A young couple in shorts and festival shirts sped into the ballroom of the New Orleans Marriott on a mission.It was the opening night of Wine Spectator’s 2024 Grand Tour, and 235 of the world’s greatest wineries were pouring wines rated 90 points or higher.
The pair had come straight from watching Jon Batiste play an amazing set at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and now they were eager to cap off a perfect day with an evening of outstanding wines.
After eight hours of sun and music, what would motivate them? “The love of fine wine,” said T. Lopez of New Orleans without hesitation. “There are such amazing wines and amazing producers here.”
A packed ballroom of close to a thousand fellow wine lovers agreed with them. This was the Grand Tour’s first visit to New Orleans, and wine fans from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and beyond flocked to the Marriott on Canal Street to taste old favorites, talk about new discoveries and meet winemakers and fellow consumers.
A Las Vegas guest tries Flora Springs Cabernet.
This story is from the August 31, 2024 edition of Wine Spectator.
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This story is from the August 31, 2024 edition of Wine Spectator.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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