Every year at Carnival time, thousands of revelers crowd the streets of New Orleans to toast to the Krewes of Cork, Dionysus (the Greek God of the Grape Harvest) and Bacchus (the Roman God of Wine). And each spring, the city celebrates fine wine and dining at the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. But Mardi Gras and special events are the only times we appreciate what grows on the vine here in New Orleans.
Along with our unique cocktail culture, New Orleans has a healthy selection of wine bars that offer intriguing selections from all over the world. Some of these establishments serve weekly wine tastings where you can try vintages before cozying up with a full glass. Patrick’s Bar Vin and Copper Vine are a few favorites spread throughout the city. Meanwhile, wine merchants such as Second Vine Wine, Swirl Wines, W.I.N.O. and Faubourg Wines present a wine shop/bar hybrid where customers can grab bottles to go, but also enjoy cozy seating, wines by the glass and a more social approach to choosing the perfect wine to bring home. For even more information on wine bars, see here.
In the mood for fine wine and dining? In addition to dedicated wine bars, New Orleans is home to a host of restaurants featuring top-tier wine programs. From Emeril’s 14-year streak as a Wine Spectator’s Grand Award winner to Galatoire's impressive 82-page wine list, explore restaurants with the strongest wine programs throughout New Orleans.
As natural wine becomes more and more popular, several New Orleans wine bars have taken note, from adding bottles from smaller producers to their existing wine lists, to a new crop of bars and restaurants that feature only wines made from organically grown grapes. Whether you’re a die-hard natural wine enthusiast or just beginning to scratch the surface, you’ll find these funkier options on the lists at spots such as Bacchanal, N7, Saint-Germain and LaBarre.