Corks could be popped as high as 273 feet this coming spring, as the Grand Tastings of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (NOWFE), for the first time in its history, will be held in a national landmark—the Louisiana Superdome. 

Over 3500 corks will be popped on the “dome floor” and around the city of New Orleans over the five-day event to be held May 21 – 25, 2008.

  
 


Plans Are Under Way!
Here are some of our featured
seminars and events:

Going, Going, Gone! ~ Don't miss your chance to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences at NOWFE's first Live-Auction.  Auction lots will include all-inclusive trips, and VIP perks you can't buy anywhere else. You may even see a package or two with a notable artist, athlete or musician!  Of course, there will be lots of fine wines up for bid at the accompanying silent auction.  This event takes place on Thursday, May 22 from 4:30-5:30pm at the Ritz-Carlton. Vinola ticket or advance reservation required.  

VINOLA! ~ Exclusive tasting event.  Thursday, May 22 from 2-4 pm at the Ritz-Carlton. VINOLA, NOWFE’s 2007 premium tasting event, was so popular last year it has been expanded to include two upscale wine seminars; a VINOLA dinner with outstanding wines and a surprise guest, sponsored by Viking; as well as the exclusive Tasting with up to 120 elite wines. Attendees of the VINOLA events will enjoy a rare opportunity to mingle with notable winemakers, while sampling exceptional wines from around the world.

Krewe of Cork ~ While strolling down Royal Street, you are invited to join in the revelry as the Krewe of Cork parades through the French Quarter donning wine and grape related costumes, while throwing beads, and corks, of course! Krewe of Cork is the Official Parade of NOWFE. For more information: www.kreweofcork.com

14 ~ Steve Reynolds will take your palette on a tour of Napa Valley, with a Meritage blend that captures the essence of Napa…made with one barrel from a vineyard in each of Napa's 14 sub-appellations.

From Spain to Dumaine ~ For 37 years, Louisiana was under Spanish rule…Just long enough for Spain to influence the architecture, culture and culinary history of New Orleans.  Local food critic, Tom Fitzmorris, will be joined by four of New Orleans' most acclaimed chefs, who will explore these "tradiciones culinarias españolas!"
 
Cocoa Vin ~ Chocophiles and Oenophiles alike will experience euphoria during this heavenly tasting of wine with its most sensual companion.

Red, White & Fin ~ Join Chef John Besh & Ziggy "The Wine Gal" Eschliman, as they team up at The Besh Steakhouse to pair each of three seafood dishes with a red and a white wine.  You will fall hook, line and sinker for Louisiana Seafood!    

Chef + Sommelier = Perfect Pairings! ~ Tap into the ultimate harmony that transpires between an exceptional chef and an expert sommelier, when they collaborate to create the perfect balance of flavors on some of New Orleans' best menus.

Wild About Game & Wine! ~ Hunting for the proper wine to pair with game?  Join Chef John Folse, author of After the Hunt: Louisiana's Authoritative Collection of Wild Game & Game Fish Cookery, for a cooking demonstration and lesson on properly pairing wine with wild game.

Tickets will be available online in early Spring. For more information please visit www.nowfe.com

  
 


NOWFE is a non-profit organization. Proceeds from the 2007 event benefited the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s School-to-Career Program, The University of New Orleans School of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism, The Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, Delgado Community College Culinary Arts Program, New Orleans Firefighter’s Fund, The Deuce McAllister's Catch 22 Foundation, The Broadmoor Improvement Association, Inc, and the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. The full program will be listed on the NOWFE website along with a link to purchase tickets in early spring.  For additional press information, including downloadable images, visit www.nowfe.com.