NOWFE Returns
The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience is back for its 32nd year celebrating wines and foods from all over the world. This five-day experience will take place from June 5-9 at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse District Hotel and other locations around the city.
NOWFE is a nonprofit organization that raises proceeds for culinary education and other local nonprofits around New Orleans. Winemakers and chefs bring their very own culinary creations to this top-notch experience in New Orleans every year. There will be wine dinners, events, labs, and many more hands-on experiences that you won't want to miss. Everyday has its own special event that will be going.
Here are some of the events that will be taking place Friday and Saturday during the experience.
Friday, June 7
Amplify American Wines: Oregon
Location: New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel
Oregon is known for their production of wine, ranking fourth in the United States. Since Oregon has many different soil types and climates, they are able to produce distinct wines. This lab is $75 from 10-11 a.m.
Knights Valley: Terroir and the Sequences of Intentional Winemaking
Location: New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel
Knights Bridge Winemaker, Derek Baljeu, will be discussing Knights Valley, a region in Sonoma County, California. It is one of Sonoma County's AVA, which is an American Viticultural Area. This area is known to be a very unique wine region. This lab is $75 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Vino, Vida, Vici
Location: New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel
Join Sommelier Marika Vida in a wine tasting tour through Italy's wine regions, including Piedmont, Tuscany, and Puglia. This lab brings Italy to New Orleans for $85 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Riedel: How the Glass Affects Wine
Location: New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel
This unique event by Riedel will teach you all about how the shape and size of a glass of wine impacts your enjoyment and perception. Who knew a wine glass had such an impact? There will be wine from Rombauer Vineyards. This lab is $120 and from 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Coffee Roasting
Location: Current Crop Roasting Shop, 3931 Magazine St.
This experience is a coffee lover's dream. For $75, you will be greeted with a special Coffee Cocktail and learn all about the different roasts of coffee. You will be able to sample light, medium, and dark roasts from around the world. This experience is from 2-3:30 p.m. for $75.
Old-Fashioned Cocktail Masterclass with Picnic Provisions & Whiskey
Location: Picnic Provisions & Whiskey, 741 State St.
Learn how to make traditional cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Black Old Fashion at this hands-on experience. Sip on your cocktails and enjoy foods and treats that will be provided. This event is from 2:30-4 p.m. and costs $175.
Tempranillo & Tapas, featuring wines from Enriquez Estate Winery
Location: Plates Restaurant & Bar, 1051 Annunciation St.
Bringing a flare of Spain to New Orleans, Winemaker Cecilia Enriquez, owner of Enriquez Estate Winery, will be joining guests with an evening of wine and tapas tasting. Chef Farrell Harrison at Plates will be making tapas to go along with this wine. This experience is $150 and from 3:30-5 p.m.
Saturday, June 8
Winemaker for a Day Blending Lab with Marietta Cellars
Location: New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel
Brian Lynch from Marietta Cellars is taking guests along through the winemaking process. This is a hands-on lab for those interested to truly understand how winemaking is done, as well as the different grape varieties. From 10-11 a.m., this lab will cost $100.
Pét-Nat: The Laid Back Libation
Location: New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel
Pétillant Naturel, or pét-nats, are sparkling wines made by the similar process of making Champagne. This makes the wines more bubbly and sparkling. Taste some pét-nats and snacks for $75. The lab is from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Goûter at Galatoire's
Location: Galatoire's, 209 Bourbon St.
Meaning "to taste" in French, this tasting event at Galatoire's will take you back to 19th century France and even the Renaissance. Enjoy all of the delicious creations by Executive Chef Philip Lopez, including crab maison, shrimp remoulade, souffle potatoes, and more, which will be paired with selected wines. This event is $215 and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Drink French Fluently
Location: New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel
Another French-themed event, join Sommelier Marika Vida from 12:30-1:30 p.m. for a wine-tasting tour. This lab will tour French wine regions, including Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhone Valley, Loire, and Alsace. For $85, you will get to sample some of the most delectable of French wines.
Italian Fare with New Orleans Flair: Interactive Pizza Making Class & Wine Pairing
Location: Reginelli's Pizzeria, 930 Poydras St.
Have you ever wanted to make your own fresh pizza? This is your chance to toss your dough, create a pizza of your choice, and enjoy appetizers while waiting to try your very own pizza. This experience will be paired with Murphy-Goode wines. To finish off your delicious meal, enjoy some tiramisu. All of this will be included for $150 and take place from 1-2:30 p.m.
Cupping Class with Pastry Pairing
Location: Current Crop Roasting Shop, 3931 Magazine St.
From 2:30-4 p.m., this experience will take you on a coffee adventure around the world, learning about the coffee flavors, aroma, acidity, and much more. This coffee tasting, or coffee cupping, will be paired with carefully selected pastries that go well with each cup of coffee. This cupping class is $75.
La Fiesta Sud Americana at Bacchanal
Location: Bacchanal, 600 Poland Ave.
This event at Bacchanal will be mixing South American cuisine with wines by Flambeaux Wine for $215. Joaquin Rodas, Alfredo Nogueria, and Wilfredo Avelar will be coming up with culinary creations that go with the wines that will be provided. The evening of tasty foods and exquisite wines will take place at 6:30-9:30 p.m.
