As the new year begins to unfold, I ponder with great anticipation all of the upcoming wine-related fun that 2010 holds. Many dinners, tastings and special events come to mind, but to be a part of all of this, a little pre-planning is needed. Get your calendars out and consider attending these affairs, many of which are in your own back yard.
Krewe of Cork Parade (February 5)
The Krewe of Cork is a Mardi Gras event that combines the three things I love most- wine, food, and fun! The day begins with the check-in party and continues as a parade through the French Quarter, with krewe members donning wine and grape-related costumes. The event culminates with a King and Queen’s party that evening. In between, there is wine, food of course, then wine and a brass band, and then more wine. Don’t miss this one. To find out more, visit www.kreweofcork.com for information about membership and to see some pictures (as above) taken at past years’ events.
Bacchus Parade (February 14)
Bacchus is the God of Wine and also one of my favorite Mardi Gras parades. Drew Brees is Bacchus 2010 – ‘nuf said! (He’s so cute!) Oh yeah, Bacchus rolls on Valentine’s Day this year, so don’t forget to get your sweetie a box of good chocolates and good champagne. Yes, the real stuff – show her/him how much you care.
Lent (February 17 – April 3)
Lent is the time of year when Catholics traditionally give up eating meat on Fridays. Fortunately for us in New Orleans, we have some of the best seafood in the world. Every Friday, just about every restaurant comes out with wonderful seafood dishes, so we just have to make the sacrifice and eat them. Many churches also stage weekly Friday catfish dinners; at some you can even drive up and get it to go. Even Lent rocks here!!! If you haven’t given up alcohol for Lent, don’t forget to have a zippy Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay with the seafood. I just love this town.
Chef Soirée (March 21)
The Youth Service Bureau (YSB) of St. Tammany presents the 26th Anniversary of Chef Soirée held from 5-9 pm at Bogue Falaya Park in Covington. The Chef Soirée is the northshore’s premiere fundraising gala. Taste the very best specialties of area restaurants and enjoy music and fireworks along the scenic Bogue Falaya. There is also a wide variety of libations including cocktails and a fabulous wine selection. It’s a great event for a great cause.
San Destin Wine Festival (April 22-25)
A beautiful beach and wine; sounds like a wonderful pairing to me. Representatives from across the globe will let you sample more than 600 domestic and international wines. Vintners will be on site to answer questions and explain the many varieties, styles, and price ranges of wines from different countries. Celebrate the flavors of the season at the Culinary Pavilion, which features a unique selection of meats, cheeses, and a variety of tempting fare.
New Orleans Food and Wine Experience (May 25-29)
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, one of the most prestigious festivals of its kind, celebrates its 19th year with a five-day extravaganza. The event brings together world-renowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for a showcase of signature events designed to entertain, educate and inspire! Wine dinners, seminars, food demonstations, live auctions: a host of premiere events for the discerning palate. NOWFE has it all, so get a hotel room in the Quarter and make a weekend of it.
The Summer Doldrums
Everything seems to come to a complete stop during this time of year when it comes to wine events. No problem, and please don’t switch to beer. During my last visit to France, I fell in love with the beautiful rosé wines of Provence. They are the answer to enjoying wines during a summer in New Orleans. Crisp and light, so wonderful with delicate food, rosés are a refreshing way to help us deal with all of the heat and humidity we have to bear.
White Linen Night (August 7)
In the years before air conditioning in homes and vehicles, New Orleanians did a number of things to cope with the often oppressive heat. One was wearing white linen clothing during the summer, and this tradition is revisited in the city’s Warehouse Arts District on the first Saturday night in August each year. Those who get into the spirit of the occasion wear white outfits, and some even wear white hats as they leisurely stroll through art galleries along and near Julia Street. As you visit the galleries, with their fabulous artworks on display and for sale, you can keep cool with the complimentary hand-held fans that are available all along the way. There are also samplings of New Orleans’ world-famous cuisine from local restaurants and cool drinks to sip as you gallery hop. The event also includes music stages with entertainment provided by some of New Orleans’ most eclectic and talented musicians.
Hot August Nights (August 20)
This will be the 15th year for an evening of art, music, wine tasting, shopping and food in Hammond. Beginning in the historic and interesting downtown shops, the event soon spills out onto the streets, creating a festive and romantic atmosphere throughout the area. It’s a wonderful way to take a relaxing stroll as you greet old friends and make new ones. Hot August Nights has become very popular with folks throughout the region.
Closing the Circle (Halloween through New Years)
October through December constitutes the three biggest wine months of the year. Almost as much wine is consumed during this period as is downed during the rest of the calendar year. I don’t want to write about this time of year; we just went through it and I miss it already. But you know the routine: eat, drink and be merry! Then diet . . . the Krewe of Cork is right around the corner.