17th ANNUAL NEW ORLEANS WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE UNCORKS Program Plans

Louisiana Superdome, Live Auction and Exclusive Events to be Toasted

New Orleans, Louisiana – The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE), one of the most prestigious festivals of its kind, celebrates 17 years of wine and food with a four-day extravaganza, May 21- 25.  The 2008 event brings together world-renowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders in a showcase of signature events and one-of-a-kind seminars designed to entertain, educate and inspire. “NOWFE explores some of the most innovative and exciting trends in the culinary world,” states Howard Brown 2008 NOWFE President.  “This year we intend to bring some new elements to the event, such as a Louisiana Chef Cook-Off, and expand on the recent addition of VINOLA, by adding more upscale events and premium wines.” The secret of success for NOWFE is that it has the perfect blend of exceptional wine, extraordinary cuisine, expert panelists and lots of fun in the quintessential setting... New Orleans.

The 2008 event will kick off on Wednesday, May 21^st with vintner dinners in some of New Orleans’ most celebrated restaurants, followed by the traditional Royal Street Stroll on Thursday, and culminating with Grand Tastings in the internationally recognized Louisiana Superdome on Friday and Saturday. Joyce Godbold, NOWFE Executive Director reveals, “All Saturday Grand Tasting attendees will have the opportunity to watch and cheer for their favorite Louisiana Chef while the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board hosts The Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off.  Louisiana's top chefs will compete for the chance to represent Louisiana in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off against America's most notable chefs.

Additional festival highlights will include a live auction and an expanded VINOLA!

VINOLA, NOWFE’s 2007 premium tasting event, was so popular it has been expanded to include two upscale wine seminars; a VINOLA dinner with outstanding wines and a surprise guest, sponsored by Viking; as well as the exclusive Tasting with up to 120 elite wines. Attendees of the VINOLA events will enjoy a rare opportunity to mingle with notable winemakers, while sampling exceptional wines from around the world.

Several featured seminars and events of the 2008 schedule include:

·        Going, Going, Gone! ~ Don't miss your chance to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences at NOWFE's first Live-Auction.  Auction lots will include all-inclusive trips, and VIP perks you can't buy anywhere else.  You may even see a package or two with a notable artist, athlete or musician!  Of course, there will be lots of fine wines up for bid at the accompanying silent auction.  This event takes place on Thursday, May 22 from 4:30-5:30pm at the Ritz-Carlton. Vinola ticket or advance reservation required.  

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NOW&FE

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