PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS
SUNDAY, MAY 25
CERTIFIED WINE EDUCATOR PREVIEW (CWE)
(Iberville)
Check-In: 8:30am
Seminar: 9am – 5pm, with lunch break from 12:00pm – 1:00pm (lunch not included)
In this Preview Seminar, CWE’s will lead participants through an introduction to the Certified Wine Educator examination. The session will include study tips, as well as a practical review of each exam portion. Emphasis will be placed on essay writing, which has proven to be more problematic for examinees. This seminar program lasts one full day and included review and practice exercises for both the written and sensory evaluation portions. Ideally, candidates should attend this seminar well in advance of sitting the exam as it focuses on how to study and prepare the exam itself.
MONDAY, MAY 26th
Certified Wine Educator Exam (CWE)
(Iberville)
Check-In: 8:30am - 9:00am
CWE Multiple Choice Exam: 9:00am – 10:00am
Break: 10:00am – 10:15am
CWE Essay: 10:15am – 10:45am
Break: 10:45am – 11:15am
Components Identification: 11:15am – 11:45 am
Break: 11:45am – 12:15 pm
Fault Identification: 12:15 am – 12:45 pm
Note: Candidates who arrive late will NOT be given extra time. Please arrive promptly.
NEW ORLEANS DINE AROUND #1 (Spicy and Sassy)
7:00pm - 8:30pm
*Please note: wine is not included in the cost of registration for the Dine Around. You are free to make your own wine selections from the menus. Dinner jacket is required for gentleman. Due to the prix fixe menus, the restaurants can NOT accommodate special dietary restrictions.
Prepare to have your taste buds indulged with some of the best cuisine New Orleans has to offer on this first Dine Around experience which will feature the following restaurants. Pick your choice!
August
301 Tchoupitulas St., 504.299.0777
Track #1
Limit: 15 people
“Restaurant August is located in an historic, four-story ‘French-Creole’ building dating from the 1800’s. The interior is rich with original architectural details. The restaurant has an entry from the street into the bar and there are three separate dining areas, including the two-story wine room. The restaurant offers wines from France, Italy, and the United States, showcasing the best from boutiques wineries. A full service bar features a selection of unique martinis and bottled beers from all reaches of the globe.”
Bacco
310 Chartres St., 504-522-2426
Track #2
Limit: 16 people
“Celebrated as one of New Orleans most progressive and exciting restaurants, this breathtakingly beautiful French Quarter restaurant has enjoyed rave reviews since opening its doors 13 years ago. Bacco has won over many a guest with its simple, robust, scrumptiously fresh cuisine pulsing with flavor. Executive Chef Chris Montero’s innovative twist on traditional cuisine, including homemade pastas and fresh regional seafood,” will make ones mouth-water.”
NOLA
534 St. Louis St., 504-522-6652
Track #3
Limit: 12 people
“Like a whirlwind Emeril Lagasse has taken New Orleans dining to new levels….with fresh adaptations of classic Creole cuisine. Nola established its identity as a funky, informal restaurant whose menu features the fresh adaptations of New Orleans Creole and Acadian Cajun for which Lagasse is renowned. A relaxed atmosphere and the signature personal attention of Lagasse’s staff lure his local following in the French Quarter. Nola’s location, innovative menu and personable service make visitors and locals alike fell at home.”
TUESDAY, MAY 27th
SPIRITS INTENSIVE & CERTIFIED SPECIALIST OF SPIRITS (CSS) PREMIERE
9:00am – 3:00pm
(Grand Ball Room A&B)
Master Distiller Chris Morris, of Woodford Reserve Distillery has created a full, one-day Spirits Intensive Seminar to support the introduction of the SWE Certified Specialist of Spirits program.
The Spirits Intensive will guide you through the fundamentals of distillation, then take you on a journey around the world of all major Spirit types and categories. Mixing history...and a little myth... you'll chart, and then taste through, each major category. Learn the fascinating development of Brandy, Whiskies, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Liqueurs, Cordials, and much, much more.
And with each category, you'll be able to 'drill down' and taste the different distinguishing characteristics of style and terroir that make each spirit special. You'll be able to taste the differences between wheated whiskey and rye whiskey, then discern the subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, differences among the different gin classifications. You'll learn some fascinating tidbits about Tequila, and discover why buffalo grass ever became a flavoring ingredient in the first place!
Whether you want to simply learn about the world of Spirits from a Master Distiller and master teacher, or use the Spirits Seminar to prep for your CSS Certificate Examination (also offered at the Annual Conference), this seminar will be packed with entertaining and educational material."
** Note: The CSS Certification Exam will be given on Thursday morning from 8am – 9am in the Astor Ballroom I
THE ART OF THE COCKTAIL WALKAROUND
(Included in the cost of Full Conference)
5:30pm – 8:00pm
(Astor I, II & III)
Take cocktail mixing to the finest hour featuring some of the world’s greatest cocktails; come to learn what shaking, mixing and pouring is all about. Representatives will include Diageo, Brown-Forman, Absolut, Ketel One, Fortune Brands and Dekupyer just to name a few. Enjoy libations like you’ve never seen, from Cosmo’s to Appletini’s to Mohitos and beyond. Leave your inhibitions behind and come prepared to sip and savor!
MAIN CONFERENCE EVENTS
Wednesday, May 28th
New Member Reception
(Astor I, II & III)
6:00pm – 6:30pm
New members are invited to attend this social networking event where you sip on sparklers will meet the SWE Staff and Board of Directors and other newcomers to SWE. Learn how you can become more involved with your Society and attend!
International Tasting
(Astor I, II & III)
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Come taste wines and munch on divine New Orleans cuisine at this event where wines from around the globe will be sampled. Experience everything from Dry Riesling to Sweet Brachetto D’Acqui as you visit the tables of some of the best imports and producers around. Set your senses on high!
Thursday, May 29th
NEW ORLEANS DINE AROUND #2 (Creole Cuisines)
7:00pm - 8:30pm
*Please note: wine is not included in the cost of registration for the Dine Around. You are free to make your own wine selections from the menus. Dinner jacket is required for gentleman. Due to the prix fixe menus, the restaurants can NOT accommodate special dietary restrictions.
The second in a series of two New Orleans Style Dine Arounds, these restaurants are classic, authentic and the cuisine will hip you to why you are in one of the best city’s for dining in America. Pick your choice for Round 2!
GALATOIRE’S
209 BOURBON ST., 504.525.2021
Track #1
Limit: 15 People
“The grand dame of New Orleans old-line restaurant, Galatoire’s has remained committed to culinary excellence for more than a century. Under the guidance of a fourth generation ownership, the family’s business has customs that still bind this restaurant. Above all others, this family business has a rich tradition of serving authentic French Creole cuisine as a level that raises consistency to an art form.”
STELLA
1032 Chartres St., 504.587.0091
Track #2
Limit: 12 People
“Intimately located in the French Quarter of New Orleans is Stella! Chef Scott Boswell creates exciting American cuisine influenced jointly by world flavors and his Louisiana roots. With its warm and elegant décor, thoughtful wine list and knowledgeable and friendly staff, the stage is set for the true treasure at Stella! The food, bold and intense flavors, fresh quality ingredients and extraordinary combinations and creations are Stella’s trademarks! Cuisine that only knows the limits of Chef Scott Boswell’s endless imagination! “
ARNAUD’S
813 Rue Bienville 504.523.5433
Track #3
Limit: 15 People
“From the moment you arrive, festivity fizzes in the air. A glittering nostalgia sets the mood in a maze of colorful 19th century dining rooms, with huge windows of sparkling leaded glass and an ancient floor. The vast menus of luxurious Creole-French classics with earthy yet elegant dishes inject some new spirit into one of the city’s grandest old restaurants. One of the best kept secrets in Arnaud’s is the Mardi Gras Museum tucked away on the second floor. The museum display’s what is probably the most extensive collection of Mardi Gras objects.”
BRENNANS
417 Royal St. 504.525.9711
Track #4
Limit: 50 People
“Brennans Restaurant has been a culinary phenomenon in New Orleans since 1946. It has created some of the world’s most famous and imaginative dishes, which continue to give great pleasure to millions of discerning customers and visitors to New Orleans.
Located at 417 Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter, Brennan’s Restaurant continues to receive culinary accolades from countless food critics, national publication and visitors around the world. It has also received the coveted Wine Spectator Award in recognition of its 35,000 bottle wine cellar.
Brennans Restaurant offers Breakfast and Dinner to its customers. When dining at Brennans for dinner there is a romantic experience waiting to happen, complete with table top candlelight, gas lights flicker in the courtyard. The extensive selection of entrees includes fresh local seafood, baby milk-fed veal and prime succulent beef—Trout Nancy, Veal Kottwitz and Tournedos Chanteclair, to name a few.
Brennans is a dining experience that you do not want to miss!”
Friday, May 30th
New Orleans Party Reception
(Astor I, II & III)
6:00pm – 6:30pm
Bring your party shoes to this brand new reception celebrating the end of what will be the best SWE conference ever! Dine on fresh oysters and tasty tidbits served before and during the event, dance to an Authentic New Orleans Second-Line Jazz Band and set your sights on winning a surprise at 32 prize give-away! Prepare yourself to be amazed and indulged at Wine, New Orleans Style!
Banfi Award Winner: Timothy Varan, CWE (Orlando, FL)
WAG Award Winner: Makiko Mura, CWE (Tokyo, Japan)
Silent Auction
The Silent Auction is back! Bidding begins on Wednesday, the 28th, Payment and pickup on Friday the 30th. You’re sure to find something that will catch your eye.
Proceeds go to help continue to fund the Society’s educational programs.