NEW ORLEANS – If you’re already looking forward to the next New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, then the recent announcement from the nonprofit organization’s board of directors will give you a reason to smile.
The 2019 culinary extravaganza, which has typically been held during Memorial Day weekend, will run from Wednesday, April 3, through Sunday, April 7, when spring is in full swing.
“April in New Orleans is the ideal time for a festival,” states Gail Varuso, incoming NOWFE president. “The weather is beautiful—making it optimal for activities like wining and dining al fresco, strolling through the French Quarter, and visiting New Orleans’ cultural destinations. When the proposal of moving NOWFE to April was discussed, it was a unanimous decision, and we think our attendees will be delighted!”
NOWFE events take place in the heart of the city, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the wine and food, shopping, live entertainment, art galleries and museums, and more.
Each year, hundreds of wineries and restaurants participate in the sprawling event. Menus feature local flavor and innovative creations, inspired by diverse cuisines, and created by top chefs from around the city. NOWFE offers special dining and tasting events, promenades through the French Quarter, and an enlightening seminar series focused on gastronomy.
“Several of our events take place outdoors and we believe this earlier date will attract more people to those events while enjoying the perfect weather,” states Aimee Brown, NOWFE executive director. “Plans for our 2019 seminars and experiences are currently underway and will be announced as soon as they are finalized.”
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is also focused on philanthropy.
In 2018, NOWFE committed 100% of its proceeds to Nunez Community College Culinary Arts Program. The Nunez Culinary Arts program prepares students for jobs in bakeries, restaurants, hotels, schools, and cafés. The Culinary Entrepreneurship program brings together principals of small business management with culinary skills for students who want to own their own food-industry business.
Over the course of NOWFE’s 26-year history, the nonprofit organization has donated more than $1.2 million to local non-profit organizations.
