived dressed in island elegant attire, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated both style and culture as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Music for the 2026 edition was provided by DJs Chubby, Pops and Kimo Dan, delivering a continuous soundtrack of Soca and regional rhythms that kept the atmosphere lively throughout the event. Rather than separating food, music and wine into individual sections, the festival layout was intentionally designed as an immersive experience, allowing guests to move seamlessly through each element.
Organizers described the Sunset Soca Wine Festival as more than just an event, calling it a journey that brings together the rhythms of the Caribbean with the world of fine wines. Whether attendees were wine enthusiasts, lovers of Caribbean culture or simply seeking a memorable night out, the festival offered dancing, laughter and lasting memories.
Euriell BJ Joseph, operational manager for the festival, said the decision to bring the event back to St. Croix was driven by the overwhelming response from its inaugural year.
“The energy and support from St. Croix have been incredible,” Joseph said. “We are excited to welcome everyone back this weekend and continue celebrating the island’s culture, hospitality and love for great wine and music.”
Organizers also emphasized the festival’s commitment to supporting local vendors, artists and culinary partners, helping to boost cultural tourism during one of the territory’s busiest holiday weekends.
“It is all about the experience and it is centered around the wines,” Joseph added.
In addition to featuring local and international selections, the festival also showcased its own brand, Sunset Soca Wine, further highlighting the event’s growing presence in the region.
CEO Cicero Miller said the festival’s broader mission extends beyond entertainment.
“Our main goal is to promote people coming to the Virgin Islands, bringing their wines here and pushing it out to the world,” Miller said. “Everything that we do stays here in the Virgin Islands.”
During the event, organizers confirmed to the Source that the next Sunset Soca Wine Festival is scheduled for April 28 on St. Thomas. For more updates, follow their website or Facebook.
