Ultimate Guide to the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE)
NOWFE returns June 5-9, 2024
What is NOWFE?
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) is an annual showcase of food and music that occurs every June. Events range from the Grand Tasting to wine dinners, labs, and curated experiences that include hundreds of wineries and restaurants. The festival has become one of the most celebrated culinary events in the nation, attracting gourmands and connoisseurs all while raising more than $1.5 million for local non-profit organizations in its 30+ year span.
Vinola is NOWFE’s highest-level tasting where foodies and oenophiles collide. Winemakers will present elite wines from around the world, while award-winning chefs will be on hand to serve and talk about their food and what inspires them in their creation. You’ll walk away from this event having had one-on-one conversations with winemakers and chefs, with a fresh, new appreciation for wine and food. Vinola is Thursday, June 6 at the Orpheum Theater. General admission tickets are $215 and VIP tickets are $280.
Tournament of the Rosés is back for a sixth year on Friday, June 7. Taste through premier rosés- both still and sparklers- from France, Spain, Italy, United States, and the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy tasty bites from New Orleans restaurants and tunes from a DJ. Indulge in a specialty sparkling sector featuring bubbles beyond the rosé realm and a spirited cocktail garden. The location is Generations Hall and general admission tickets are $129, with a VIP option for $195.
Back at the New Orleans Convention Center on Saturday, June 8, The Grand Tasting at NOWFE showcases wines from around the world and food served by New Orleans’ finest chefs. Wine connoisseurs will delight in the opportunity to meet winemakers, ask questions, and taste special appellations from across the globe. General admission tickets are $149 and VIP tickets are $215.
Brought to you by Trixie Minx Productions, this event will feature a plated brunch prepared by the chefs at the Omni Royal Orleans, plus bottomless sparkling wine by Luc Belaire, additional wine, food, and glitter bar vendors, and a burlesque performance you’re sure to remember. Attend Burlesque, Bubbly & Brunch on Sunday, June 9. Tickets are $95.
Get the best of both worlds: fine dining and scrumptious wine at NOWFE’s Wine Dinners. The locations are yet to be announced; check back here for more information.
You need not be an expert to partake in NOWFE’s Labs. From the “Bourbon Barrel Tasting Trio” to “Riedel: How the Glass Affects Wine,” there’s something for everyone to choose from. All labs are located at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel and range in price from $75 to $120.
You’ll find NOWFE’s Experiences at restaurants across the city during festival dates. Explore a coffee roasting experience at Current Crop Roasting Shop, or dive into an old fashioned masterclass with Picnic Provisions & Whiskey. There’s even an interactive pizza-making class at Reginelli’s and “La Fiesta Sud Americana” at Bacchanal. NOWFE Experiences tickets range in price from $75 to $215.
Pasta Making Class - NOWFE
Are there ticket packages available?
NOWFE offers three packages for guests who would like to bundle and save. The Tasting Package includes entrance to Tournament of the Rosés and The Grand Tasting for $258. The Connoisseur Package ($793) is for the wine and food enthusiast looking to be a part of the entire experience that NOWFE has to offer, which includes an entry time 30 minutes earlier than general admission and tickets to Vinola, Tournament of Rosés, and The Grand Tasting, plus choice of four Labs, a 10% discount on additional Labs, a $20 voucher to use at NOWFE Merchandise Store, and a welcome reception with swag bag. The VIP Package ($1000) includes everything that the Connoisseur Package has, but with VIP entry, plus one additional Lab (five Labs). Find more information on NOWFE packages here.
From sleek galleries and world renown museums to award-winning restaurants and plenty of hotels for every type of traveler, there’s so much to see and do in…
What’s the best way to get around at NOWFE?
While NOWFE events take place all over town, a large number of events are located in the Warehouse District near the Convention Center. Stay at one of NOWFE’s hotel partners to be within walking distance of most events. For events outside of the Warehouse District, transportation options include the bus, streetcars, taxis, and rideshare. Take a look at our transportation guide to New Orleans here.
What should I wear to NOWFE?
NOWFE is traditionally held in June, a sunny and warm month here in New Orleans. Pack the shorts, t-shirts, linen, and sundresses to show out in style. None of NOWFE’s events include a mandatory dress code, however, we advise dressing from casual to smart casual. If you’re headed to an event or wine dinner at a restaurant, make sure to check the restaurant’s website, as they may require a dress code.
