NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) announced its 2025 Labs & Experiences as part of its 33rd annual event, scheduled for June 11 – 15. Organizers share NOWFE will present 15 wine and food labs and hands-on experiences throughout the five-day event. Additionally, NOWFE will host its Wine Dinners, Vinola, Tournament of Rosés, The Grand Tasting, and Burlesque, Bubbly, and Brunch.
“This year, we have added a fun, fresh, and innovative lineup of events, something for everyone’s taste,” said Aimee Brown, NOWFE’s executive director in a release about the announcement. “We have worked hard to bring new ideas to our educational labs and exciting twists on our experiences. We can’t wait for you to savor it!”
2025 Labs & Experiences as Shared by NOWFE:
*All LABS will take place at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel, 859 Convention Center Blvd.
Wednesday, June 11, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Gonzo’s Smokehouse & BBQ, 12325 River Rd, Luling, La
EXPERIENCE: Masterclass: Smoking Secrets with Award-Winning BBQ Master Jason Gonzales
Tour, Taste, and Learn for the Master at his quaint location upriver from New Orleans in Luling, LA. Jason “Gonzo” Gonzales will share his favorite cuts of meat, tips, and tricks for sublime BBQ, and some of his specialty items with you. BBQ-friendly wines will be paired with the tasting by winemaker Dave Ready Jr. from Murphy Goode. This is an exclusive behind-the-scenes VIP event—without the line! Transportation will be provided.
Friday, June 13, 10 – 11 a.m.
LAB: Farming for Flavor: Oregon Wines
Get the dirt on Oregon Wine with REX HILL Executive Winemaker Michael Davies. The Willamette Valley is a unique growing region known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Dig into why the ancient soils (from water, wind, and volcanic activity) and patchwork of sub-AVAs are a winemaker’s palette for creating expressive wines with depth and dimension.
Friday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., The Exchange Club, 2120 Rousseau St., New Orleans
EXPERIENCE: Pickleball & Prosecco
Rise and Shine for Pickleball & Prosecco at The Exchange Nola. Grab your gear and raise your glass to our first Pickleball Round Robin “Tourney” with a Twist. Beginners, intermediate, and expert pickleball players are encouraged to join in the fun while tasting through a prosecco flight. There will be pro instructors to help you learn how to play or perfect your skills. Light bites from the Exchange Nola will also be provided.
Friday, June 13, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
LAB: Passport Lab: Around the World in One Hour: 8 Countries/8 Wines with Sommelier Marika Vida
Sommelier Marika Vida will take you on a whirlwind wine-tasting adventure! Sample stunning wines and learn about the various wine styles, history, culture, and techniques from top producers across the globe, from Italy to New Zealand, France, Portugal, Chile, California, and beyond!
Friday, June 13, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
LAB: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars: Iconic Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars put Napa Valley on the world stage after triumphing over France’s greatest Bordeaux in the 1976 “Judgment of Paris” blind tasting. Since that historic event, the winery has continued to craft exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases the signature “soft power” of its home appellation: Stag’s Leap District. This lab will focus on two vintages of the winery’s estate Cabernet Sauvignons, composed of S.L.V. (single vineyard), FAY (single vineyard), and CASK 23 (a barrel selection of the S.L.V. and FAY Vineyards).
Friday, June 13, 1 – 3 p.m., The Tchoup Yard, 405 Third St., New Orleans
EXPERIENCE: Food Truck Funk
Hot Ticket Alert! Join Us for a Funky Food Truck Feast at The Tchoup Yard featuring live music, five food trucks (food provided with your ticket purchase), flowing wine by Innumero Wines, and a Bourbon & Chocolate pairing tasting by High West.
Friday, June 13, 1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
LAB: Natural Wine Decode with RedThumb Natural Wines
The makers of natural wines are often not bound by a specific set of rules; however, it is widely agreed that the aim of natural wine is low-intervention–to get the grape from vineyard to bottle with as little added or removed as possible. Please join Eric Cusimano and David Schavone from RedThumb Natural Wines to taste and walk through one of wine’s most misunderstood segments as they discuss the new wave of Natural Winemaking, Preferred Growing Methods, Vinification Philosophies, and more.
Friday, June 13, 3 – 4 p.m.
LAB: New Mexico: The Unexpected Wine Country
The title for this Wine Lab was lifted from a recent National Geographic magazine headline. The article outlines why New Mexico is poised to surprise and delight the intrepid traveler and wine connoisseur. New Mexico is home to the original American vineyards established by friars and monks to bless the parish in the early 1600s. Today, New Mexico’s wine industry is championed by European settlers who reestablished vineyards and winemaking proficiency over the past 40 years. Christopher Goblet, Executive Director of New Mexico Wine, brings the flavors and stories of New Mexico to the tasting table as the state prepares for its 400th Vintage in 2029. Join us in raising a glass of New Mexico Wine with their hallmark toast – Viva Vino!
Saturday, June 14, 10 – 11 a.m.
LAB: EHRET Winery & Nonna Randazzo’s Bakery: The Art of Wine & Pastry Pairing
Indulge in a decadent journey where fine wine meets traditional New Orleans baked goods. Sonoma County’s Ehret Family Winery and New Orleans’ famous Nonna Randazzo’s Bakery share rich histories, deep-rooted craftsmanship, and passion for flavor. From classic Bordeaux varietals to handcrafted pastries and iconic King Cake, indulge in the delicious harmony between two time-honored traditions.
Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Brennan’s Restaurant, 417 Royal St., New Orleans
EXPERIENCE: Sabering Experience at Brennan’s
Experience the excitement of sabering at Brennan’s. Led by Christian Pendleton and Braithe Gill, this interactive event begins with a welcome glass of bubbles followed by a hands-on sabering demonstration. Guests can choose a Sabering Ticket for $125, which includes a bottle of Bisol Prosecco Brut NV to saber, or a Spectator Ticket for $55 to enjoy the show while sipping and socializing. With delicious passed appetizers from our chefs and a lively atmosphere, this is the perfect way to elevate your weekend plans. Tickets include food offerings by Brennan’s.
Saturday, June 14, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
LAB: Contemporary Rioja with Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein
Although Spain’s iconic Rioja region celebrates a 100th anniversary this year, it is not simply a centenary. On the contrary, Rioja is one of the most beloved and enjoyed of all imported wines. It offers breadth and diversity and, fittingly, in this 100th year, represents the renaissance of what modern Iberian leadership is all about. Join Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein to explore ‘10 kilometers of distinct terrunyo,’ both old and new, through the lens of the region’s remarkable and delicious wines.
Saturday, June 14, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
LAB: Southern Hemisphere: Old World Viticulture, New World Wines with Marika Vida
One of today’s most compelling and innovative forces in winemaking, Southern Hemisphere wines offer exceptional value to consumers with foundations rooted in “old world” viticulture and winemaking traditions. Join Sommelier Marika Vida as she takes you on a tour of wines leading the “new world” wine industry in Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Saturday, June 14, 2 – 4 p.m., Cure, 4905 Freret St., New Orleans
EXPERIENCE: Cure Presents Cocktails of the World
Join us at Cure for an afternoon of cocktail creation in collaboration with five award-winning bars from around the globe! Cure’s award-winning bar team will demonstrate the art of cocktail execution of five cocktails from start to finish and discuss the creativity and innovation behind curating a world-class cocktail menu. Small bites will accompany the demonstration. Cure was just named Food & Wine’s 2025 Best Bar in America.
Saturday, June 14, 3 – 5 p.m., Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans
EXPERIENCE: Art & Wine: An Inspirational Afternoon at Ogden Museum
Join us at Ogden Museum for a delightful afternoon where the vibrant culture of New Orleans comes to life through art and wine. First, enjoy a special tour of Crescent Cityscapes, an exhibition showcasing stunning works of art that reflect the spirit of New Orleans. Then, guided by Museum Educators, try your hand at creating your own work while indulging your senses in carefully curated wines inspired by the exhibition.
Saturday, June 14, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Paradigm Gardens, 1131 S. Rampart St., New Orleans
EXPERIENCE: Shuck n’ Jive: Drink, Eat, Dance
Get into the swing at this jazzy Oyster celebration. Chill out at the raw bar with some freshly shucked oysters on the half-shell paired with oyster-friendly wines from around the globe. Of course, some like it hot, so tempt your tastebuds with more complex oyster dishes: grilled, baked, fried, or roasted. Lively Jazz Music and Swing Dancing will keep it oh-so cool!
