Wine Tasting: New Orleans Edition

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (seasonal) - This premier event showcases the best in Louisianan food and culture, combined with unforgettable experiences. If you are in town for it (typically early summer), use this as a good starting point for wine tasting in New Orleans

Bacchanal Wine - With free wine tastings on Wednesdays, NOLA's "original pop up" gained popularity by way of HBO's Treme and because of Bacchanal Sundays after Hurricane Katrina. Come here for a Mediterranean x New Orleans menu, live music and a relaxed backyard vibe

Bayou Wine Garden - This is truly an experience anyone would love, as there is a bridge to connect this to Bayou Beer Garden. Featuring a diverse menu and Crawfish nights every week, this is a relaxing place to hang out and meet other travelers and locals

Wild Bush Farm and Vineyard - Located one hour outside of New Orleans, this is the closest winery to the city. Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, this vineyard offers a Creole/Gulf experience, with none of the business of a city. Come here for a nice day getaway

New Orleans Garden Walking Tour (book through Fora- Project Expedition)- This tour will give you a good start in New Orleans, taking you to some of the most famous houses and cemeteries in the city. After the tour, enjoy a local wine with the tour guide, who can give additional recommendations on your itinerary.

In the Bywater: Food, Art & History Tour of New Orleans (book through Fora, EatWith) - On this tour, wine and beer lovers can unite and enjoy a nice tour with three stops through some of New Orlean's best microbreweries. Enjoy some New Orleans classics such as po' boys, all with an informative and highly rated guide.

W.I.N.O (Wine Institute New Orleans) - This high tech wine bar has over 100 wines on tap and offers classes to experienced wine lovers and newbies alike. Wine tasting in New Orleans has never been easier!

Delachaise - Offering 350 wines, this beloved wine bar and gastropub has been written up in the NY Times and Travel & Leisure Magazine. Visit here and ask for Summer Friesling or Frose to combat the humid New Orleans air.

Southern Food and Beverage Museum- This non profit has several exhibits, including one about cocktails, and promotes culinary tourism. There are even cooking classes for the culinarily curious.

Commander's Palace - Although it opened in 1893, this New Orleans staple is anything but stuffy. Revered chefs such as Emeril Lagasse have led the kitchen, and currently their first female executive chef is making her mark with dishes such as white shrimp curry and turtle soup.

Clancy's - This restaurant pairs a lengthy wine list with their twist on Creole staples- think shrimp remoulade salad and fried soft shell crab almondine. Check out their weekly menu online!

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro - Built in 1809, this location has served as home to many great chefs throughout its history. Its current owners aim to keep its historical charm while serving food found nowhere else in the area. Try the blackened crawfish caprese!

Lilette - With a wine list that goes from South Africa to Spain, Sicily and beyond, Lilette is the self described "sexiest restaurant in town". Come here for an elevated New Orleans fare that includes escargot, Muscovy duck and confit landaise.

Saba - Explore the culinary landscape of the Middle East and Israel with this upscale restaurant that boasts a small but mighty rotating wine list. Creole influences marry with traditional Israeli food- think blue crab hummus with butter and cornbread made with duck fat.

Velveteen Lounge and Restaurant - This is an affordable wine experience, with all bottles priced under $50. Don't think that budget means limited in this case- they have Japanese sake, Portugese vinho verde and more.

Effervescence - Focusing on champagne and sparkling wine, this wine bar offers happy hours and Sunday discounts. The menu is like nowhere else in New Orleans- they offer a caviar menu, as well as small plates such as a crispy crawfish crepe and Sunday caviar bagel brunches.

Pluck - This wine bar is owned by a sommolier and has a list of rules that make wine tasting unstuffy and accessible. Find your next great wine date here, as well as unexpected foods such as a cafecito flan with strawberry basil jam or cacio e pepe popcorn.