Dining in New Orleans is an experience like no other. Local dishes with custom wine pairings attributes to the overall dining experience that many find during the annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. I was fortunate enough to be a guest at a wine dinner featuring Executive Chef Agnes Bellet at La Louisiane. Executive Chef Bellet showcased several signature dishes that complemented Souverain Winery, an official New Orleans Wine and Food Experience Wine Dinner at Hotel Mazarin.
Souverain Winery has a very unique history. Beginning in Napa Valley in 1944, Souverain Winery is currently located in state-of-the-art winemaking facility surrounded by the 120-year-old Souverain Estate Vineyards in the Alexander Valley, California. Winemaker Ed Killian was on hand for our wine dinner at La Louisiane where we enjoyed the award-winning Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
I did not know soul at the event but after a few glasses of Sauvignon Blanc, making new acquaintances is inevitable! Traditionally at events similar to this, my IPhone captures most of the event but as I chatted with other guest including Souverain Winemaker Ed Killian my thoughts were on conversation, wine, food and not food photography. I did manage to squeeze in a few pictures of the event.
Executive Chef Agnes Bellet and Souverain are a perfect pairing. The Sautéed Tenderloin of Beef with Rossini Sauce Perigueux was the crown jewel in my opinion. Merlot traditionally is my wine of choice but Souverain Sauvignon Blanc was my favorite wine selection of the evening. The crisp, fresh taste of melon and orange blossom in the Sauvignon Blanc paired with seared scallops was absolutely divine. Between the food and wine we experienced an explosion of flavors at Hotel Mazarin. If you are traveling to New Orleans, be sure to visit
First Course
Burrata and Mushroom Crostini
Souverain, Merlot
Second Course
Seared Scallop and Shrimp with Provencal Sauce and Tapenade
Souverain, Sauvignon Blanc
Third Course
Sautéed Tenderloin of Beef Rossini Sauce Perigueux, Potato Copeaux and Seasonal Vegetables
Souverain, Cabernet Reserve
Fourth Course
Merveille (French Beignet) Filled with Macerated Berries and Cream
Souverain, Cabernet
What is your favorite wine and food parings?
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I have always wanted to go to New Orleans! It seems like an amazing city and this hotel looks gorgeous!
Lori says
New Orleans has always been a favorite city of mine. I am planning on traveling there later this year and will be sure to try and make it to this place, as it looks divine.
Maria C says
This is a beautiful hotel. I definitely want to visit New Orleans at least once in my lifetime.
Jennifer Williams says
I bet that was a great event to get to attend. I would love to try the wines and I too would forget to get photos after a few glasses. Glad you did manage to get a few – the food looks amazing.
Kristen says
New Orleans is on my list of places to go, and when I go, I want to stay here and eat here! It looks so great!
Jennifer H says
Beautiful hotel and meal! I love a good pasta dish with pinot griggio.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
What a beautiful location!!
becca says
Visiting New Orleans in on my bucket list. till the bank account says I can I’ll visit through your eyes. PS please tell me your secret to traveling because My budget doesn’t allow much. I need expert help.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
I visited New Orleans when I was about 15. I’ve always wanted to go back and bring my family. Moscato is a favorite of mine currently.
Pam says
That sounds like an amazing menu. The food looks really good. I always love dining in New Orleans!
LaVonne says
I have been to New Orleans a few times and really enjoyed it. Dinner here would have been great though!
Pam says
What a beautiful setting and it looks like great food too! I would love to visit New Orleans one of these next vacations that my husband and I take. We are not wine drinkers so we will pass on the wine.
Rosey says
What a great way to add to the excitement of just BEING in New Orleans. I’d love, love, love to visit!
Denise Gabbard says
I can always tell when a restaurant is really awesome– it’s the kind of place where my husband would look at the plate and say, “What’s that?” (Which means– hey, this isn’t pizza!) It looks really awesome– I am planning to hit New Orleans next spring on our cross country road trip.
Veronica says
That hotel looks amazing. I stayed at beautiful boutique hotel the first time I went there. I can’t believe I can’t remember the name, but it was great. NOLA is a wonderful city
lawna says
I really do not care too much for wine, but I definitely would if i was drinking it at such a nice place. It looks so relaxing, not to mention romantic!
Liz Mays says
That’s one of my favorite cities to visit! I haven’t been to Hotel Mazarin yet, but I most definitely will!
Beth says
New Orleans is on our places to visit together. My husband grew up not far from there and would love that dinner.
Sarah Bailey says
Wow what a beautiful hotel, I don’t think I would ever want to leave should I go there. x
Amanda says
I have always wanted to visit New Orleans. This just looks so amazing!
Danielle says
That looks beautiful. I wish when I went to the Big Easy it was this nice. We took a last minute trip and the only place available was motel 6 all I can say is we had to buy our own sheets and cans of disinfectant .
Triplezmom says
I want to go back to New Orleans so much. I am jealous of your dining experience!