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The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is one of the premiere events in the Big Easy, showcasing what the city does best. In its 23rd year, this New Orleans festival has become one of most incredible culinary events in the nation, attracting over 10,000 gourmands and connoisseurs as well as art and music lovers. We locals also have no problem with enjoying excellent food, exceptional wine, and a great time!

Each year, hundreds of wineries and restaurants participate. Menus feature local flavor and innovative new creations inspired by diverse cuisines. Top chefs from around the city create culinary experiences like no other. Over two dozen restaurants feature special dining evenings throughout the New Orleans festival. The weekend also features over 1,000 wines from around the world, with special tasting events from wineries. You can enjoy grand tasting events, promenade evenings in the French Quarter, and seminar series to hone your palate. For the grand finale, attend the gala at the end!

NOWFE also care about the community and want to make New Orleans a better place to live. Over the past 23 years, they have raised more than $1 million for local non-profit organizations. From food banks to culinary schools, the beneficiaries have been able to help our community and our culture thrive. This year the Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB) has been chosen as the recipient of 40% of the event proceeds, with the remaining 60% being shared among a number of other local nonprofits. NOWFE’s mission is to support the local community by donating its profits to hospitality-based education programs and other vital community organizations.

If you're looking for a culinary getaway, want to rub shoulders with top chefs and winemakers, or simply enjoy the good food and wine, then book your ticket to this year's New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. Gather all the information you need here on our site to help get you prepared. Here are some events to look forward to this year:

WINE DINNERS – Begin your New Orleans Wine & Food Experience Wednesday 7 p.m. with an intimate wine dinner at one of New Orleans’ premier restaurants. Dine with friends or make new ones, while learning about the wine and food pairings directly from the vintners and chefs that created them. A different winery is featured at each restaurant.

VINOLA – On Thursday at 2 p.m., true wine connoisseurs, with a higher level of appreciation for fine wines, will enjoy the opportunity to sample rare and highly valued wines, each one boasting a retail value of at least $75. Elite wines from around the world will be presented by winemakers themselves.

ROYAL STREET STROLL – Enjoy a true New Orleans experience Thursday at 5:30 p.m. This definitive evening event of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience brings together New Orleans’ greatest gifts—rare antiques, fine art, live jazz, and stunning historic architecture, with the world’s most outstanding wines. Shop the enchanting galleries of Royal Street while experiencing wine offerings at each stop and food tent along the way. 

The Stroll is led “parade-style” by the Krewe of Cork, a world-famous wine industry phenomenon, with several renowned winemakers serving as Grand Marshals. So grab your wine-themed costume and join King Patrick van Hoorebeek as we celebrate the season of wine and food in New Orleans.

GRAND TASTINGS – Two Grand Tasting experiences at NOWFE take place Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. More than 1,000 domestic and international vintages will be showcased alongside delicious foods served by over seventy-five of New Orleans’ finest chefs and purveyors. 

Wine connoisseurs will take pleasure in the opportunity to meet winemakers, ask questions and taste special appellations from across the globe. Novice wine drinkers will simply enjoy the experience of trying many new wines and learning what they like about different styles, varieties and price ranges. 

BIG GATEUX SHOW – Appropriate for a 9:00 Friday night is a pastry competition full of scintillating displays of burlesque, pastries and cocktails features celebrity chefs and judges alongside Burlesque starlets, Trixi Minx & Bella Blue. Join this after-party following the Friday Night Grand Tasting and chose your favorite delight. The winning design and pastry chef will be awarded a $5000 prize sponsored by Swiss Chalet. This ticketed event is a sell out every year!

“EXPERIENCS” & SEMINARS – This series takes place throughout the weekend and is designed for both the new wine drinker and the most seasoned connoisseur. Enjoy a rare opportunity to taste, discover and learn about wine directly from industry experts, and hear insight on what’s hot in the culinary world from talented, local chefs. There is a seminar for every palate and every whim. Check out NOWFE.com for the complete schedule.

Over the last several decades NOWFE has grown into an event that annually welcomes more than 10,000 attendees, yet still offers many intimate opportunities to mingle with winemakers, chefs and industry insiders at a plethora or festival events. Adhering to its original mission, NOWFE has contributed more than $1 million to local non-profit organizations, and continues to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for wine and food lovers.

 

WHAT: 2015 New Orleans Wine & Food Experience

WHEN: Wednesday May 20 – Sunday May 24

WHERE: Multiple venues in the city

TIX & INFO: NOWFE.com