Beloved local wine shop and bar Bacchanal Wine is celebrating its 20th anniversary with pop-up events taking place throughout the year. “We first opened Feb. 14, 2002,” said Joaquin Rodas, founding chef and managing partner. “Chris Rudge (our founder) found this awesome building, and he wanted to provide accessible delicious wine to the folks of Bywater and Chalmette, and also the Navy folks across the street.” Today, partners Rodas, Beau Ross, Amy Reger and Ralph Shumaker keep more than 400 wines in stock, with a focus on wines that are made with as little intervention as possible. “We feature producers from France, Spain, Italy, Germany and also some lesser-known appellations and producers from all over the globe,” Rodas said. This month, look for Bacchanal’s backyard Primal Nights Guest Chef Dinner Series. 600 Poland Ave., 948-9111, bacchanalwine.com.
Tales News
Tales of the Cocktail has announced a new philanthropy and development committee, born from the spirits industry’s need for support after two years of hardship. The committee provides direct relief, grant-giving opportunities, policy and advocacy work, expanded mental health and wellness efforts, increased Beyond the Bar activations and non-profit partnerships. Three spirits industry veterans—Andrew Faulkner (managing partner), Wayne Curtis (lead judge) and Matt Sharpe (director of operations)—are launching the New Orleans Spirits Competition presented by the 20th Tales of the Cocktail festival (July 25-29). The competition is open to all classes of spirits Registration for domestic producers is June 24. nolaspiritscomp.com.
School’s in Session
The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute is offering a new wine professional certification course. Taught by New Orleans native and Sommelier Michelle Gueydan, the innovative and rigorous six-week course is for those who are either actively engaged in or in pursuit of a hospitality career, including servers, bartenders, wine directors and managers, as well as serious wine enthusiasts. The course includes class presentations, weekly wine labs and tastings, interactive hospitality exercises and wine-pairing workshops. Upon completion, wine certificate holders will have gained a higher level of knowledge related to wine varieties, regions, labels, winemaking decisions/processes and food-pairing guidelines. The next class kicks off Aug. 7 and runs every Sunday from 5-8:30 p.m. (except Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day). 725 Howard Ave., 891-4060, nochi.org.
The Long Drink
A category of liquor native to Finland known as the long drink, combines liquor with sparkling citrus, and is a refreshing ready-to-drink libation. Now, The Finnish Long Drink—a brand within this category—is being distributed throughout Louisiana. It’s available in four expressions: traditional, zero, cranberry and “strong.” Available at Orleans Center Market, 2707 Orleans Ave., 484-3485, thelongdrink.com.
Ace Events
This summer, the Ace Hotel New Orleans and sister property Maison de la Luz are hosting a number of boozy events. The “Sunset Series at Alto” (the rooftop bar at the Ace) takes place every Saturday from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy rotating DJ sets, food and libations—all while watching the sun dip over the pool. And every Sunday, stop by Bar Marilou (the swanky bar inside Maison de la Luz) for “Tell Me, Marilou.” This series of events takes place from 5-11 p.m. with half-priced bottles of wine, special entertainment and wine education from the bar team. 600 Carondelet St., 900-1180, acehotel.com; 546 Carondelet St., 814-7720, barmarilou.com.
The Long Drink
A category of liquor native to Finland known as the long drink, combines liquor with sparkling citrus, and is a refreshing ready-to-drink libation. Now, The Finnish Long Drink—a brand within this category—is being distributed throughout Louisiana. It’s available in four expressions: traditional, zero, cranberry and “strong.” Available at Orleans Center Market, 2707 Orleans Ave., 484-3485, 