6 Best Wineries and Vineyards in Louisiana!
From the growing of the grapes to the enjoyable relaxing consumption of the drink itself, wine is all about savoring the moment. Some wine lovers throughout the state of Louisiana have dedicated their work to making wine, establishing wineries all over the state. Utilizing recipes of old south fruit as well as native muscadine grapes, many wineries have capitalized on pairing their wines with the tastes of Louisiana. Others have roots in the older French heritage of the region and others just love wine. Here are the 6 best wineries in Louisiana.
Wild Bush Farm + Vineyard, Bush, LA
Since 1991, winemaker John Seago has crafted wines that appeal to the culture of southeast Louisiana. The result was opening his own winery that today makes wines from both estate grapes found at the winery as well as world-class outsourced grapes from the west coast. Seago’s winery is the only in the state that produces table wines exclusively from traditional bunch/wine grapes from their vineyard on about 45 acres of space. In 1997, the vineyard made way for the construction of a French provincial style tasting room that is available to guests. In 2000, their esteemed Jazz in the Vines concert series was established as one of the best live music showcases on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. They produce an average of 2,500 cases per year, all made by hand and geared to consistently pair with the cuisine of south Louisiana.
Landry Vineyards, West Monroe, LA
First established in Folsom, Landry Vineyards became an official Louisiana Native Winery in 2003. Though after Hurricane Katrina, the family decided to move the vineyard to higher grounds in West Monroe where today the winery produces its distinct flavors. They strive to produce native wines that compliment the rich Cajun and Creole flavors that stem from the French heritage of the region. The new 20-acre site has room for their vineyard, winery, and tasting room in the beautiful hill country of North Louisiana. They host outdoor concerts throughout the spring with wine, cheese trays, boudin, and jambalaya all available for purchase. Grab a blanket, a cup of wine, and enjoy the music!
NOLA Tropical Winery, New Orleans, LA
Fruit wines are an old deep South tradition. Upholding this tradition is NOLA Tropical winery whose line of 100 percent natural fruit wines are made without grapes or barrels. Free of tannic acids, their selection of 40 fine wines range in flavor and texture. From totally dry to sweet, their selection has something for everyone. The vintners use hand-selected citrus, berries, and tropical fruit to make ports, white wines, red wines, sherry, dessert wines, and muscadine. Having won multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals in international wine competitions, the wines at NOLA Tropical Winery are unparalleled in flavor in one of the boldest cities in the region.
La Serendipity Vineyards, Bush, LA
This 24-acre piece of paradise opened in 2008, making a dream come true for the owners. The property boasts about 1,600 grape vines with many of them producing Blanc Du Bois grapes. The 2015 La Serendipity Blanc is a sweet summer wine that is perfect for outdoor sipping in the hotter part of the year. From grape to wine the whole process is done at La Serendipity. The 800-square-foot tasting rooms offers views of the vineyards, pond, orchards, and gardens.
On Cloud Wine Winery, Shreveport, LA
Shipping in juices from all over the world to make their 16 distinct types of wine, this winery in north Louisiana has been featured in several magazines for their great work. They use stainless steel tanks and wine is only bottled as well as labeled on the premises once the clarity has reached its peak. Ranging from dry to semi-sweet and very sweet, On Cloud Wine has a selection that fits everyone’s taste buds no matter what season of the year. Having opened in 2009, their services include the making, bottling, and labeling of wine though they are also able to ship their product anywhere in Louisiana. Catering is offered for parties and the winery gift shop has a range of fine items for the household.
La Creperie Bistro, Lafayette, LA
This unique bistro has a tiny winery section where they prepare wines to go with the delectable menu. Mostly reserving the winery portion of the business for tastings, they offer their delicious French wines with their delicious crepe dishes. Try a white with a seafood crepe or a dessert wine with a raspberry crepe. La Creperie Bistro has the wine and cuisine to fill all your taste buds.