Drink and Learn About Fine Wines.
Friday, March 6
The Grand Opening Reception will be held in the Courtyard at 7 p.m. The cost is $65. At this opening night celebration there will be 50 wines to sample and a buffet of cuisine./p]
Tuesday, March 10
Dinner, 7 p.m., $95 This dinner will feature the Benziger Family Winery, which is dedicated to the natural farming of sustainable agriculture and produces organic and biodynamic wines from the Sonoma Mountain. Chris Benziger will present his single vineyard, reserve, and estate wines as well as the signature Tribute blend, throughout the evening's four-course meal.
Thursday, March 12
Dinner, 7 p.m., $105. Heitz Wine Cellars vineyard was founded in 1961 by Joe Heitz, who championed and pioneered vineyard designation in Napa Valley. The winery is situated near the eastern hills of Napa Valley and is known for its earthy Bordeaux-style wines, especially its production of cabernet sauvignon. Kaj Hallstrom will share wines from Heitz's portfolio and discuss their unique single-vineyard concept.
Tuesday, March 17
Dinner, 7 p.m., $95. Justin Vineyards & Winery founded in 1981 by Justin and Deborah Baldwin when there were fewer then ten wineries in Paso Robles. The winery consists of 160 acres of Bordeaux varietals and focuses its efforts on making Bordeaux blends and single varietals while combing Old World tradition with New World techniques. Join Justin this evening as he showcases his Savant, Isosceles and Obtuse Wines.
Thursday, March 19
Dinner, 7 p.m., $95. Elk Cove Vineyards is one of Oregon's oldest wineries, making wine since 1977. Family owned and operated, this winery consistently receives high marks from numerous wine publications. Winemaker and son of founders Pat and Joe Campbell, Adam Godlee Campbell will host a dinner of pinots: pinot noir, pinot gris and newly released pinot blanc paired with a four-course dinner.
Tuesday, March 24
Dinner, 7 p.m., $95. Rodney Strong Vineyards is one of the pioneers of Sonoma winemaking, Rodney Strong established his winery in 1959. This special evening hosted by Robert Larsen will feature the single vineyard cabernet sauvignon 'Alexander's Crown,' library selections, and some of the exciting new releases, coupled with masterful culinary creations.
Thursday, March 26
Dinner, 7 p.m., $110. Page Wine Cellars up and coming winemaker and founder Bryan Page presents an exciting evening of this winery's distinctive wines. Made in the grand Bordeaux tradition since 1997 in Napa Valley, Bryan's boutique wines are full bodied and approachable. Enjoy an evening of exceptional cuisine paired with Page Cellar's Proprietary Blend, cabernet franc and chardonnay.
Tuesday, March 31
Dinner, 7 p.m., $95, The wines of Badia a Coltibuono exhibit the ancient traditions of Tuscany, dating to the time of the Benedictine monks' winemaking. Today the wines of Badia a Coltibuono balance the traditions of a multi generational, family run business with modern oenology. Join Guido Stucchi and the wines of his family, paired with an Italian influenced dinner.
Thursday, April 2
Frog's Leap Dinner, 7 p.m., $95 Founder John Williams, a Boston Wine Festival perennial favorite, comes to New Orleans wine festival for the first time. The winery's primary focus is on sustainable farming and understanding and appreciating the soil, which is clear in their merlots, sauvignon blancs, cabernet sauvignons and legendary zinfandels.
Tuesday, April 7
Saintsbury Vineyard Dinner, 7 p.m., $95 Saintsbury has always produced award winning pinot noirs. David Graves has a chardonnay and pinot noir dinner including the winery's limited production Brown Ranch wine. Learn why Carneros and especially Saintsbury are known for consistently producing world-class wines.
Thursday, April 9
Simi Winery Dinner, 7 p.m., $95 One of the oldest Sonoma wineries founded in 1876, Simi has continued to grow as a landmark California house, branching from its beginnings in the Alexander Valley to the Russian River Valley. Simi's portfolio of wines include cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, pinot noir, and zinfandel, Winemaker Steve Reeder will present these quality wines, as well as their Landslide Vineyard cabernet sauvignon alongside delectable cuisine.
Tuesday, April 14
Silver Oak Cellars Dinner, 7 p.m., $125 Since its founding in 1972, Silver Oak has devoted its efforts towards the pursuit of a single wine with a style all its own, cabernet sauvignon. Winemaker Daniel Baron continues the commitment to excellence and will lead through this dinner featuring their Alexander Valley cabernets and their new venture, Twomey Cellars, focusing on pinot noirs.
Friday, April 17
Grand Finale Reception Reception, 7 p.m., $65 The 3rd Annual French Quarter Wine Festival concludes with a celebration of some of the year's favorite wines as well as a preview of wineries you can look forward to experiencing in 2010. As you enjoy a stellar selection of wines, you will savor a signature buffet of white and red wine inspired dishes.
