Making his festival debut is Michael Mina, the James Beard Award-winning chef whose Mina Group restaurants have helped define contemporary American fine dining. Known for bold flavors and refined technique, Mina joins an accomplished roster of returning chefs.

Among them is Hubert Keller, the French-born Michelin-starred chef whose celebrated San Francisco restaurant, Fleur de Lys, earned international acclaim. Keller returns for his fourth consecutive appearance at Casa de Campo, a testament to the festival’s growing reputation among some of the industry’s most respected names.

Also returning is Joe Isidori, founder of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer. Isidori has built a global following by transforming comfort food into chef-driven fare while retaining its playful spirit.

One of the weekend’s signature experiences is Dinner Under the Stars at Minitas Beach Club. There, Chef Adam Pawlak, a Top Chef finalist, will prepare a multi-course dinner paired with exceptional wines in an open-air setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Throughout the weekend, guests can move between chef demonstrations, curated tastings, wine pairings, and interactive presentations that offer a closer look at the techniques and inspiration behind each chef’s work. Univision personality Raúl de Molina returns as festival host.

The setting is as compelling as the guest roster.

Spread across 7,000 acres on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast, Casa de Campo has spent decades defining luxury hospitality in the Caribbean. Its accommodations range from elegantly appointed guestrooms to expansive private villas, complemented by amenities that extend well beyond the beach.

Golf remains one of the resort’s defining attractions. Guests have access to 63 holes across three Pete Dye-designed courses, including the legendary Teeth of the Dog, widely regarded as one of the finest layouts in the Caribbean. Beyond the fairways are a Forbes Four-Star spa, marina and yacht club, polo and equestrian facilities, racquet center, shooting club, and Altos de Chavón, the striking artists’ village inspired by a 16th-century Mediterranean town overlooking the Chavón River.

For food lovers, the festival represents more than an opportunity to sample exceptional dishes. It reflects the Dominican Republic’s emergence as a destination where world-class dining has become an integral part of the luxury travel experience. By pairing internationally acclaimed chefs with local talent and regional ingredients, Casa de Campo highlights both global techniques and the distinctive flavors of the island.

“Building on the momentum of the past three years, this fourth annual Casa de Campo Food & Wine Festival reflects our continued commitment to delivering world-class dining experiences that celebrate both global excellence and Dominican heritage,” says Andrés Pichardo Rosenberg, president of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.

Festival programming begins Friday, October 9, at the Grand Tasting Pavilion and continues Saturday with additional tastings, demonstrations, and the culminating Dinner Under the Stars at Minitas Beach Club.

For North American travelers, reaching the resort is remarkably convenient. La Romana International Airport is just five minutes away, while Santo Domingo and Punta Cana offer nonstop service from numerous major U.S. and Canadian gateways.

Luxury travelers increasingly are seeking destinations where memorable dining is every bit as compelling as the accommodations, and Casa de Campo’s Food & Wine Festival makes a strong case for adding the Dominican Republic to the itinerary.

Photos courtesy of Casa de Campo