Jazz Fest for People Who Like Wine

The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (NOWFE), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Jimi Hendrix Experience begins next Wednesday with a series of wine dinners in New Orleans (and one in Baton Moulin Rouge). The vintner dinners pair a winery with a restaurant and the price includes tax, tip, and wines in most cases. A few dinners have sold out already, so act now. If I were going Calcasieu and Domenica would be at the top of my list if money was an object and M Bistro if it was not. But a little birdie told me The Pope's sister will be at G.W. Fins, so you have got that going for you, which is nice.

Perhaps the most enjoyable event of the weekend, the Royal Street Stroll, takes place on Thursday evening. The galleries lining Royal Street pair up with wineries for a very enjoyable evening of drinking and looking at art. Hint: Dogs playing poker will only increase in value the longer you own it.

Rounding out the week's events are seminars, wine auctions and the immensely popular Grand Tastings. Imagine the floor of the Superdome littered with confetti and Garrett Hartley carrying off a ticket to the Super Bowl. Now replace the confetti with wine and Garrett Hartley with Dread Pirate Robert and you got the vibe of the Grand Tastings.

So, finally to conclude for once and for all, the NOWFE gives you the opportunity to eat, look at art, relish in the glory of the Saints, and more all while drinking wine. What is not to love? Well, besides Dread Pirate Robert, he smells like mold.