Exploring 235 Remarkable Wines at the Wine Spectator Grand Tour

The three-city series of tastings began in New Orleans with a house full of outstanding wines and exceptional cuisine from around the world.

A young couple wearing shorts and festival shirts dashed into the New Orleans Marriott ballroom. Their objective was clear. They had just attended the inaugural evening of Wine Spectator’s 2024 Grand Tour. There, they had the chance to sample wines from 235 of the world’s top wineries, each bearing a rating of 90 points or more. Direct from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where they thrilled to the performance of Jon Batiste, they were ready to enrich an already perfect day with a night of extraordinary wines.

Having been under the sun, amidst music for eight hours, what spurred them on? T. Lopez from New Orleans responded promptly without batting an eye, “The love of fine wine.” According to him, the presents were amazing wines and phenomenal producers.

A crowded ballroom, brimming with close to a thousand wine connoisseurs, expressed agreement with his sentiment. This was the Grand Tour’s maiden stop at New Orleans. Wine aficionados from not just Louisiana, but across Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, and beyond, swarmed the Marriott on Canal Street. Their purpose: to sample old favourites, broach new findings, and get acquainted with winemakers as well as fellow consumers.

The winemakers first stop on their Grand Tour was New Orleans, with Las Vegas and Denver being their next destination. This tour gives them an opportunity to meet wine enthusiasts, some whom have previously visited and appreciated the city, while the others on their first visit were surprised by the citizens’ passion for exquisite cuisine and high quality wines.

Alessandra Angelini, representing her family’s Montalcino wineries, Altesino and Caparzo, expressed her astonishment at how knowledgeable and enthusiastic the locals were about wines. Angelini, along with several other winemakers, extended their stay in the city. Santiago Achával, from Argentina’s Matervini, decided to spend the entire week in New Orleans with his wife to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

The Grand Tour offered the attendees a chance to taste a variety of wines including well-known brands as well as remarkable wines they may not have tasted before. They could tempt their palate with renowned Louis Roederer Brut Champagne Collection 244 NV or opt for Italian sparkler Ca’ del Bosco Extra Brut Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige NV. Not too far from there, one could try Sarah Jessica Parker’s New Zealand-derived Invivo Sauvignon Blanc X 2023, then sample a unique Sauvignon Blanc named Quarz, from Italy’s Cantina Terlano in Alto Adige.

Attendees could also enjoy famous wines such as Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, or E. Guigal‘s Côte-Rôtie Château d’Ampuis 2019. For a varied experience, attendees could also sample wines from lesser-known vineyards, such as the Lagnusa 2021 (91) from Feudo Montoni in Sicily, and the Old Vines 2021 (92) from Bodegas Avancia in Spain.

Some producers spotlighted older wines. Tuscany’s Valdicava brought its Brunello di Montalcino 2004 (95). “This is a great event, so we wanted to bring a great wine,” explained co-owner PierFilippo Abbruzzese.

Guests could pair these amazing wines with dishes from some of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurants. Chefs from Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace and Emeril’s, all Wine Spectator Grand Award winners, were preparing small dishes to enjoy.

All too quickly, the evening came to a close. But for passionate fans, the Grand Tour will continue in two more cities this year. The event arrives in Las Vegas at Resorts World Las Vegas May 4 and then in Denver at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel May 11. Tickets are available at GrandTour.WineSpectator.com.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!