Under the glow of the Cold Moon, the night air over St. Croix felt especially alive—breezy, bright, and effortless. Wine in the Warehouse unfolded as one of those evenings where good energy seemed to carry everything forward—easy conversations, shared laughter, and a collective sense that everyone was exactly where they were meant to be.
Presented by the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development, this annual fundraiser took place at the Bohlke International Aviation hangar, one of the event’s major sponsors. With private planes and jets framing both the indoor hangar and the outdoor tented space, the setting alone set the tone. It was elegant without feeling stiff and elevated without losing its Caribbean soul.
Guests moved freely between the hangar and the outdoor tented area, wine glasses in hand, as music drifted through the air and laughter followed closely behind. Everywhere you turned, there was wine, conversation, and genuine joy. The energy flowed just as smoothly as the pours.
A Hangar Reimagined
The aviation hangar itself became part of the experience. Sleek private aircraft served as a dramatic and unexpected backdrop, creating a setting that felt both luxurious and distinctly St. Croix. Inside, the space buzzed with activity; outside, the tented area offered a breezy, moonlit atmosphere perfect for unhurried conversations.
Both spaces showcased aircraft and aviation elements, giving the event a unique sense of place—worldly, polished, and undeniably Caribbean swanky.
A Culinary Experience Inspired by Ghana, Rooted in St. Croix
One of the most meaningful aspects of the evening was the food.
The menu was inspired by renowned Ghanaian chef Eric Adjepong, whose work honors African heritage while pushing global flavors forward. That inspiration was brought to life by talented local culinary students from St. Croix Central High School and St. Croix Career & Technical School, grounding the experience firmly in community and education.
Watching young local chefs confidently prepare and present thoughtfully crafted dishes was a highlight—and a reminder of the culinary talent being nurtured right here on St. Croix.
Several local chefs and culinary partners also contributed memorable bites throughout the evening:
- Yaadie in St. Croix served a rich, creamy seafood pasta that kept guests coming back
- Rossie’s Bar & Restaurant delivered seasoned chicken chicharrón with seasoned rice—bold, comforting, and satisfying
- Bleu Chocolát Workshop offered a chocolate donut paired with an espresso shot that felt like the perfect closing note
Every bite felt considered. Delicious from start to finish.
The Wine. The Wine. The Wine.
Of course, no Wine in the Warehouse recap would be complete without talking about the wine.
And yes—the wine flowed.
Pleasantly. Generously. Effortlessly.
From table to table and space to space, pours were readily available, encouraging guests to explore, taste, and linger. The wine complemented the atmosphere perfectly—social, light, and celebratory. Conversations unfolded easily, glasses were refilled often, and the night seemed to move at its own relaxed pace.
The vibes flowed just as smoothly as the wine—and that harmony carried the evening.
Music, Jumbies & Thoughtful Details
The entertainment kept the night moving seamlessly. The band set the mood, the DJ maintained the rhythm between sets, and the overall energy rose and fell naturally throughout the evening.
And when the jumbies made their appearance, they brought exactly what they always do—joy, culture, and a sense of play that felt right at home in the space.
Thoughtful details were woven throughout the experience, from a well-organized silent auction with easy-to-scan QR codes to custom-made pepper sauce giveaways that added a memorable local touch. Guests were welcomed with a wine glass upon arrival, and the evening moved with an easy, intuitive flow—never rushed, never crowded. Everything felt considered yet unpretentious. Nothing felt forced. The evening was allowed to breathe—like fine wine.
The People Behind the Scenes
Just as noticeable as the food, music, and atmosphere was the presence of so many volunteers. Throughout the night, volunteers from all corners of the community helped keep everything running smoothly—greeting guests, guiding flow, and supporting the many moving parts behind the scenes.
It was genuinely nice to see familiar faces—people who regularly show up for community events—alongside new ones, meeting neighbors and making connections along the way. That blend of continuity and fresh energy added another layer to the evening and reflected the collective spirit that made the night feel so welcoming.
Community Partners Who Helped Shape the Night
Wine in the Warehouse reflected the strength of community partnership behind it. A wide range of sponsors supported the event, helping bring the experience to life while reinforcing the Foundation’s mission.
Notable supporters included ROE FM, RT Park, Cost.U.Less, and Bank of St. Croix, whose involvement underscored the importance of local businesses and institutions investing in community development. Their presence added to the collaborative spirit that defined the night.
Beyond the celebration, the evening reflected the broader mission of the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development, whose work extends far beyond a single event. Through strategic grantmaking, partnerships, and long-term investment, the Foundation supports community-led projects that respond to real needs—strengthening education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life across St. Croix and the US Virgin Islands.
A Night That Reflected Community at Its Best
Wine in the Warehouse felt like a thoughtful coming together—of people, culture, food, and purpose.
From the moonlit setting to the easy flow of the evening, the event created space for connection without trying too hard to impress. As the night wound down under the open sky, conversations lingered, wine glasses emptied slowly, and the easy rhythm of St. Croix carried the evening home.
A night that unfolded beautifully—and lingered long after the last glass was poured.
