NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) announces its 2019 Seminar & Experiences Series as part of the 27th annual event, which takes place April 3 – 7. Throughout the five-day event, NOWFE will present more than a dozen wine and food seminars and unique, hands-on experiences. In addition to the seminars and experiences, NOWFE will also host its Vintner Dinners, Royal Street Stroll, Vinola, and Grand Tastings. New this year is the Tournament of Rosés sponsored by Harrah’s and a Tabasco brunch served on Sunday.
“It’s our mission to keep NOWFE fresh and in line with the hottest trends in the industry, so this year we have added some new experiences and seminars, as well as a brunch on Sunday and the “Tournament of Rosés, sponsored by Harrah’s,” states Aimee Brown, NOWFE’s executive director. “We have also made some formatting changes – moving the event to new dates in April and relocating the Grand Tastings to the more intimate venue, the Sugar Mill.”
New Beneficiaries:
Each year, NOWFE chooses new beneficiaries to receive proceeds from the event. The 2019 beneficiaries are New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) and Café Reconcile. A $15K scholarship will be awarded to one NOCHI student, while Café Reconcile will receive 100% of the remaining event proceeds.
2019 Seminars, Experiences & New Events include:
Thursday, April 4
NEW EVENT!
Laissez-Les Bon Temps Rouler, NOWFE’s having a Cochon de Lait
In Louisiana, a cochon de lait is a social event surrounding the roasting of a pig over an open hardwood fire and the feast and frivolity that follows. Let’s kick off NOWFE at Central City BBQ with a Pig Roast Party: whole hog from Boucherie and traditional sides from Central City BBQ, Broussard's Executive Chef Jimi Setchim, and more. Tap your toes or try out your “two step” to the music by Bayou Ramblers and sip on wine from Tap Truck Nola and beer from Stella Artois. Traditional Cochon de Lait Culinary historian, Dr. Howard Conyers will join us to describe the history behind it all while Chef Nathanial Zimet breaks down the hog.
Friday, April 5
Extra Virgin
Taste and immerse yourself in a selection of the world's best Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Napa Valley, Tuscany and Spain. Jeff Meisel of Long Meadow Ranch, Napa Valley will guide you on a tasting journey where you will taste like a pro, and learn a lot about your own taste buds, what it means to be truly extra virgin, and which oil you want to drizzle on your fresh mozzarella, salad or pasta. Plus, we will dive into history, process, cooking and storage. To complement the oils, Nor-Joe imports will supply an array of meats, cheese and crusty bread. Plus, Pastry Chef Jasiah St. Pierre from Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts will share his riff on a California Style Olive Oil Cake to end the seminar on a sweet note.
Riedel—What a Difference the Wine Glass Makes
The best glassware enhances a fine wine – and there's science to prove it. Join us as a representative of Riedel, the Austrian family of master glassmakers, demonstrates how the shape and quality of a glass can improve a wine's bouquet, flavor, balance and finish.
Oyster Lab and Lunch
Join Chef Jim Richard, chef and owner of Trenasse and Jonathan Emerson, Director of Food and Beverage at the Intercontinental New Orleans, as they lead you through a seminar style tasting of freshly-opened Boutique Oysters from East, West and Southern Coasts. Study the effects of cold water vs. warm water oysters, and how the salinity levels of their environment affects their flavor. Wine director, Paul May will explore oyster-friendly wines that make the perfect pairing with oysters on the half shell. Then adjourn for an oyster lunch at Trenasse with Chef Jim; the award-winning restaurant on the lower level of the Intercontinental, which serves up “Oysters All Day, All Ways.” Savor a menu featuring Gulf Oysters prepared three ways that showcase the versatility of the bivalve. Wines have been selected to complement each dish.
Napa vs. Sonoma – What’s Your Style?
Tens of millions of visitors flock to wine country in Northern California every year. Despite the recent wildfires, Napa Valley and Sonoma County are welcoming visitors again. But which one should you pick? Both places may seem to offer the same perks (enchanting views, charming towns, delicious meals, and of course, world-class wines), but the two regions differ quite a bit – like Zinfandel and Merlot. Separated by the Mayacama Mountains, Napa and Sonoma maintain their own styles, vibes, and of course — wines. You don’t have to choose sides, that’s why we are putting the two head to head to help you discover which are best suited for you. Participating wineries include: HALL Wines, Long Meadow Ranch, Rombauer Vineyards, Domaine de la Rivière and more. Sommelier James Filtz will lead the journey and discussion.
The Passion of Italy in 5 Glasses with Master Sommelier Guy Stout
Italy has an enchanting wine history that spans several centuries; the country boasts of 20 different unique wine growing regions and has more than 800 wine grape varieties. Join Master Sommelier Guy Stout on the journey as he brings the essence of the Italian wine world to light via hand-picked wines from five distinctive regions: Lombardia, Piedmont, Veneto, Toscana, and Campania. The most passionate pizza purveyor in town, Domenica, will round out the “trip” through Italy with antipasti.
Mosaic and Mystique: The Art of Sushi & Saké
The talented sushi chefs at Tsunami are constantly researching trends and emerging ingredients to bring new experiences to their insatiable sushi groupies. They are particularly known for the beauty of their offerings that seem to roll out with ease. Marvel at their craft – and perhaps participate in producing some of their edible art. Meanwhile, Sake Master, Kristin Breshears, will pair each specialty sushi dish with a selected saké. From the simple to the complex, the delicate to heavy, she will discuss what makes this beverage so extraordinary. Join us to sip & savor at Tsunami.
Saturday, April 6
Charles Krug Winery—the Great Estate
Taste and experience wine from the oldest winery in Napa Valley, with more than 157 years of winemaking history. For 75 years, this iconic estate has been stewarded by Napa’s most iconic wine family—the Mondavis. Fourth generation winemaker, Angelina Mondavi will take you on a journey of past, present and future, as you are treated to side by side tastings of several exceptional limited release and single vineyard wines. Join her for this rare and fascinating glimpse into the Mondavis’ celebrated winemaking history, their legendary estate and the spectacular wines for which they are renowned.
Swirl Power – Women in Wine
Contributions of women in the wine industry have been significant, and female leaders continue to shape the future of the wine world. The wine business is progressive with many women having broken the glass ceiling throughout the past decades. Join the conversation about their experiences working in a male-dominated field. What challenges have they had to overcome? What are their individual successes? Shannon Fristoe, Wine Director, Manager and Sommelier of Bayona will moderate a panel of industry leaders and will discuss all facets of the wine industry. This panel includes: Braithe Tidwell, Wine Director at Brennan’s who leads an all female wine team, Sophie Wegmann with Martin Wine Cellar and Wines Unlimited, Juliana Colangelo, public relations specialist in the wine industry, and more. Each will share a taste of their favorite bottle of the moment for discussion. Megan Forman, owner of Gracious Bakery, will be pairing her delectable pastries with each panelist's favorite wine.
Venture South of the Equator with Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein
Explore the beautiful Southern Hemisphere: This fast-paced and delicious seminar focuses on half of the wine world, that south of the equator, and its dizzying array of wines. Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein will lead the way from Argentina to Australia, Chile to New Zealand, and South Africa. The focus on this quintet of wine countries will demonstrate thru the prism of eight glasses, exactly why we should all be paying increased attention to this magical five-some of Southern wine regions!
Wine Around
Back by popular demand! Experience a wine imbibing warm-up before the Saturday Grand Tasting. Sit back as you are whisked away on a motor coach (aka petite party bus) to explore featured wine bars around town! This three-hour wine tour will take you on a journey through the Warehouse District, Mid-City, and more, and what better way to explore the city than with a wine glass in hand? Three tour buses will depart for W.I.N.O., Swirl and Copper Vine. Each stop on your excursion will offer special tastings of wine and snacky bits with an exclusive tour of each establishment. Return service will drop attendees off after the event at The Sugar Mill for the Grand Tasting. All aboard!
NEW EVENT!
Tournament of Rosés—Sponsored by Harrah’s New Orleans
Get your game on and head to Fulton Street for this unique opportunity to see the world through rosé-filled glasses. Taste through premier rosés – both still and sparklers – from France, Spain, Italy, United States and the Southern Hemisphere. Then you be the judge – cast your vote for your favorite in NOWFE’s first annual People’s Choice Wine Awards. Best of Show, Gold, Silver and Bronze will be awarded. Tasty bites to accompany the wines will be served up by Harrah’s.
Sunday, April 7
Master Class: From LUVI with Love
Dumplings with Chef Hoa Gong
Participants will make a variety of their own dumplings and sip rice wine with Chef as he describes the history and meaning of dumplings within the Chinese community. These dumplings will be enjoyed with Chef Hoa’s homemade dipping and chili sauces, along with tastings of his specialty dishes.
NEW EVENT!
Rise & Shine with Tabasco—Peppers, Popovers & Punch, a spicy New Orleans Brunch
When you think of Sunday in New Orleans, you think brunch. We invented it, after all! This year, NOWFE is hosting a brunch brought to you by Tabasco. Each invited chef will create their “hottest” brunch dish with a little dash of Tabasco. And no brunch is complete without Bloody Mary’s and Champagne. Join us at NOCHI (New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute, a NOWFE 2019 beneficiary) for a final toast to NOWFE. Participants include: Sucré New Orleans, Avo, NOCHI, Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, the New Orleans School of Cooking, Cathead Vodka, Big Easy Bucha, and more.
For more than 27 years the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has showcased the culinary excellence in our community alongside national and international wines at wine dinners in many of the city’s finest restaurants; at VINOLA, a premium tasting event; at the iconic Royal Street Stroll; at dozens of culinary seminars and demonstrations; and ultimately at the Grand Tastings. NOWFE is a non-profit organization with proceeds going to causes that support culinary education. It has raised more than $1.2 million for local non-profit organizations. www.nowfe.com.
