It's the best unheard of deal around... well, now it's not! When do you arrive? If it's the Wed before the weekend, check out the Vintner Dinner link at the site. 85 bucks with at least 4 courses at the restaurant, wine included at each course and vintner or rep in attendance. About 1/2 are sold out now.

The Royal Street Stroll on Thurs 5:30-8:30 is sublime decadence! Old N.O meets the Quarter on Royal between Bienville and St. Peter. 75% of the galleries close to public and have 1 or 2 wineries inside, along w/ finger food. You get a wrist band and a souvenier wine glass and stroll. Musicians every block. Krewe come out in their finest. A true local menagerie! Tiks in advance a must!

Grand Tasting on Fri night or Sat afternoon - Fri is better as they are pretty burned out by Sat! 60 restaurants and wineries in the Morial Convention Center for 3 hours. Plan on a nap after. Tiks in advance a must.

The whole thing is in it's 14th year and is mostly locals and south LA people, with a few from Dallas and Houston.

We are attending for our 11th year, Wed-Sun pilgrimage, and looking forward to every minute. We blew off the Grand Tasting 3 years ago as it got to be too much. If you have to pick the stroll or the tasting as a first timer, pick the stroll if you are there in time. Otherwise, drink plenty of water and "go grand!"

There's also classes -- never been, have no class -- and a champagne brunch on Sunday that's supposed to be great but have not done.

Good luck! ^