Programs & Events

The 5-day festival will include tastings, seminars, brunches, lunches, dinners and more.

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Royal Street Stroll
Thursday May 22: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
400 Royal Street
$49 per person

A definitive evening event exclusive only to the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, the Royal Street Stroll brings together New Orleans' greatest gifts fabulous food, rare antiques, fine art, live jazz and stunning historic architecture with the worlds outstanding wines. Stroll the art and antique galleries of enchanting Royal Street while experiencing wine and food offerings at each stop. Live jazz music fills the air.

Grand Tastings
Friday May 23: 5pm - 8pm
Saturday May 24: 1pm - 4pm
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
$79 per person

A sublime experience for both foodies and oenophiles, we pair extensive offerings of generously sized taster portions from New Orleans' finest chefs with complementary selections of the world's best wines. Two Grand Tastings will be hosted on consecutive days, with different talent each day. Visit our Cooking Demonstration stage on both days as well as our Fine Wine Auction at the Friday Grand Tasting.

Seminars Thursday May 22


1:30pm - 2:45pm
THOMAS JEFFERSON: President, Patriot, Wine Collector

Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United State, author of the Declaration of Independence, patron of the Louisiana Purchase, was also early America's great wine lover and collector.

In honor of the 200th Anniversary of the Purchase of the vast Louisiana Territory, and in honor of its American champion, the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience will explore the wines Jefferson loved. We will explore the history of the wines he loved and collected and gain additional understanding and insight of this amazing man, all within three blocks of where the historic Purchase of Louisiana was signed in 1803.

Jefferson's wines were weighted heavily to Bordeauxs and Burgundys, with a solid footing in Ports and Madeiras. We will also explore his interests in establishing a wine industry in early Virginia, while he was at work simultaneously establishing a great University.

We anticipate such an interest in this seminar that the Great Man himself may make an appearance. The seminar will feature Bartholomew Broadbent, President of Broadbent Selections, San Francisco.

3:00pm - 4:15pm
GOURMET MAGAZINE: A Matter of Lifestyle

Gourmet magazine has been a resource of important and informative commentary on trends and styles in cuisines and beverages. This year, Gourmet has joined NOW&FE in a partnership, offering to our guests this presentation that will enhance their enjoyment of life.

The Gourmet Lifestyle Seminar will feature the magazine’s philosophy and editorial excellence. Featured Speaker is Michael Green, wine editor and columnist for Gourmet, who will present narrative and examples of living life, and enjoying life, to its most excellent.

Seminars Friday May 23

9:30am - 10:45am
UNDER THE SAME ROOF: Chefs de Cuisine at Wineries

John Ash (Fetzer Vineyards), Randy Lewis (Kendall-Jackson) and Kimball Jones (Wente) Wineries have always espoused enjoying their products with well-prepared dishes, bringing out the best in both tastes. Many wineries have actually aligned with chefs to demonstrate their commitment to wine and food. We are pleased to feature chefs who are "on board" with their respective wineries, working every day in conjunction with the winemaker to create new dishes and enhance proven pairings.

Lovers of Wine and Lovers of Food will not want to miss the gourmet demonstrations, and the wine pairings, from dedicated professionals who truly believe that one without the other is not the way to go through life.

9:30am - 10:45am
THE ART OF BLENDING: Meritage Wines
(Attendance is limited)

Meritage wines represent the highest form of the winemaker's art, blending. Our panel of experts will lead attendees through a "hands-on" blending session. You can learn characteristics of each Bordeaux varietal, how these contribute to the final blend, then blend them yourself. Also featured will be a tasting of current release Meritage wines.

Susan Lueker, winemaker at Simi, will guide participants through this fascinating exercise. She will be joined by Emily Brown, Hospitality Manager at Dry Creek Vineyards and Adam LaZarre, Winemaker at Hahn Estate. They will share their views on Meritage, and its place in wine's pantheon.

11:30am - 12:15pm
THE WINES OF THE SILVERADO TRAIL: A Journey

The Silverado Trail is Napa's "other" North-Couth corridor, running up and down the Valley's eastern side.

Wineries along The Trail are amazing examples of the ripeness and quality that occur in this most-important region. The Silverado Trail traverses five designated American Viticulture Areas, each renowned for their abilities to cultivate wines of a powerful, yet exquisite, nature.

This seminar will be free-form. Attendees will visit wineries as these wineries are located on the Valley floor. Up one side of the Trail, to the West, and down the other, to the East.

Each winery will share with the guests its thoughts on terroir, vinification, aging and results.

11:30am - 12:15pm
WAY DOWN SOUTH: Wines of South Africa with an emphasis on Pinotage

The predominant red grape of South Africa is Pinotage - a cross between the refined Pinot Noir and the coarse Cinsault.

Since this market was only reopened to wine exports in 1994 and is today a growing presence here, we felt that an in-depth experience in the Reserve wines of the Pinotage grape would be appropriate.

Ralph Leibman of KWV - one of the largest wineries in South Africa and the largest importer of South African wine in the world - will speak at the seminar. In addition, two of the wines will be paired with food prepared by Chef Mike Schneider of Etoile restaurant. Don't miss this one of a kind experience.

12:30pm - 2:15pm
LUNCH WITH THE MASTERS

The wine world's designation, Master of Wine (MW), is not an easy achievement. Many, many hours of effort and examination are required, with no guarantee of success. We are pleased to offer a "free-form" experience, in conjunction with an excellent mid-day meal.

D.C. Flynt, MW, Director of Foster-Flynt Selections, importers of fine wines from Burgundy, and Proprietor of Café Margaux, Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Joel Butler, MW, winemaker of Beaulieu Vineyards, Napa Valley will be sharing their knowledge and their products with our luncheon guests.

(Please Note: Since our Seminars and Grand Tastings are in Hall J this year, which is the most upriver end of the massive Greater New Orleans Convention Center, leaving the Convention Center for lunch will most likely entail more time than the mid-day break allows. This is the reason we are very pleased to offer a quality event and mid-day meal within the Wine and Food Experience area of the Convention Center.)

3:00pm - 4:15pm
BORDEAUX TO SANTIAGO: Oui to Si!

It is well established in the Wine World today that the grapevine's bounty emanating from South America is: 1) Of very good quality; 2) A fine pairing beverage with food; and 3) Reasonable in cost.

What may not be so well known is that the vines in South America are direct descendants of the vines in the Old World, and these vines have never been infected with diseases that have decimated vineyards in France and America.

There is also the fact that many wineries and winemakers from the more traditional Northern Hemisphere wine areas are flocking South to take advantage of soils and sun.

These circumstances make for interesting linkages.

Join Banfi and Concha y Toro as they explain the reality and the potential of South American Wines.

Featured wines are: Terrunyo Sauvignon Blanc, Terrunyo Carmenere, Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon, Almaviva (a joint venture between the Rothschild family and Concha y Toro), and Concha y Toro Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc.

3:00pm - 4:15pm
FAMILY WINES / FAMILY FOODS: Restaurants and Wineries Where Everyone Has the Same Last Name

In New Orleans, mention "Brennan" and everyone knows a first name is required for proper identification and restaurant affiliation. Sonoma and Napa Counties have similar issues with Gallo, MacMurray Ranch and Louis M. Martini.

This seminar will feature Chef Tory McPhail of Commander's Palace, Caroline Coleman Bailey, third generation Gallo family member, Kate MacMurray and Michael Martini, second generation wine scion.

Learn of the history of the dynasties, the challenges of meeting expectations, and share in the passion of creating world-class foods with wine.

Reserve Seminars

2:30pm - 3:45pm
BEAULIEU VINEYARDS GEORGES DE LATOUR: Vertical Tasting
(Special Reserve Wine Tasting: $125 per person. Attendance is limited)

Since 1936, the first year of its release, Georges de Latour Reserve has been considered one of the greatest New World expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon. Named for the founder of BV, this was the first California wine labeled as a Reserve, and its first release was the Grand Sweepstakes Award winner at the Golden Gate International Exposition.

Winemaker Joel Butler, MW, will guide guests through a most amazing collection featuring the years of '99, '95, '93, '91, '86, '82, '78, and '73.

4:00pm - 5:15pm
THE WINES OF BIONDI-SANTI: A Perspective
(Special Reserve Wine Tasting: $85 per person. Attendance is limited)

It is a great honor and privilege for the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience to welcome Jacopo Biondi Santi, one of the most energetic, knowledgeable, and special winemakers in all of Italy. Jacopo Biondi Santi's family, and their relationship to vineyards and winemaking in Tuscany date to the early 1800's. But it was in 1888 that the family took its honored place in the wine world, with the creation of Brunello di Montalcino. Then, in the late 1970's, Jacopo and his father, embarked on a process to upgrade vinification facilities, diversify the vineyards, and still continue to produce excellent wines, worthy of awards and accolades the world over.

This seminar will be hosted by Jacopo Biondi-Santi. Wines will include:
Sassoalloro 2000 (Sangiovese)
Montepaone 1997 (Cabernet Sauvignon)
Morellino di Scansano 1999 ((Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon)
Schidione 1998 (Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot)
Villa Poggio Salvi Brunello di Montalcino 1998 (Sangiovese)
Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino 1998 (Sangiovese)

Seminars Saturday May 24

9:00am - 10:00am
ARTISAN CHEESES: Small Batches, Incredible Flavors

More than just about any other food item, cheese provides the perfect accompaniment to wine. The many and varied flavor profiles of cheese can always be matched up to the many and varied flavor profiles of wine.

Some cheese is positively going to make some wine "sing."

Learn more about Artisan Cheeses, specifically created for pure tasting enjoyment. These cheeses are interesting, diverse, come from milks of goats or cows, and are made by hand.

Chefs John Folse, Bittersweet Plantation, Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and John Ash, Fetzer Wines will explain the creation and philosophies behind Artisan Cheeses. They will also speak to the types of cheese and the wine pairings that will change the way you taste wine.

Featured cheeses will be provided by the California Milk Advisory Board and Chef Folse's selections.

9:00am - 10:00am
A HISTORY OF WINE CAST IN SILVER

Jim Cottrell, vice-president of M. S Rau Antiques and a recognized expert on silver, will present a one-hour seminar on the "History of Wine Cast in Silver." Jim will offer a glimpse into the importance of wine and wine iconography in the decorative arts of the 18th and 19th century, particularly in fine works of silver. Wine and the grape harvest held such a place of importance in society, the world's most talented silversmiths created fabulous works of art to honor it and the great wine enthusiasts of the day. Jim's visual presentation will include some of the finest examples of wine-related silver produced by the greatest silversmiths of the era. Come prepared to see, touch and discover these great works of art. These traditions continue in today's contemporary wines as exemplified by those from Rancho Zabaco. You will taste selections from this acclaimed producer of bold, intense wines from Sonoma County's most coveted viticultural areas.

10:00am - 11:00am
BURGUNDY: These Are the Good Ole' Days

Wine writers and aficionados alike enjoy comparing some long gone vintage to what the current offerings are. Usually the memory of a great vintage overwhelms the reality of what is in today's glass.

While the Burgundy region in France has produced over the years many a great wine, D.C.Flynt, MW will offer the viewpoint that the wines of today are respectable and measure well on the yardstick, and that possibly we have not yet seen the best from his favorite area.

D.C. imports wines from all over the Burgundy region and he is a constant visitor to the Cote d'Or. He is involved in every aspect of making memorable Burgundies, from the vineyard to the store shelves or restaurant table. Those who love Burgundy, and those who are curious as to its mysteries, will enjoy his refreshing viewpoint and tastings.

10:00am - 11:00am
RHONE VARIETALS: A Blending Experience

Tablas Creek, located in the South Central Coast region of California, is a New World mirror-image of Chateau Beaucastel, the great Chateauneuf de Pape winery in the southern Rhone region of France.

Tablas Creek selected its vineyard and wine site because soil conditions, elevations, sun facings, and climate matched Beaucastel's experience. The success, since 1990 of the French grapevine cuttings transplanted to California bears out the owners' beliefs that key Rhone varietals would flourish in this part of the Golden State.

Jason Haas, son of owner, Robert, will guide participants through a tasting of the wonderful 2000 vintage Esprit de Beaucastel and the 2000 Cotes de Tablas.

Participants will also be poured each wine component that will be involved in the 2002 vintage, Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. With these components, attendees will be able to blend their own Rhone-style Cuvee, and experience first-hand what the winemaker is up against in finding the correct measure of each component.

11:00am - 12:00pm
UPTOWN JEWELS: New Orleans' Dining Treasures

Moderator: Tom Fitzmorris, New Orleans Restaurant Reviewer

Yes, we know that every city has them. And that some restaurants in other towns serve fare that makes even the most home-bound New Orleanians sit up and take notice. But here, in this below-sea-level dining paradise, there are restaurants that speak to our soul. We are blessed to have many. And among them, there are a few very special destinations.

Each of the restaurants in this seminar is renowned for their love of great food, and their ability to serve it night after night. This seminar will focus on the diverse approaches each of these establishments takes.

There are, however, some common elements shared by these restaurants: 1) Each restaurant is located in the City in an upriver direction from Louisiana Avenue. 2) Each restaurant is only one-generation old. 3) Each restaurant has the original chef/proprietor still involved. 4) Each restaurant has its own unique style. 5) Each restaurant loves preparing great food for a grateful guest.

Chef Frank Brigtsen / Brigtsen's / 723 Dante Street
Chef Jacque / Jacques-Imo's Café / 8324 Oak Street
Brad Hollingsworth / Clancy's Restaurant / 6100 Annunciation
Geoffrey Rhodes / Crepe Nanou / 1410 Robert

11:00am - 12:00pm
WINES OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST: Classic Varietals Expressed in Washington State

One of the more interesting aspects of Old World vs. New World plantings is how rigid the Old World historically has been. Only certain types of grapes could go in certain areas. And the New World was never constrained by such tradition or legislation.

Washington State presents an excellent example of this dynamic.

In this seminar, many Old World grapes will be examined: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Their characteristic flavors and bouquets will be identified. Then their New World structure will also be scrutinized.

Washington State can deliver brightness, fruit quality, floral imprint and acidity and balance that allow these classic varietals to express differently from their Old World styles.

11:00am - 12:00pm
WINE SPECTATOR and winespectatorschool.com PRESENTS: Sensory Evaluation Workout
(Attendance is limited. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Let winespectatorschool.com put you through your paces with this series of sensory evaluation exercises. Led by Gloria Maroti, the director of Wine Spectator's new on-line school, this seminar covers how your senses really work and hones your tasting abilities. Wine IDs, component levels and triangle tastings are just a few of the exercises in this sensory workout.

Reserve Seminars

9:00am - 10:00am
CHAMPAGNE: Expression of "The Stars"
(Special Reserve Wine Tasting: $100 per person. Attendance is limited)

Great Champagnes are among the world's most sought after and appreciated wine experiences. And, as every fine Champagne house will readily share, their "house style" is best expressed in the Non-Vintage Brut offering. The question to be resolved here is, "What new and interesting dimensions are expressed in Vintage Champagnes?"

In this one-of-a-kind seminar, guests will explore a range of Vintage and non-Vintage Champagnes from Pommery, Moet & Chandon and Charles Heidsieck. Each of the Champagne houses will pour their respective non-Vintage Brut, and then follow with excellent Vintage Champagnes.

12:00pm - 1:15pm
DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE: A Reserve Tasting
(Special Reserve Wine Tasting: $125 per person. Attendance is limited)

Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe was founded in 1898 by Hypolithe Brunier on the highest terrace in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Today, Frederic and Daniel Brunier, fourth generation, oversee the respected vineyards and its world-renowned winery.

There will be a discussion of this wonderful wine, its history, and its characteristics.

A tasting of Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Blanc 2001, will be followed by a vertical tasting of Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Rouge 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1993.

Bubbles and Brunch
Sunday May 25: 11:30am - 2:30pm
Omni Royal Orleans French Quarter, 621 St. Louis St.
$60 per person

Two uniquely New Orleans traditions - the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience and the Champagne Jazz Brunch - joined together for a sublime Sunday morning celebration. Champagne provided by Champagne Duval Le Roy.