"It began as a grassroots effort to pay homage to the depth of chefs we have here on St. Croix," says Pugliese, who is now the wine director at Premier Wines & Spirits. "We didn't forecast that it would become as popular as it has and take on a life of its own."

Today, the multi-day event has evolved into the pre-eminent food and wine extravaganza in the Caribbean and encompasses a delicious diversity. There are gourmet dinners, wine seminars, wine auctions, as well as the annual 'Taste of St. Croix' culinary competition.

The delicious festivities kick-off on April 14 with a 10 a.m. free talk about Sustainable Farming, held in collaboration with the VI Department of Agriculture. The evening follows with a Wine Dinner and Wine Reception at Tutto Bene and Zebo's, respectively, along with a Saki and Sushi Tasting at Dashi. Wine Seminars by day, and Wine Dinners by night will follow the next day.

Guest Chef Willy Diggelman and Sonoma winemaker Chris Benziger will pair up at the Gallon for one of the Wine Dinners. Swiss-born Diggelman, who currently operates his famous French restaurant, 1985, and adjacent Swiss-cuisine eatery, Rincon Suizo, in Panama City, is known for his fantastic world cuisine. His specialties include fondues and raclettes as well as tenderloin steak in a fresh green pepper sauce. Diggelman's are the only establishment in Latin America to receive Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence.

On April 16, it's a 'Taste of St. Croix', held at Divi Carina Bay Resort starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $85 per person.

More than 50 of the island restaurants and chefs offer up a 'taste' of their signature dishes. This can span from Crucian West Indian cuisine to Continental, Vegetarian to Italian, and span from to-die-for Key Lime Pie to curried chicken.

"Participants have included private restaurateurs and those at our hotels and resorts, personal chefs, caterers, food van operators, the restaurant at the Juan Luis Hospital, and even a home-based caterer who makes special vegetarian Ital meals for visitors to the rainforest," says Pugliese.

Come April 17, there are three fast-famous Cork & Fork Dinners.

At one of these, Iron Chef winner, grill master and owner of Rathbuns Restaurants in Atlanta, Chef Kevin Rathbun, will team up with winemaker Gustavo Gonzalez of Robert Mondavi Winery in California for a special five-course fundraising dinner at Government House on St. Croix.

"Teaming with him (Gonzalez) to create this dinner is an honor and together we are going to create an amazing experience," says Rathbun.

There are only 20 seats for this scrumptiously special event. Tickets are $1000 each. In addition, each guest will receive a copy of the book, Government House, St. Croix: Its History and Special Furnishings, by Priscilla Watkins.

Meanwhile, Florida-based Chef Johnny Vinczencz will prepare a meal at the mountain top home of Susan Ridgeway. Vinczencz is affectionately nicknamed the 'Caribbean Cowboy' for his mixing of Southwestern flavors with those of the Caribbean. "The Caribbean is a big part of my culinary inspiration," says Vinczencz, who was featured on the Food Network's Iron Chef America. "I am looking forward to meeting local chefs, touring the sustainable farms and supporting a good cause."

The St. Croix Food & Wine Experience wraps up on April 18 with Wine In the Warehouse.