David Ortiz Returns to Connecticut as 'Big Papi' at the Mohegan Sun Wine & Food Fest

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 22:25 GMT by NBC Connecticut
      Locale: UNITED STATES

David Ortiz Returns to Connecticut as “Big Papi” at the Mohegan Sun Wine & Food Fest

The 2024 edition of the Mohegan Sun Wine & Food Fest has a headline that many Connecticut‑bound sports fans are already buzzing about: former Major‑League Baseball star David “Big Papi” Ortiz is set to be the event’s marquee guest. NBC Connecticut’s feature on the festival, available at https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/david-ortiz-big-papi-mohegan-sun-wine-amp-food-fest/3662676/, offers a comprehensive look at what promises to be a weekend of culinary delights, fine wines, and a surprise appearance by one of the country’s most beloved athletes.

The Event in a Nutshell

The Mohegan Sun Wine & Food Fest is an annual celebration hosted by the Mohegan Sun casino and resort in Uncasville, Connecticut. The festival usually runs for three days in late October, a time when the state’s cooler climate invites crowds to gather in the casino’s elegant outdoor spaces. The 2024 schedule lists October 26‑28 as the official dates, and the resort’s outdoor amphitheater, along with a series of pavilions on its 18‑acre property, will be transformed into a gastronomic playground.

Ticketing for the festival is structured in tiers. General admission starts at $35 per person for the full three‑day experience, while a “Wine & Food Pass”—which includes access to a curated selection of 10–12 featured wines and a complimentary food sample at each pavilion—retails for $70. VIP packages, still available in limited numbers, give attendees front‑row seating for the featured performances and a private meet‑and‑greet with David Ortiz himself. The article links to the official Mohegan Sun ticketing portal (https://www.mohengasun.com/events/wine-food-fest), where fans can purchase or reserve their spots.

David Ortiz: From the Field to the Fest

While the festival’s food and wine are already a crowd‑pleaser, the real headline draw is Ortiz. A former Yankee, Red Sox, and Orioles outfielder, Ortiz is best known for his clutch home runs and larger‑than‑life personality—his nickname “Big Papi” was coined during his time with the Boston Red Sox, where he became a cult hero. The article notes that Ortiz was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has long maintained a close relationship with his home state. His involvement with the festival is a first‑time collaboration with Mohegan Sun.

According to the festival’s chief operating officer, Karen Harris, Ortiz will be making a brief appearance at the opening ceremony on October 26, where he will sign autographs, pose for photos, and share a short speech. “David’s connection to Connecticut runs deep, and his presence will bring a unique sense of excitement and community spirit to the event,” Harris said. She added that Ortiz will also join a panel discussion later in the day titled “From Baseball to Business: Leveraging Sports for Community Development,” where he will talk about his transition from professional athlete to entrepreneur and philanthropist. The panel will also feature Mohegan Sun Executive Vice‑President of Community Relations, Daniel K. Sullivan, and local entrepreneur Maria Gonzales, co‑founder of the “Gonzales Garden” organic farm.

A Taste of Connecticut

While the headline is Ortiz, the article emphasizes that the core of the festival is its celebration of local food producers and wineries. The festival’s “Culinary Corridor” showcases 12 food artisans, ranging from the renowned “Cobb’s Kitchen” for classic New England dishes to the avant‑garde “Bamboo Bistro” that specializes in fusion sushi. Each pavilion offers a tasting station, giving guests the opportunity to sample small plates alongside curated wine pairings from some of the region’s best vineyards. For instance, “Winnery Creek” will be offering a tasting of its award‑winning “Fall Harvest Red,” while the “Coastal Brine” shop will feature artisanal sea‑salt products from Long Island Sound.

The article also highlights a “Kids’ Culinary Corner” where local chefs will conduct interactive cooking classes for children, teaching them how to make simple, healthy dishes. “We want to encourage the next generation to appreciate fresh, local ingredients,” said Chef Anthony Marino, who will head the culinary corner. He noted that the festival is a collaboration between Mohegan Sun and the Connecticut Culinary Center.

Community Impact and Philanthropy

One of the festival’s key missions is to support the Mohegan community and local non‑profits. The article explains that proceeds from ticket sales are split 50/50 between the Mohegan tribe’s community development programs and a network of regional charities. This year, the festival partners with the “Mohegan Youth Academy” and the “Uncasville Food Bank.” A portion of each ticket sold is earmarked for a “Youth Scholarship Fund,” offering financial assistance to students pursuing culinary arts.

In addition to the festival’s charitable efforts, the article links to a separate NBC Connecticut piece (https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/mohengasun-community-support-2024/) that details the Mohegan tribe’s long‑standing commitment to local economic development, education, and cultural preservation. Ortiz’s own philanthropic endeavors—particularly his foundation’s work with youth in Puerto Rico—align with the festival’s community‑first ethos.

Entertainment and More

Beyond the food, wine, and Ortiz, the festival will feature live music throughout the weekend. The “Main Stage” will host a line‑up that includes the jazz trio “Blue Note Collective,” folk duo “The Pineapple Project,” and the house band from the Mohegan Sun’s on‑site restaurant, “The Grill.” A “Sunset Bar” area, complete with a curated cocktail menu, will offer guests a relaxed spot to unwind while enjoying sunset views over the resort’s landscaped gardens.

The article also encourages readers to explore the “Farmers’ Market” that will be set up in the casino’s parking lot, where local growers will sell seasonal produce and artisanal goods. According to the festival’s marketing director, Lisa Chen, the market is a nod to the “sustainability” focus that Mohegan Sun has embraced in recent years.

How to Get Involved

The NBC Connecticut article closes with practical information for those interested in attending. It reminds readers to check the festival’s official website for the most up‑to‑date schedule, ticket availability, and health & safety guidelines. Additionally, the piece highlights the festival’s social media presence—particularly its Instagram handle @MoheganSunWineFest, where behind‑the‑scenes photos and live event updates are posted in real time. For fans of David Ortiz who want to see the star in person, the article stresses that VIP passes will give attendees exclusive backstage access, a limited‑edition “Big Papi” commemorative mug, and a private photo opportunity with Ortiz.

In Summary

NBC Connecticut’s feature on the Mohegan Sun Wine & Food Fest provides a complete overview of a weekend that blends gastronomy, local culture, and sports celebrity. With David Ortiz’s “Big Papi” persona adding star power to a festival that already boasts high‑quality wine, food, and community impact, the event is positioned to be a highlight of Connecticut’s late‑autumn calendar. Whether you’re a food lover, a wine connoisseur, a baseball fan, or simply looking for a fun way to support local charities, the festival offers a little something for everyone. By linking directly to ticketing and the festival’s social media, NBC Connecticut invites readers to plan ahead, secure their spots, and get ready to experience the best of what Uncasville and the broader Connecticut region have to offer.